The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police
The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response. A Domestic violence call In Virginia that escalated to three people being shot. And Police Officers fired upon. A Domestic Dispute call in Virginia turned into an Active Shooter. Where the suspect shot 3 people and also fired on Police Officers at the scene. This assault took place on a Thanksgiving. A former Chesterfield County Virginia Police Officer tells the story of the incident and their actions. It is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms.
Kyle "Ashley" Woods is our guest and he tells the tale. He talks about the tactical response and the reasons why they did what they did. Kyle also discussed the trauma response he experience, both during and after the incident. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
“You train for it, you think you're ready for it… but when it actually happens, nothing prepares you for the real thing.” These are the words of former Chesterfield County Police Officer Kyle “Ashley” Woods as he recounted a Thanksgiving that turned into a violent and traumatic ordeal, not only for the victims but also for the police officers who responded to the call.
In a gripping episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, Woods shares the harrowing details of a domestic violence call that escalated into an active shooter situation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. What started as a typical domestic dispute report quickly spiraled into chaos, leaving three people shot and officers dodging bullets at the scene. The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin .
A Holiday Marred by Violence
The incident unfolded on a Thanksgiving, a time typically reserved for family and gratitude. But for Woods and his fellow officers, it became a life-threatening crisis.
“A call came in, domestic in nature, nothing out of the ordinary on the surface,” Woods explained. “But the second we arrived, everything went sideways. Shots were already fired, people were already down. And then he turned on us.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Woods described the tactical response that followed, the quick decisions, the coordination, and the sheer intensity of responding under fire. He explained that while training prepares officers for high-pressure situations, the reality of being fired upon brings a level of psychological stress that lingers long after the gunfire ends.
The Lingering Trauma
Woods was candid about the aftermath, not just the physical toll but the emotional scars. “That day stuck with me,” he said. “Even after the reports were done, after the scene was cleared… the trauma didn’t stop.” The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response.
As a result of his experiences, Woods developed a deeper understanding of how critical incidents affect not just victims and families, but first responders themselves. It’s a perspective he brings to his podcast, Critical Incidents, where he now invites others to share their stories of trauma, resilience, and recovery.
Domestic Violence and the Holidays: A Complex Picture
Domestic violence can spike around the holiday season, a trend that many in law enforcement, including Woods, have seen firsthand. While some data suggests a decrease in calls to national hotlines during actual holidays like Thanksgiving or New Year’s Day, crisis centers report a significant surge in victims seeking help from late November through January. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.
Experts point to a combination of factors: heightened stress, financial pressures, family tensions, and increased alcohol consumption. All of these can contribute to volatile situations that sometimes explode into violence.
“The holidays bring out both the best and the worst in people,” said Woods. “For many families, it’s joy. For others, it’s barely contained chaos. And sometimes, that chaos turns deadly.” The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response.
Understanding the Psychology of Mass Shooters
Various groups have studied the psychological backgrounds of mass shooters. Research shows that many perpetrators have troubling histories, including severe childhood trauma and signs of emotional crisis prior to their acts of violence. According to The Violence Project, over 80% of mass shooters were in some form of crisis, and a majority had suicidal ideations before or during the attack.
“These aren’t just cold, calculated monsters,” Woods said. “Often, they’re deeply broken individuals. Understanding that doesn’t excuse the act, but it might help us prevent the next one.” Follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Medium and most all social media platforms.
The Mission Behind Critical Incidents
Founded by Woods, Critical Incidents is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for understanding how defining moments, from near-death experiences to frontline trauma, shape who we are. Each episode features candid conversations with individuals from all walks of life, including first responders, trauma survivors who have faced extraordinary challenges. The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response.
Woods explained, “This podcast is about connection. It's about understanding what people go through and how they come out the other side. Sometimes they’re stronger. Sometimes they’re still healing. But either way, their stories matter.”
About Chesterfield County and Its Police Force
Chesterfield County, located just south of Richmond, Virginia, is home to a diverse and growing population of over 364,000 residents. The Chesterfield County Police Department, founded in 1914, has a long-standing reputation for professionalism and community service, with approximately 500 sworn officers and over 100 professional staff members. The interview is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast website, also available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast outlets.
Despite its size and resources, no department is immune to the emotional toll of critical incidents like the one that occurred on that Thanksgiving Day.
A Call for Awareness and Support
Woods hopes that by sharing his story and those of others through The Critical Incidents Podcast, the public will gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by police officers, trauma survivors, and anyone who’s lived through a life-altering event.
“The job is tough,” he said. “But it’s the human side of these stories that needs to be heard. That’s how we learn. That’s how we heal.” The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response.
Do a search online to find the Critical Incidents Podcast. You can listen to the interview with him on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and other Social Media Platforms.
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The Thanksgiving Shooting and the Police Trauma response.
Attributions
Chesterfield County Va. Police Department
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