Richmond Police detectives have charged the individual who shot at Second Precinct officers on Saturday night.
At approximately 9:48 p.m., a member of the public called police to report the individual suspected for the assault and robbery of a female at an ATM last week was nearby in the Oak Grove neighborhood.
Officers responded and at approximately 10:56 p.m., officers in the 1800 block of Joplin Avenue observed an adult male who matched the description of the suspect. Officers exited their patrol vehicle and attempted to gather information from the suspect. Following a brief encounter where the individual provided false information to officers, the suspect walked away, turned, produced a firearm and fired in the direction of the officers. The three officers at the scene took cover as the individual fled on foot.
Additional units arrived and confirmed there were no injuries to officers. With the assistance of a K-9 unit, the suspect was located in a rear yard of a nearby residence.
Jonathan Wilson, 51, of Richmond, was arrested and charged on an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of attempted capital murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Wilson is being held without bond and additional charges are pending. His booking photo is attached.
Detectives are determining if Wilson is connected to the ATM assault and robbery and other recent incidents. The firearm Wilson used was reported stolen from a vehicle 10 days earlier.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have resulted in tragedy,” said Chief of Police, Gerald M. Smith. “These officers showed great restraint as they calmly assembled the resources and personnel to control the area and strategically search for this violent offender. Their courage and control of this situation is a great example of the excellence of RPD patrol. It is also a reminder that firearms left unsecured in vehicles pose a danger to the community. These weapons, if stolen, can end up in the hands of violent offenders.”
