Arrest Made, Victims Identified in Monroe Park Shooting
Richmond Police Department Interim Chief Rick Edwards today held a briefing on the shooting that occurred yesterday in Monroe Park, announcing an arrest and identifying the two victims who have succumbed to their injuries.
Amari Pollard, 19, of Henrico County, was arrested at the scene without incident. He has been charged with second degree murder x2. His booking photo is attached.
Seven individuals were shot during the incident. Shawn Jackson, 18, and Renzo Smith, 36, both of Chesterfield County, were transported to a local hospital where last night they died. Smith is Jackson’s step-father.
The injuries to the five other individuals are not considered life threatening.
Detectives have determined the shootings were not a random act but resulted from an ongoing dispute between Pollard and Jackson.
Photos and videos from the scene have been submitted to detectives by the public. Detectives ask anyone with images or videos from the scene to send them to the FBI website created to capture images in this investigation:
https://fbi.gov/huguenotgraduation
There is also a Tip Line that has been established in the Richmond Police Department for information: (804) 646-6741.
Yesterday at approximately 5:13 p.m., officers of the Richmond Police Department working off-duty at the Huguenot High School graduation responded when gunfire was heard in Monroe Park, located at North Laurel and West Main Streets. Multiple RPD units responded along with VCU Police. Officers located five individuals who had suffered gunshot wounds. They were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. A short time later two additional victims arrived by personal vehicle at a local hospital for treatment.
RPD thanks the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department, the ATF, FBI, the Virginia State Police and Richmond city agencies for their response and assistance.
Anyone with further information about this incident is also asked to contact RPD Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell at (804) 646-5324 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
To view the entire Monroe Park briefing:
