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Derek C. Holland

Gender : Male

Age : 39

Race : White

Date : 06/08/2025

Location : Highway 903, Bracey vicinity

City : Bracey (unincorporated), Mecklenburg County

County : Mecklenburg

State : Virginia

Agency : Virginia State Police

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during pursuit

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 06/08/2025 at approximately 3:57 p.m., Virginia State Police responded to a suspicious incident on Highway 903 in Bracey, Virginia. Upon arrival, troopers encountered a man in a vehicle who then fled, initiating a pursuit. The chase continued until the driver, identified as 39-year-old Derek C. Holland of Cary, North Carolina, crashed in an open field near Highway 903.
After the crash, Holland exited the vehicle reportedly holding a knife. A trooper opened fire, striking him. Holland was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation and will be reviewed by the Mecklenburg County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Family described Holland as a “kind-hearted and fiercely loyal” man who loved his two children deeply. According to loved ones, he had recently struggled with mental health challenges and personal setbacks, including job instability and grief over the loss of a close relative. He was known for his quick wit, love of outdoor adventures, and unwavering support for friends and family. Relatives expressed shock and heartbreak over his death and called for greater mental health crisis intervention, stating that “Derek needed help, not bullets.”
Officer names have not been disclosed, and no bodycam or dashcam footage has been publicly released to date.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/06/09/man-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting-mecklenburg/
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/derek-holland-obit-june-9-2025
https://www.sovanow.com/articles/suspect-shot-by-police-after-showing-weapon/