January 26,
2017
The Richmond
Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting, apparently self-inflicted,
that occurred this morning at a residence in the 3300 block of Maryland Avenue
while RPD officers were serving a search warrant.
The deceased has
been identified as Corey L. Smith, 37, of the 4300 block of Old Brook Road
The shooting
occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., as RPD officers were serving a search
warrant for narcotics. After officers entered the residence they heard a
muffled “pop” sound come from behind the closed door of an upstairs
bedroom. They entered the room and located Smith on the floor suffering
from a gunshot wound. A weapon was located nearby.
Officers called
for an ambulance. Smith was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced
dead at 9:02. The Virginia Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause and
manner of death.
At no time did
any RPD officer discharge a weapon.
A full
investigation is being conducted by the RPD Major Crimes Division in
cooperation with the RPD Internal Affairs Office. All weapons carried by the
officers have been inspected to confirm that none were fired. In addition, each
officer was interviewed separately. A report is being prepared and will be
reviewed by Chief Alfred Durham.
“This is how we do it,” said Chief Alfred Durham. “We make sure we know
all the facts of what happened to make certain that all RPD protocols for
serving search warrants were followed. On behalf of the Richmond Police
Department, I’d like to offer my condolences to Mr. Smith’s family and loved
ones.”
