Chesapeake officer shot in chase plans to return

The rookie police officer who was shot 25 days ago in a rush-hour pursuit says he's getting better and is eager to return to work.

"It will take more than this to scare me away," Sean Fleming said.

It was the first time the 26-year-old spoke publicly since the dramatic shootout on an Interstate 64 ramp. Chesapeake spokesman Mark Cox interviewed the officer at a small table in the WCTV-Chesapeake Television studio as reporters looked on.

Fleming was not permitted to take questions from the media or talk about the events surrounding the shootout because he is a "key witness in a major trial," Cox said.

Fleming showed no sign of his injuries as he ambled on set less than three weeks after leaving the hospital.

"I'm still healing," said Fleming, who wore a

dress shirt and striped tie and sat with his hands clasped on the table in front of him.

Fleming was driving his Jeep Wrangler home from work about 4 p.m. June 1 when he heard "shots fired" on his police radio and joined other Chesapeake officers in pursuit of a van headed toward Interstate 64.

The van crashed and a man armed with an assault rifle emerged and began firing. The shots shattered the headlights and sprayed the windows of the Jeep and struck Fleming multiple times.

He'd been an officer on the streets for less than 10 months.

Fleming fired back, killing the shooter, 26-year-old Christopher White, who was supposed to be in jail. A clerical error in Norfolk General District Court had mistakenly freed White, who was wanted on a number of charges in Norfolk.

Another man died that day - Tione D. Vincent, 30, who had been abducted in Norfolk shortly before. Police believe Vincent was killed before the shootout with police began. Two others were arrested and charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer, murder, abduction and three counts of use of a firearm.

Fleming was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he remained for five days.

Cox mentioned during the interview that city had received negative press regarding its treatment of Fleming during his recovery.

"The city's been amazing," the officer responded.

A Chesapeake news release Wednesday stated that Fleming remained on "fully employed, sick leave status with the city."

If he uses up all of his accrued time before returning to work, other city employees can donate from theirs, according to the news release. The city also has established a fund of $14,275 to "compensate Officer Fleming for expenses and losses he incurred during this incident."

Fleming told Cox that his personal insurance company was also supportive.

After the taping of the show ended, Fleming read a statement to the media thanking all those who responded to help him that day. His parents, Steve and Donna Fleming, watched from the back of the room.

"I have been blessed with a rare opportunity to work with some of the bravest and most courageous people on Earth," Fleming stated. "Without their support, I would not be here."

Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5208, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com