Newport News officer dies by suicide at Williamsburg Premium Outlets, police say
A Newport News police officer died by suicide at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets on Wednesday, a police spokesperson confirmed.
Few details were made public about the incident Wednesday. Newport News Police Department spokesperson Kelly King confirmed the suicide but declined to provide any more information or to identify the officer.
A spokesperson for the James City County Police Department confirmed there was an incident at the outlets but would not provide any additional details and directed questions to Newport News police.
The incident comes a week after Newport News’ Critical Incident Stress Management team hosted its first public event to discuss suicide awareness. The group is meant to help first responders deal with the stress and trauma of their work.
The free Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 9-8-8. Lifeline counselors can also be reached by texting 9-8-8 or by live chatting via their website.
The hotline is meant to connect people in mental health-related distress — including distress stemming from substance use — or those who have a loved one in need of crisis support, with trained crisis counselors. The counselors listen, understand the caller’s needs and provide support or information on local resources as needed, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
