State Police confirm Master Trooper J.A. Walker killed

DINWIDDIE, VA (WWBT) - Virginia State Police confirm a veteran State Trooper was shot and killed Thursday afternoon on Interstate 85 south.

Master Trooper J. A. Walker was 60 years old and had been with Virginia State Police since 1973. He lived and worked in Dinwiddie since 1986.

He was shot and killed by a man around 1:20 p.m. on I-85 in Dinwiddie. All lanes of Interstate 85 south are closed at mile marker 45, according to VDOT. They are expected to remain closed until 8 or 9 p.m.

Another trooper responded to a call of shots fired and found Trooper Walker's patrol car in the woods off the right side of the highway. The responding trooper saw a man standing outside Walker's car and repeatedly firing into it, according to VSP Spokesperson Corinne Geller. The responding trooper shot at the man, who ran into the woods. He was arrested 40 minutes later by the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office and is now in State Police custody. Charges are pending and his name is not yet being released.

Master Trooper Walker was transported to MCV Hospital in Richmond, where he died.

Police determined a second suspect was not involved. A weapon was recovered at the scene, but police have not confirmed if it was the weapon used by the suspect.

I-85 is expected to be closed for several hours while police continue their investigation. Drivers are encouraged to use Route 1 south. They can enter at exit 48. Expect major delays.

Copyright 2012 WWBT NBC12.  All rights reserved.