Derek Croom : Man Charged in Charles City Sergeant’s Fatal Emergency

Portsmouth Man Faces Felony Charges Following Altercation with Law Enforcement in Charles City County

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A 60-year-old man from Portsmouth, Derek Croom, is facing serious legal repercussions after a recent altercation with law enforcement in Charles City County. The incident tragically resulted in the death of a beloved sergeant from the local community.

Our team from 8News visited Charles City on the morning of Friday, June 14. The area was adorned with flowers, wreaths, and flags in honour of the late Charles City County Sergeant Floyd Miles Jr., who had dutifully served the community for 16 years.

The tragic event unfolded on Sunday, June 9, near the intersection of John Tyler Memorial Highway and Wayside Road. This location is just a short 15-minute drive from a memorial dedicated to Sergeant Miles, highlighting the proximity and impact of the incident.

According to the Charles City County Sheriff’s Office, the distressing encounter occurred just after 12 p.m. on Sunday when Croom approached a deputy patrolling near the intersection. The situation escalated, resulting in Croom being placed in the back of an ambulance where he reportedly became agitated and assaulted a deputy. Sergeant Miles rushed to the scene to assist but tragically suffered a medical emergency, leading to his untimely death at a local hospital.

8News has been in contact with some of Sergeant Miles’s loved ones who have shared that he was deeply cherished and respected by the community. The outpouring of flowers, notes, and heartfelt messages at his memorial is a testament to the impact he had as a hard-working family man who touched the lives of many.

The emotional tributes left at his memorial convey the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew him. The heartfelt cards express wishes for peace and recount the positive influence he had on the community and beyond.

Authorities arranged Sergeant Miles’s memorial by a “LOVE” sign to symbolize the affection he held for the community and the reciprocal love he received in return. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 19 at his alma mater, Charles City High School.

While officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the medical emergency that claimed Sergeant Miles’s life, they have confirmed that it occurred during the struggle that ensued during the altercation.

Following his arrest on Thursday, Croom now faces charges including felony assault of a law enforcement officer, destruction of Charles City County property, and obstruction of justice. He is currently detained without bond at Riverside Regional Jail.