A Strasburg police officer has been cleared and has returned to full duty following an officer-involved shooting in Strasburg on the night of December 17, 2023. The incident was thoroughly investigated by the Virginia State Police (VSP) and reviewed internally by the Strasburg Police Department (SPD).
According to a briefing video from the SPD, the Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Cooper appointed Bryan Porter to serve as a special prosecutor to ensure an impartial examination of the case. Porter concluded that Officer George Rathore “acted in justifiable self-defense” and would not face any criminal charges.
The incident began when Officer Rathore responded to a 911 call regarding a woman, Melissa R. Tompkins, who was reportedly acting erratically and causing damage at the Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Strasburg. Upon Rathore's arrival, body camera footage showed Tompkins fleeing from him.
Rathore attempted to subdue her by deploying his taser twice, but the situation escalated when Tompkins managed to seize the officer’s ASP baton and struck him on the head. In response, Rathore drew his firearm and shot Tompkins. She was subsequently transported to Winchester Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation confirmed that no other law enforcement officers or civilians were injured during the altercation. The VSP kept Tompkins’ family informed throughout the investigative process and allowed them to review the body camera footage, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In the SPD’s briefing, Chief of Police Wayne Sager expressed gratitude to the various agencies that assisted in the investigation, emphasizing the thoroughness and necessity of such processes. “These processes are lengthy and thorough, and we appreciate your patience,” Sager stated. He acknowledged the complexity and emotional weight of the incident and reassured the community of the diligence taken to reach a fair conclusion.
The decision to clear Officer Rathore comes after meticulous scrutiny of the events that transpired, involving both external and internal reviews to ascertain the facts. This case highlights the critical balance law enforcement must maintain between protecting themselves and the public while also ensuring accountability in use-of-force situations. The outcome, backed by extensive evidence and an impartial review, underscores the conclusion that Rathore's actions were in self-defense under the given circumstances.
Officer Rathore's return to duty marks the closure of a challenging chapter for the Strasburg Police Department and the local community. Moving forward, the SPD is likely to continue evaluating and refining their response protocols to prevent similar incidents and to uphold the safety and trust of the community they serve.
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