State Police special agent dies after shooting in Richmond; suspect in custody

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - A Virginia State Police special agent and father of three died Saturday after a Friday night shooting in Richmond. The suspect is now in custody.

• REMEMBERING SPECIAL AGENT WALTER

Police say Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael T. Walter, 45, died around 5 a.m. Saturday after being shot during a city-state partnership on Friday evening.

A Richmond Police officer and Walter observed a silver Chevrolet Cobalt pull up to the curb in the 1900 block of Redd Street. The officer and Walter pulled in behind the Cobalt and walked up to the car to start a conversation as part of a consensual encounter.

As the Richmond Police Officer was talking with the driver, Walter approached the passenger side where Travis A. Ball, 27, was seated. Police say that within moments, a single shot rang out and Ball -- who is from Richmond -- was running from the car on foot.

The Richmond officer immediately called for medical assistance and ran to Walter's aid.

The driver of the car remained at the scene and was detained by Richmond Police.

Ball remained on the run throughout the night and early Saturday, and was arrested at a residence at Northumberland shortly after 6 a.m.

He currently faces charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with more charges pending.

Ball has a criminal history, including being found guilty of obstructing justice and assault and battery in 2014.

Sources say that Walter is a father of three and has served on the Virginia State Police for several years. He also coached youth wrestling and had a gym in Powhatan.

"Dorothy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Virginia State Police Special Agent Mike Walter, and we are heartbroken for his wife and children. Special Agent Walter was one of our brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every single day to protect their fellow Virginians," Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a press release on Saturday. "We will be forever grateful for his service and sacrifice."

"As the community grieves, I ask my fellow Virginians to join me in praying for Mike's family, friends, and fellow troopers who are suffering from this sudden loss. No words can heal their pain, but we can all honor Mike's memory by showing gratitude to those who protect and serve every day."

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