January 31, 2016
Richmond Police detectives have arrested a man for shooting
an RPD officer early this morning during a foot pursuit in the Brookland Park
section of the city. The officer, a five year veteran of the force, suffered
non-life threatening gunshot wounds to his leg. The shooter, Keith V. Smith,
Jr, 23, of the 3000 block of Griffin Avenue, was arrested and a weapon was
recovered.
The shooting occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. in the
2700 block of an alley between Hanes and Garland Avenues. The wounded officer
was patrolling the area with two other RPD officers when they encountered Smith
standing near the intersection of Garland Avenue and Hooper Street. A foot
pursuit ensued during while Smith fired multiple shots at the officers,
striking one of them. That officer returned fire but did not strike Smith. The
other two officers did not discharge their weapons.
A search of the area by an RPD K-9 located Smith a few
minutes later, not far away, hiding near a residence. A weapon was recovered at
the same time and in the same location.
Smith has been charged with three felonies: Aggravated
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a
Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Detectives will
continue to consult with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and additional
charges are expected.
Because an RPD officer discharged his weapon, detectives
with the Force Investigation Team (FIT) will conduct a separate use of force
investigation. The Department has no plans to release the name of the wounded
officer as he was the only one injured. The officer remains hospitalized at
this time and is expected to make a full recovery.
Detectives are not looking for any other suspects in this
case.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call
Major Crimes Sergeant William Brereton at (804) 646-5034 or contact
Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word
“ITip” followed by your tip. All the Crime Stoppers methods are
anonymous.
