Update in PWC police officer’s line of duty death on Dec. 31.

Officer Jonathan L.Perok, public information officer for the Prince William County Police Department, has issued the following update in the line of duty death of officer Chris Yung on Dec. 31, 2012.

Line of Duty Death – On December 31st at 2:04PM, a Prince William County police officer was involved in a crash at the intersection of Nokesville Rd and Piper Ln in Bristow (20136) while responding to a separate crash at Fauquier Dr and Reid Ln. The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2001 Dodge Caravan made a left hand turn from northbound Nokesville Rd into the shopping center crossing in front of the officer who was traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd. The officer was on his department motorcycle with the emergency equipment activated, including lights and siren.

As a result of the crash, the van and motorcycle caught fire. Two off duty members of the Fairfax County Department of Fire and Rescue and 2 additional citizens were able to pull the officer from the fire and began to administer CPR. Fire and Rescue personnel responded and transported the officer to an area hospital where he died.

At the time of the crash, the traffic signal for Nokesville Rd at the intersection was green, permitting northbound and southbound traffic to flow. The driver and passenger inside the van were not injured. The investigation continues.

The Prince William County police department would like to recognize the Virginia State Police, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Manassas City Police Department, and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue for their assistance, and also the citizens who risked their own lives to help. This is the department’s 3rd line of duty death since the department’s founding in 1970. Acting Chief Barry Barnard continues to ask for the public’s thoughts and prayers as the department copes with the loss of a colleague and friend.
Identified:
The officer has been identified as Officer Chris YUNG, 35
Officer Yung served in the United States Marine Corps and has been a member of the police department for 7 years. He was currently assigned to the Traffic Unit as a motorcycle officer. Officer Yung is survived by his wife, 3 children and additional family.

The passenger in the 2001 Dodge Caravan was identified as a 69 year old woman of Gainesville.

According to officer Perok, charges have not been placed in this crash as of yet, initial information was not accurate. The investigation is continuing.