Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting: Officer, Driver Identified

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Fredericksburg Police has identified the officer and subject involved in a fatal shooting by the officer following a traffic stop Tuesday.

Christopher Brossmer, 31, has been with the department since July 2013. A patrol officer, Brossmer was placed on paid administrative leave following the shooting.

The man who died has been identified as Travis J. Blair, 33, of Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg Police noted in a statement that Blair was wanted for failure to appear on a felony charge of possession of a schedule I/II drug in Spotsylvania County.

Virginia State Police is handling the investigation of the shooting. Blair's remains will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination and autopsy.

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Shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Brossmer had pulled over a 1999 Mercury Cougar at the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and Braehead Drive.

After Blair was identified as a wanted subject, he reportedly refused to comply with the officer's directions and a struggle ensued.

Blair allegedly began to drive off, dragging Brossmer 600 feet before crashing the car in a ditch. Blair attempted to flee, but didn't make it far before Brossmer caught up to him.

The two struggled again, when Brossmer's gun went off, striking Blair in the leg. The man was taken to Mary Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.