CHARLES CITY, VA (WWBT) – Virginia State Police confirm a deputy with the Charles City County Police died in a crash early Saturday morning.
That deputy, identified Saturday afternoon as 36-year-old Deputy Michael C. Walizer, is survived by his wife and four children.
The accident happened just after 2:00 a.m. on Route 5, John Tyler Highway, approximately one mile west of Route 155, Courthouse Road.
According to Sgt. Thomas Molnar with Virginia State Police, Walizer was responding to assist with a traffic stop, when his patrol vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway while traveling westbound. After running off the right side of the roadway, Walizer's vehicle crossed back over Route 5 and ran off the left side, striking a tree.
"Our condolences go out to Michael's family and his friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him," said Charles City Sheriff Javier J. Smith. "This is a great loss for the department and the Charles City County community."
State Police tell us Walizer was wearing a safety belt and died at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
Mourners have already been visiting the site of the crash. So far, funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
Deputy Walizer had served in law enforcement for 11 years. Since 2001, Walizer worked with the Newport News/Williamsburg and Richmond International Airport Police Departments, the Caroline County Sheriff's Office and since 2006, the Charles City County Sheriff's Office.
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