January 22,
2018
The Richmond
Police Department is continuing to investigate an officer-involved
shooting that occurred late Sunday evening in the 1400 block of St. James
Street.
The suspect has
been identified as Kewine B. Eason, 30, of the 4000 block of Hilltop
Field Drive, Chester. Eason has been charged with attempted murder, use
of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm
by a felon in relation to the incident. Eason was also served with a simple
assault warrant that is unrelated to the incident. A booking photo is not
available at this time.
The officer has
been identified as Officer Patrick Digirolamo.
At approximately
11:32 p.m. on Sunday, officers received a call for trouble unknown in the 1400
block of North 1st Street. A second call was received approximately
six minutes later stating there was a male attempting to kick a door in.
Officers arrived
and located Kewine Eason. Eason fled and a brief foot pursuit
ensued. Eason fired at Officer Digirolamo and the officer then returned fire,
striking Eason in the 1400 block of St. James Street.
Eason was
transported to a local hospital where he was treated for life threatening
injuries.
Officer
Digirolamo, 25, has been on the force for a year and a half. He remains on
administrative leave while the investigation is being conducted.
The Department’s Force Investigation Team (FIT) will conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting by interviewing officers who were present at the time and any other witnesses who can be located.
Once completed,
the final FIT report will be presented to Interim Chief William Smith and the
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
