On Monday afternoon, March 7, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a Richmond Police officer responded to a call received by the Department of Emergency Communication (DEC) from the management of the Family Dollar store in the 1200 block of Westover Hills Boulevard, in reference to an adult female customer suspected of shoplifting.
The suspect was 33 year old Alecia Nelson and she is seen in the partial video circulating on social media. The officer identified next to Ms. Nelson is RPD Officer, Graham Lang of 21 years.
Officer Lang arrived and was alerted by management that the larceny suspect was at the point of sale. Officer Lang attempted to conduct a lawful detention of Ms. Nelson by giving verbal commands regarding the need to detain her for further investigation.
The suspect refused to cooperate with the officer’s lawful command to which she verbally and physically resisted.
In response to her noncompliance and physical resistance, the officer used force to gain compliance and that force is presently being investigated to include video footage that precedes the video being circulated on social media at this time.
The lawful detention would have included temporary detainment and questioning to determine facts surrounding the truth of the allegation.
During the resistance, Officer Lang called for backup assistance in taking Ms. Nelson into custody. As a result she was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer.
RPD is asking for the communities’ assistance with the internal investigation by calling (804) 646-0400 as well as the criminal investigation by calling (804) 646-6733 with any additional information.
Officer Lang is cooperating with the internal investigation and remains on duty.
