10/17/09
Goochland, Virginia
From the Goochland Courier of October 15, 2009
Late night antics lead to charges
Werewolves aren't the only things to be wary of during a full moon.
After a month of little crime, the Goochland Sheriff's Office received a call from a Whitehall Rd. resident during the early hours of Oct. 3.
According the Sheriff Jim Agnew, the woman was home alone and reported to deputies that someone had attempted to break into her house by entering through the front door.
The woman called a second time, telling deputies that there was another attempt to enter her home, upon which the woman exercised her Second Amendment rights and drew a pistol on the man.
"She did the right thing," Agnew told the board of supervisors on October 6. "She said, 'Leave, or I'm gonna kill ya.'"
Deputies quickly apprehended Timothy Justin Tirado, 25, of Goochland, who is charged with burglary. At that time, Agnew said deputies had not yet found a passenger who was seen in Tirado's car.
Deputies remained in the area, looking for Tirado's partner.
"Around sunrise, we got a call from another resident off Forest Grove Rd.," Agnew said, "who said somebody was in the basement."
Tirado's partner, Valerie Lee Oliver, 32, of Chesterfield, had emerged from the basement, greeting the homeowner who had just poured herself a cup of coffee to start her morning.
Oliver is charged with breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor and petit larceny.
"They were both very intoxicated," Agnew alleged.
A sheriff's report stated that Oliver was wanted for a probation violation from Dinwiddie, and Agnew said both have prior histories.
"Hopefully they'll be going away for a while and won't be bothering us anymore," Agnew said.
Tirado and Oliver were eligible to be released on $5,000 secured bonds. Both are scheduled to appear in Goochland County General District Court on November 23.
Labels: female, intoxication, VA
10/7/09
Newport News, Virginia
From October 6, 2009 WVEC channel 13:
NEWPORT NEWS – The red exterior is unassuming, rather plain, but for David White, the neighborhood store on Chestnut Avenue is the way the 62-year-old has supported his family for decades. When two people tried to rob him and a worker Friday night, White protected himself, the employee, and his business.
As one of the people pointed a shotgun at them, Newport News officers say Barry Hooker started to move behind the counter. White pulled a gun and shot Hooker, putting him in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital.
...
In February, White found himself in a similar situation. Police tell us a teenager with a gun entered the grocery store with the intention of robbing it. He got into a struggle with a customer or worker, and his gun fired, putting a bullet in the ceiling. White pulled out his own gun, and hit the 16-year-old in his backside.
...
Newport News police officers say Hooker had outstanding warrants for assault and battery at the time of the attempted robbery. Checking on-line court records, 13News found he also has a long criminal history.
Detectives are looking for the person with the shotgun who was with Hooker at the time of the incident. They say he was a dark-skinned black man, 160 pounds, 5’10” tall with a goatee.
Labels: business robbery, VA
7/19/09
Whaleyville, Virginia
From WVEC of July 16, 2009
No charges against Suffolk store owner who shot suspect
No charges will be filed against a man who shot and killed a would-be robber in his store, the Suffolk commonwealth's attorney announced Thursday.
On the morning on June 21, the alarm went off at James Durden’s Whaleyville store – J&L Food Mart.
Durden, who lives close by, grabbed a gun and went to the store. His brother told 13News that Durden opened fire because he thought the man pointed a gun at him.
That man, identified as Ernest Scott Roop, was struck four times.
Detectives determined Roop was wearing camouflage clothing with his face concealed in a "ninjna" style fashion. They also said Roop had a hunting knife and crowbar and was wearing heavy construction gloves.
In the letter to Police Chief Thomas Bennett, C. Phillip Ferguson stated, “Mr. Durden was confronted with a very dangerous situation created by Roop and was legally justified in using deadly force as he genuinely believed that Roop had a firearm and that his own life was in danger.
In addition, from a practical standpoint, convinced that a Suffolk jury would not convict Mr. Durden of criminal misconduct under the facts of this case.
Therefore, this Office declines to prosecute any charges against Mr. Durden.”
Labels: business robbery, VA
7/12/09
Richmond, Virginia
From the Times Dispatch of July 12, 2009
Two shot in South Richmond store
A gunman who had wounded a shopkeeper and opened fire on several customers was stopped yesterday when another man shot him at the store in South Richmond, authorities said.
The violent attempted robbery took place shortly after 1 p.m. at the Golden Food Market at 2701 Jefferson Davis Highway, the same store where another man was shot last month -- and only three blocks from the scene of another robbery in June that left a shopkeeper dead.
Owners of as many as a dozen Jefferson Davis-area businesses flocked to the scene of the shooting, and many were rattled by such a brazen daylight attack, said Councilwoman Reva Trammell, whose 8th District includes the Jefferson Davis corridor.
Trammell, who arrived outside the store shortly after yesterday's shootings, described a frenzied scene. One man told Trammell that the man who had shot the robber was a guardian angel.
"Whoever did it probably saved their lives in there," Trammell said of the shooter.
Police did not identify anyone involved in yesterday's shootings.
The man who shot the robber is a friend of the store owner, and he was wearing a holster with a Western-style revolver, said Managing Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Tracy Thorne-Begland.
After the suspect shot the store owner and opened fire on patrons, the owner's friend shot the suspect once in the torso, took his gun and called police, Thorne-Begland said.
Thorne-Begland said it appeared that the shooting of the suspect was justified, although he emphasized that the investigation was in the early stages.
Police said they expect to file charges against the suspect.
The store owner's injuries did not appear life-threatening, authorities said, but the gunman's injuries were said to be life-threatening. No one else was hurt.
Anthony Gregory, who lives near Golden Food, said he was in the store about 15 minutes before the shootings, and that while he was there, he saw a man with a baby making a purchase.
Gregory said the owner told the baby, "Welcome to the world. This is a dangerous world, so be careful. But don't worry, God will protect you."
Police Cmdr. Steve Drew said officers had been patrolling up and down Jefferson Davis yesterday and recently have bolstered their presence in the area. He said it was unusual for a commercial robbery to happen so early in the day.
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of July 15, 2009
Richmond Store owner grateful for man who shot robber
Three days after Mustapha Kassou was shot in an attempted robbery in his store in South Richmond, he said that he owed his life to the man who ended the ordeal by shooting the robber.
Yesterday, Kassou returned to Golden Food Market on Jefferson Davis Highway for the first time since he was shot there Saturday afternoon.
Kassou said the masked robber walked into the store shortly after 1 p.m. and seemed startled to see about eight people inside. The robber told everyone to get on the floor, and then he fired at Kassou and hit him twice, he said.
"When the guy shot me, I was waiting for him to finish me," Kassou said. "I was knocked down behind the cash register."
The other armed man pulled a six-shot revolver from his holster and told the robber to drop his weapon, Kassou said. When he didn't, authorities say, the man shot the robber once in the torso, took the robber's gun and called police.
Witnesses told police it appeared the robber ran out of bullets and tried to reload. Some people in the store told the man to finish off the robber, witnesses reported.
"Everyone was telling him to kill him," Kassou said, "but he said, 'I can't do it.'"
Saturday's incident was the second such shooting at the store in a month.
The two shootings at Golden Food and the fatal shooting of a shopkeeper last month in another store just blocks away have alarmed some nearby residents, although police say the number of violent crimes along the Jefferson Davis corridor has been declining since May.
Councilwoman Reva Trammell, whose 8th District includes the corridor, and police Cmdr. Steve Drew will hold a public safety meeting for Jeff Davis-area business owners tonight from 6 to 8 at the Satellite Restaurant, 4000 Jefferson Davis Highway.
Kassou was released from the hospital Sunday, but he was limping and in obvious pain yesterday. He sat inside his store with family members, but he kept the front door locked. He said the shootings have made him scared of almost everyone.
He said he was struggling with whether he should reopen the store. He does not know how he would support his wife and two children if he chooses to keep the store closed.
Kassou said he is considering returning to his native Morocco. He said he is an American citizen and has lived here about 20 years and loves this country.
"It's not worth it anymore," he said, adding that he will arm himself if he reopens the store.
Kassou said he still is alive because of God -- and because of the man who drew a .45-caliber Western-style revolver and ended Saturday's robbery by shooting the gunman.
"He saved a lot of lives," Kassou said. "He was like an angel who came to save everybody."
Authorities say the robber was wounded after he shot Kassou and fired on customers.
Neither Kassou nor the police would identify the man who shot the robber. Authorities said an initial investigation indicates the man acted lawfully when he shot the robber.
Police have charged James Grooms III, 30, of South Richmond with attempted robbery, use of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.
He remained in critical condition last night at VCU Medical Center.
A woman who said she is one of Grooms' relatives declined to comment when reached by phone yesterday.
Labels: business robbery, VA
6/12/09
Norfolk, Virginia
From June 12, 2009 WAVY channel 10:
UPDATE: From the June 13, 2009 Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot:NORFOLK, Va. - An attempted robbery led to a gunfight at a Norfolk motel Thursday. Three suspects, one armed with a handgun, stormed into a room at the Econo Lodge. Much to the surprise of the suspected criminals, one of the victims was also carrying a gun.
Police say two of the suspects were shot by the victim. One of the suspects died at the scene, the other was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The suspect who died has been identified as 22-year-old Dante Cooley of Virginia Beach. Police have not yet released the names of the other two suspects, one of which fled the scene and remains on the run.
The victim, who was also shot by one of the suspects and transported to the hospital is expected to recover.
A second man has died as the result of a gunfight inside a motel room, and police said Friday that an attempted robbery appeared to be what set things off.
Trevor L. Pauley, 20, of Norfolk had been hospitalized in grave condition after the incident early Thursday at the Econo Lodge at 865 N. Military Hwy. A Sentara Norfolk General Hospital spokeswoman said Pauley died about 1:45 a.m. Friday.
Police said Pauley was one of three men, at least one of whom was armed, who forced their way shortly before 2:15 a.m. Thursday into a room occupied by two men, one of whom legally had a weapon.
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, VA
4/13/09
Botetourt County, Virginia
From WSET of April 11, 2009
Police: Man Shoots Intruder
Police say a Botetourt County man shot and killed another man who broke into his home Friday night. It happened on Houston Mines Road in the Nace area of the county. Police say the intruder was able to get into the home and that's when the resident shot him. But first police say he secured family members in a locked bedroom. The Sheriff's Department is not releasing the resident's identity. But deputies say someone showed up at the home at around 10:40 Friday night yelling and threatening to break in. The resident called 911 and loaded his 12-gauge shotgun. We're told he only fired after the intruder used a patio chair to break-in through a glass sliding door. Joel Branscomb, Commonwealth's Attorney - "Those are circumstances that would make it a justifiable homicide. Now, we will review it and make sure that's what happened." Carrie May, Neighbor - "If you are breaking into my house, you are breaking the law. And on top of that, I don't know if you are going to threaten my life or not. So I should be able to defend myself." We spoke with a woman at the home off-camera. She was visibly shaken and told us she could not talk about what happened. Officials have some ideas about who the intruder was but are not releasing any information until they know for sure. At this point, they don't believe the men had any connection.
Labels: home invasion, VA
3/16/09
Woodbridge, Virginia
From Inside NoVA of March 16, 2009
One burglar shot, another stabbed in Woodbridge
Police say one burglar was shot and another stabbed breaking into a Woodbridge home Sunday night.
James Baumann Jr., 28, and Jason Lewis Presley, 32, are accused in a burglary in the 15100 block of Georgia Road about 11:30 p.m. Police say one of them was armed with a knife.
The 41-year-old resident of the house heard the burglars and went to investigate, said Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.
When the victim saw the two men, a fight ensued. Police said the resident grabbed a knife from one of the burglars and stabbed him.
Baumann suffered stab wounds and the victim had cuts on various parts of his body, Hernandez said.
After fighting one burglar, the victim grabbed his shotgun and shot the second burglar as he attempted to run.
All three men were all taken to the hospital.
Presley and the resident were treated for their injuries. The resident was released.
Baumann remained hospitalized Monday suffering life-threatening injuries.
Presley, of 14205 Chesterfield Road in Woodbridge, was charged with burglary while armed with the intent to commit larceny.
He was held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April, 29.
Warrants were obtained for Baumann, of 1302 Oregon Avenue in Woodbridge, charging him with malicious wounding and burglary while armed with the intent to commit larceny.
Hernandez said an investigation is ongoing.
Labels: assault, home invasion, VA
1/15/09
Dumphries, Virginia
From WJLA of January 14, 2009
2 Arrested, 1 Still Sought in Would-be Robbery
An armed woman who stayed home sick from work Wednesday turned out to be a would-be robber's worst nightmare.
Police say an alarm went off Wednesday in broad daylight in the 3300 block of Dondis Creek Drive in Dumfries, prompting the home's owner to her basement door where she found three men trying to get inside.
"When she confronts them, the men take off and one of them returned," said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William County.
That is when the woman opened fire, striking the would-be robber in the upper body. Police caught him and he was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police later caught the second suspect, but are still looking for the third.
"That was an experience with the cop cars and the helicopters, I was wondering what was going on," said Joshua Washington, a neighbor.
Police say it appears the homeowner was within her rights to shoot the suspect, however, police are still investigating.
Labels: female, trespassing, VA
Hallifax County, Virginia
From the WDBJ of January 13, 2009
Clerk shoots would-be robber in Halifax County
A store clerk shoots a would-be robber.
According to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office, the clerk called 911 to report an armed robbery at Max's Grocery in Scottsburg.
The clerk told the sheriff's office a man entered the store around 6:30 p.m. armed with a handgun and demanded money. The sheriff's office said the clerk shot the suspect who then left on foot.
Deputies found the suspect around 8:20 p.m. in some woods near the store. He was taken to Halifax Regional Hospital with an apparent gun shot wound to the chest.
The suspect, Richard Anthony Snead, has been charged with attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Anyone with further information on this attempted robbery is asked to call the Halifax County Sheriff's Office at 434-476-3334.
Labels: business robbery, VA
12/11/08
Arlington, Virginia
From WUSA of December 9, 2008
Man Shoots And Kills Alleged Intruder
Arlington County Police tell 9NEWS NOW that a man shot and killed an alleged home intruder.
Police say that they received a call at approximately 4 AM from a man who said that he had shot an intruder in his home and that the man could be dead.
Police say that when they arrived at the home on the 2100 block of Arlington Ridge Road, they found one man dead and that the man who called turned himself in to them.
Arlington Police are still investigating the incident and could not confirm any more details.
Labels: home invasion, VA
9/30/08
Woodbridge, Virginia
From the Manassas Journal Messenger of September 29, 2008
Mother fends off robbers with handgun
Three would-be robbers, one armed with a pair of scissors, walked into a Woodbridge store on Saturday morning with criminal intent.
They left empty-handed and apparently more than a little frightened.
About 11:30 a.m. the three walked into Tienda Hispana Esperanza. One rushed to the counter and pointed the scissors at the owner's neck and another grabbed her son’s arm, the family that owns the store said Monday.
But the owner, Esperanza Salazar, 36, reacted immediately.
She leaned back and reached for her handgun and pointed it at the three unknown males, the Salazar family said.
"It kind of looked like 'The Matrix,' " said 14-year-old Julio Salazar, who was
working at the store with his mother that day.
One of the would-be robbers immediately ran out of the store, located on PR Business Center Drive. A second robber, who wielded the scissors, tried to run out of the store but tripped on a clothes rack and fell. He finally crawled out the front door.
The third robber paused and sat down in a folding chair, putting his hands in the air. When Esperanza Salazar told her son to call 911, the third man ran for the door and momentarily got tangled in the clothes rack before running out of the store.
All three eventually ran toward the back of the business center off Smoketown Road, according to police.
Esperanza Salazar, with her son translating for her, said that while she was nervous, she wouldn't have let anything happen to her son.
The investigation revealed that the three had been loitering outside the store before the robbery attempt, but it was unknown for how long, said police spokeswoman Officer Erika Hernandez.
"Based on the witnesses statements, it appeared they were staking out the business," Hernandez said.
Officers, including a K-9 unit, searched the area and surrounding businesses for roughly 2 1/2 hours but found no one, Hernandez said.
Police said the first would-be robber was described as a Latino man, 30 to 35 years old, collar-length straight hair, with a medium build and a mustache. He was wearing a green sweater with a white T-shirt underneath, a black baseball cap, black sneakers and glasses.
The second robber, who was armed with the pair of scissors, was described as a Latino man, 20 to 21 years old, with a medium build and shoulder-length curly hair, police said. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and a black cap with letters on the back.
The third robber was described as a Latino male, between 17 and 18 years old, collar-length straight hair, with a medium build and unshaven chin. He was wearing a light brown shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Prince William County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Callers don't have to give their names, just the information, and could earn up to a $1,000 cash re-ward.
Labels: business robbery, VA
9/2/08
Henry County, Virginia
From the Madison Messenger of September 2, 2008
Robbery thwarted by pharmacist with gun
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who attempted to rob Harder’s Pharmacy in Bassett on Saturday morning.
A white male, with his face partially covered, entered the store on Fairystone Park Highway at about 10 a.m. and demanded that the pharmacist give him all the OxyContin and pain pills in the store, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
The pharmacist pulled a handgun and the would-be robber ran out of the store and got into the passenger seat of a vehicle parked across the street, authorities said.
The driver then pulled out and backed up the street toward Riverside Drive, the release states.
The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information about the crime to call (276) 638-8751.
Labels: business burglary, VA
8/20/08
Suffolk, Virginia
From the Daily Press of August 14, 2008
Two shot in argument in Suffolk
They used to live together as boyfriend and girlfriend.
But early Wednesday morning, it appears a Suffolk man tried to force his way into his ex-girlfriend's apartment. Both ended up shot. They remain hospitalized in serious condition, city spokeswoman Debbie George said.
Police responded at 4:28 a.m. when a young girl called to say a man broke into her home and her mother had been shot.
When they arrived at the Hardy Court apartment, they found Juanita Everett, 33, lying in the roadway and suffering from two gunshot wounds. Aubrey L. McQueen, the man police say forced into the residence, was found inside with one gunshot wound.
Four children, who range in age from 10 to 15, were found unharmed inside the residence.
McQueen, 30, was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with injuries that were initially described as life-threatening. Everett was taken by ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Police believe McQueen is Everett's former boyfriend. He has not lived there since last month, when police took out warrants for him in connection with a staged 7-Eleven robbery. He's wanted for two counts of embezzlement and one count of forgery and uttering. Last month, police say a 7-Eleven employee staged her own robbery with the help of McQueen.
From the Daily Press of August 18, 2008
Intruder wounded in Suffolk shooting has died
A man who was shot during a Suffolk home invasion last week has died of his injuries.
Debbie George, spokeswoman for the city of Suffolk, said Aubrey L. McQueen, 30, died Saturday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
McQueen was wounded early Wednesday morning after police say he broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend, Juanita Everett. Both adults were shot, but four children in the residence were unharmed
McQeen was also wanted for his suspected role in the robbery of a 7-Eleven, in which he and a store employee allegedly staged a robbery to embezzle the cash.
Labels: domestic dispute, female, home invasion, VA
8/16/08
Courtland, Virginia
From the Tidewater News of August 12, 2008
Homeowner holds gun on man until police arrive
An Ivor resident who returned home early one day last week was able to help police apprehend a man who had broken into at least two homes along Holloman Drive.
When he got home last Tuesday and found a man ransacking his house, the burglary victim grabbed a shotgun, confronted the man and held him at bay until police could arrive on the scene.
When they got there, they found that the man, 35-year-old Christopher Michael Hosking, who is listed as “homeless” in court records, was in possession of a handgun that had been stolen from another house nearby, along with cash that had been taken from the second victim’s home, according to Detective Cpl. Richard Morris of the Southampton Sheriff’s Office.
Hosking was charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and first-offense possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Morris said the man also has criminal charges pending in South Carolina.
At least four members of the Sheriff’s Department responded to the early afternoon call. Deputies Doug Ottmers, Robert Busching and J.B. Stutts joined Sheriff Vernie W. Francis Jr. at the scene, Morris said Tuesday.
Labels: residence burglary, VA
8/7/08
Goochland County, Virginia
From the Richmond Times Dispatch of July 26, 2008
Man is shot and killed in Goochland County
A man was shot and killed early yesterday morning in central Goochland County after he allegedly entered an unlocked mobile home and tussled with the owner, authorities said.
Adam Stone, the homeowner, called the Goochland Sheriff's Office just after 3 a.m. to report that he'd shot a man with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Sheriff's deputies responded to the 2300 block of Grape Ridge Court off Dogtown Road, where Stone told investigators the intruder had entered the bedroom where he and his girlfriend were sleeping before the struggle took place.
When deputies arrived, they found the body of Joseph Clifford Johnson, 36, of the 900 block of North 30th Street in Richmond, inside the bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound to the neck.
Johnson's body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing, Sheriff James L. Agnew said.
"The obvious thing that needs to be decided is if this is a justifiable homicide," Agnew said.
No arrests or charges have been made in connection with the shooting as of last night.
It was the second homicide in Goochland County so far this year and only the third since 2005.
Labels: home invasion, VA
7/15/08
Newport News, Virginia
From the Daily Press of July 10, 2008
Potential victims turned tables on robbery suspects
An armed-robbery suspect was shot by his potential victim Tuesday, the second time in a week where the tables were quickly turned, police said.
Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday, a 16-year-old was shot in his upper right leg as he attempted to rob a man at gunpoint in the backyard of a 25th Street home, police spokesman Harold Eley said.
The teenager, whose name wasn't released by police because he's a juvenile, survived his injury and was released from a local hospital into police custody.
...
Eley said the juvenile shot at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday was attempting to rob a 31-year-old Virginia Beach man, who pulled out his own gun. The 16-year-old fled after being shot but was picked up by police on 25th Street.
After his release from the hospital, the teen was charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Police also charged him with the July 6 robbery and carjacking of an 18-year-old Newport News man on Aqua Vista Drive. He's being held in the city's juvenile detention center.
"It is extremely dangerous for juveniles, or anyone else, to take part in armed robberies," Eley said. "There is always the possibility that the person being robbed is armed, and that was the case in this instance. Juveniles should not have weapons in the first place."
Eley said the man who shot the teen didn't have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The gun was seized, but no charges were filed. Eley said the commonwealth's attorney would decide whether to prosecute the man on any firearms charges.
Labels: minor offender, street robbery, VA
7/8/08
Hampton, Virginia
From the Daily Press of July 5, 2008
Gunshot victim ID'd as suspected robber
A 19-year-old who was fatally shot Wednesday night was one of three men attempting to rob another man in the Liberty Estates apartment complex on Cunningham Avenue, police said.
The robbery at about 9:20 p.m. led to a struggle between the gunman, Maurice Edward Simpson of Newport News, and the victim, during which time Simpson was shot in the upper torso, said Hampton police spokeswoman Cpl. Paula Ensley.
The other alleged robbers are Dejon Jamal Middleton, 20, and Jamaal Orlando Watson, 21, both of the 700 block of Crossing Court in Newport News, police said. Middleton was charged with one count of robbery, one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of possession of marijuana. Watson was charged with one count of robbery and one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Police had not released the name of the robbery victim Friday, and Ensley said he is not charged with a crime because at this point it is considered a justifiable homicide.
After Simpson was shot, Middleton and Watson took him to Sentara CarePlex, police said. Simpson was taken inside the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
People who lived in the area thought for a time that the shooting might be related to a power outage that occurred shortly afterward. Ensley said the outage, which lasted about two hours and affected an area from Armistead Avenue to the James River Bridge, was not related to the shooting.
Labels: home invasion, VA
7/3/08
Capron, Virginia
From the Tidewater News of July 1, 2008
Woman shoots ex-boyfriend in self-defense
An ongoing case of domestic violence turned bloody Monday morning, when a man was shot in the shoulder by his former girlfriend after he allegedly broke in to her Capron home, police said Tuesday.
Derrick Edward “Rick” Miller, 43, formerly of Brandy Pond Road in Capron, is recovering from a gunshot wound at a hospital in Greenville, N.C.
According to Detective Cpl. Richard Morris, spokesman for the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, Miller’s ex-girlfriend shot him with a .357 Magnum when he allegedly tried to attack her after breaking through her front door early Monday morning.
He then left the scene and went to Como, N.C. From there, he was transported to an Ahoskie, N.C., hospital and then flown to the Greenville medical facility for further treatment.
The woman called police at 1:42 a.m. to report the alleged break-in and the shooting.
Police have charged Miller with breaking and entering in the nighttime and violation of a protective order in connection with Monday’s events, though warrants have not yet been served, Morris said.
Monday’s incident was the second in as many days involving the couple.
Morris said police had been called to the scene Saturday afternoon when the woman reported that she had been assaulted. Police issued, but have not yet served, two warrants in that incident — one for domestic assault and one for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
A “history of domestic abuse” had resulted in the court issuing a protective order against Miller prior to either of the recent events, Morris said.
No charges are pending against the woman, he added.
Labels: domestic dispute, female, VA
6/29/08
Virginia Beach, Virginia
From WVEC of June 29, 2008
Police: Beach pizza parlor worker kills would-be robber
Police say an attempted robbery at pizza parlor ended when a store employee shot and killed the alleged thief.
Workers at Dominick's Pizza and Pasta in the Timber Lake shopping center on Holland Road tell 13News a masked man came in through a back entrance, brandishing a gun and demanding cash.
Police say the shooting happened around 10pm Saturday.
According to employees, a worker opened the safe, taking a loaded revolver out instead of money.
The worker reportedly returned to where the alleged thief was and opened fire.
Police say workers called 9-1-1 at 10:08.
By the time officers arrived the masked man was already dead.
Police have not identified the suspect, and have not said if any charges will be filed against the employee.
Labels: business robbery, VA
3/19/08
Gloucester County, Virginia
From the Daily Press of March 19, 2008
Landscaper shoots rabid fox after attacks
A rabid fox was shot Friday in the Pine Mill Subdivision off of Pinetta Road, making it the second confirmed animal with rabies in the county this year.
The fox was seen acting strangely in the neighborhood last Thursday, prompting residents to call Gloucester Animal Control, said M.B. Sheppard, the county's Environmental Health Supervisor. But deputies were unable to find the fox and advised residents that if the fox was spotted again and acting similarly to shoot it.
On Friday, the fox first attacked two adult dogs that were penned up and then two puppies playing in a ditch and exposed the two puppies to rabies, Sheppard said. A landscaper working in the subdivision saw the fox and borrowed a homeowner's shotgun before killing the animal. Tests later confirmed the fox was rabid.
A 9-year-old girl who came in contact with the puppies is undergoing post-exposure rabies treatment, Sheppard said.
2/22/08
Springfield, Virgnia
From the Washington Post of February 22, 2008
Guard Fatally Shoots Man After Scuffle at Restaurant
A Fairfax County man, involved in a brawl outside a Springfield area restaurant, was shot to death early yesterday by a security guard who told police he was acting in self-defense.
The incident started inside Cafe Milano, in a shopping center just off Backlick Road, shortly before 1 a.m. Police said that a fight started in the bar area of the restaurant, and that a uniformed private security guard hired by the restaurant escorted one of the fighters outside.
When the 23-year-old guard and the man stepped outside, the guard told police, he was jumped by three or four other men, at least one of whom wielded a knife. Fairfax Officer Don Gotthardt said the man holding the knife was Yordy Adaud Salguero Urmeneta, 27, of the Springfield area, and that he had advanced toward the guard, whose name was not released.
The guard said that he feared for his life and fired one shot, striking Salguero Urmeneta in the stomach, Gotthardt said. Salguero Urmeneta fell, and the other men picked him up, placed him in a white van and fled.
Officers found the van parked outside of Salguero Urmeneta's house on Cather Road, with the wounded man and two others inside, Gotthardt said. Salguero Urmeneta was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he died at 5 a.m., police said.
The two men with Salguero Urmeneta when he was found were interviewed and released, and Gotthardt said they were considered suspects. The security guard, who police said was legally carrying the gun, was not charged, although the case will be presented to the Fairfax commonwealth's attorney for a decision on whether the shooting was justifiable and whether the other men should be prosecuted.
Labels: private security, VA
2/4/08
Kansas City, Missouri
From KCTV5 of January 31, 2008
Burglar Shot In Struggle With Resident
A man who lives at a house on East 79th Street came home and saw three men in his home stealing his belongings, Kansas City police said.
He grabbed one of them, who had a gun, and during the struggle, shots were fired.
All three of the men ran away, but one of them was hit.
He got as far as a nearby corner, where he ran into a restaurant and asked for help.
Adrian Gardner, an employee, called 911 and then the shot man passed out on the floor.
Medics and police arrived, and the man was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
Police were still looking for the other two men.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, residence burglary, VA
Roanoke, Virginia
From WSLS of February 31, 2008
Rockbridge County man shoots gun wielding home intruder
A Rockbridge County man says he was forced to shoot a gun wielding home invader late Wednesday night.
Rockbridge County sheriff R.W. Day confirmed Alan Gould Jr. shot the intruder in the arm with a .44 caliber Magnum revolver.
Day said the case is still under investigation but preliminarily it appears Gould acted in self defense.
It all started around 10:30 PM when Day said Lane Bowling, of Augusta County, burst into Gould’s home holding an automatic handgun with a laser sight.
Gould said that laser was pointed at him.
“I open the bedroom door and he’s pointing a gun at me, threatening to kill me,” Gould recalled Thursday from his property on Granny Lane in the Rockbridge Baths community.
“He was really scary,” Gould said. “He looked like a monster to me.”
Gould said four other friends were with him inside the home.
They were celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday.
Day said Bowling thought his wife might be inside Gould’s home.
Gould said she had been there before “once or twice” and was a friend of a man in which he is renting a room.
Day and Gould said Bowling’s wife was not there when he busted down the front door with a gun.
“I don’t know why he went in the living room,” Gould said.
But at that moment, he thought it was his chance to disable Bowling and his gun.
“He stepped back in front of the doorway of my bedroom. As soon as I saw him I just shot him one time and he fell to the floor.”
Gould said one of his friends at the party then kicked Bowling’s gun away from him after he dropped it when he fell.
Gould said Bowling then got up and stumbled out his front door.
Rescuers called to the scene found Bowling in his truck.
Day said Bowling was shot through the arm and then the bullet clipped part of his ear.
Day said he was in stable condition at a local hospital as of late Thursday morning.
The twist to this story is Alan Gould is a convicted felon and is legally not allowed to have a gun in his home.
Police in Amherst County caught Gould with cocaine and a gun last April.
He was convicted in January and will be sentenced March 10th.
Gould said the drugs and gun weren’t his. He said he was hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Day said that part of the case was still under investigation as well and charges against Bowling are pending.
Labels: home invasion, VA
1/24/08
Orange County, Virginia
From the Culpeper Star Exponent of January 21, 2008
Security guard shoots man at Lake of the Woods
A security guard at Lake of the Woods in Orange County shot a man in the hip shortly after midnight Sunday, causing a minor injury.
According to State Police spokesperson Sgt. Les Tyler, the guard was investigating a 911 call from a residence on Wilderness Lane. Tyler said a man answered the door, became combative and assaulted the guard, who then drew his gun.
The man was taken to Mary Washington Hospital, then sent to the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond. His injuries are not life-threatening, Tyler said.
The State Police have not released any names, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Labels: altercation, private security, VA
10/28/07
Chesapeake, Virginia
From HamptonRoads.com of October 28, 2007
Chesapeake teen shot trying to enter wrong houseFrom HamptonRoads.com of October 29, 2007
A Chesapeake teen received minor injuries in an early morning shooting Sunday. The 16-year-old was taken to Norfolk General Hospital.
At 3:13 a.m. Sunday, Chesapeake police responded to a home invasion call in the 1100 block of Old Vintage Road in the Vintage Estates area off Johnstown Road. Police spokesman Charles Thiebaed said police heard two shots when they arrived.
Police said the teenager had been drinking and was trying to get into a house he thought was his but was actually a neighbor’s house. The neighbor fired two shots at the teen, hitting him once, according to police.
They are investigating the incident.
No charges expected for Chesapeake homeowner who shot teen
Charges are not expected to be filed against a Chesapeake homeowner who shot her teenage neighbor during a mistaken home invasion.
The 16-year-old suffered minor injuries Sunday morning after he was shot once in the 1100 block of Old Vintage Road, in the Vintage Estates area off Waters Road. Police said the boy had been drinking and tried to get into his neighbor's Great Bridge home, thinking it was his own house.
Chesapeake police said they will consult with the commonwealth's attorney's office to determine if the teen should be charged. The investigation is ongoing, said Christi Golden, a police spokeswoman.
The teen was banging on the neighbor's door, yelling to be let in, police said. He was at the neighbor's back porch at one point and moved to another door, police said.
As he attempted to get into the second door, he was shot, police said. No one in the home was harmed.
"They were very scared and frightened, and they weren't sure why this person was trying to get into their home," Golden said. "They were yelling for him to leave."
The homeowner called police before she fired two shots at the teen, hitting him once, police said. Police responded at 3:13 a.m. Sunday. As police arrived, they heard two shots. The teen never entered the house, police said.
Police did not release the names of the teen or the homeowner. No one answered the door of the home around 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Labels: female, home invasion, VA
9/12/07
Louisa County, Virginia
From the Charlottesville Daily Progress of September 12, 2007
Murder charges dropped against Louisa man
Charges have been dropped against a Louisa County man accused of murdering his brother-in-law.
A grand jury on Monday found that there was insufficient evidence to bring 40-year-old James E. Ward to trial on second-degree murder and firearms charges.
Authorities said Ward shot 36-year-old David Wayne Martin, his wife’s brother, after a June 18 domestic dispute.
“There was a strong indication from the very beginning that it could very well have been a self-defense case,” said Maj. Donald A. Lowe of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.
Martin went to Ward’s home that evening and assaulted several people, including his sister and Ward, during an argument over a grill, Lowe said.
While Martin was struggling with another occupant in the house, Ward retrieved a .22-caliber pistol and shot him in the chest, authorities said.
Martin died at the scene.
Louisa County Common-wealth’s Attorney R. Don Short said he would talk to the investigator in the case to determine if other charges are appropriate. “That would be to make sure we’ve covered all the bases, and that there isn’t some piece of evidence that we may have overlooked,” Short said.
Labels: domestic dispute, VA
9/10/07
Henrico, Virginia
From Richmond’s WTVR.com of September 10, 2007
Fox Shot & Killed In Henrico
A fox that terroized a East End neighorhood this weekend is dead.
The animal believed to be behind three separate attacks Saturday and Sunday. The first happened Saturday evening. A man fishing near the landfill on Charles City Road says the animal bit him several times.
Then not far away, a woman on Southbury Avenue got bit going to get her Sunday morning paper. At that point Animal Control Officers set up traps.
But the fox outwitted them and ended up making its way to Wildnerness Court and having a run-in with a dog. Ernest Kidd said his dog bit it, and he thought it was dead. It just acted like for a moment, then turned on the dog. Kidd says he pulled out his pistol and fired at the fox. He thought he hit it, but didn't.
Thankfully his neighbor came home and helped wrangle the animal.
Here's how Kidd says it happened.
"We saw it up in the dog house so he told me to lean around the doghouse, put the gun inside and shoot, so I shot it and the thing came out the dog house man, came toward us. So I threw a brick on it and I shot it again and then threw another brick on it and the neighbor shot a round into it and we thought it would lie there and die and 20 minutes later it was still moving."
Luckily, by that time Henrico Animal Control arrived on scene and euthanized the fox. They're going to test if for Rabies Monday.
Kidd's dog is up to date on its rabies shot, but still must be quarantined for 45 days as a precaution.
Henrico Police say this serves as a good warning for everyone.
"Wildlife is normally going to stay far away from us, but if its up near people- it's acting weird, agressive, or like it's drunk- it's probably going to be rabid," says Lt. Doug Perry.
9/7/07
Richmond, Virginia
From Richmond’s WRIC.com of September 7, 2007
Store employee shoots robbery suspectFrom Richmond’s WTVR.com of September 8, 2007
Richmond police say a man who robbed an ice-cream shop with a fake gun was shot to death by the store manager.
Police say the suspect entered the Baskin-Robbins store last night brandishing a BB gun that looked like a semiautomatic weapon and demanded money.
Police say a clerk handed over cash, and then the store manager grabbed a semiautomatic handgun from behind the counter and fired multiple times at the thief, striking him at least once as he fled.
Officers found the bleeding man lying on the ground about 100 yards away in front of a home believed to be his residence. He died a short time later in a Richmond hospital.
Police identified the dead man as 43-year-old Jerome Davis. Investigators said Davis was released from prison roughly nine months ago after doing time for robbery.
A police spokeswoman said investigators will consult with the Richmond commonwealth's attorney's office to determine whether charges will be filed.
What Will Happen To Ice Cream Store Manager Who Killed Robber?From Richmond’s NBC12.com of September 10, 2007
Handclaps or handcuffs? An "attaboy" or an arrest warrant?
When robbery victims strike back, you can almost see Lady Justice rolling her eyes, especially when the robber winds up fatally shot while trying to make his getaway.
That's apparently what happened Thursday night when a career criminal fresh out of prison stuck up the Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors at 6940 Forest Hill Avenue, just around the corner from his house.
Lady Justice won't care that the deceased robber, 43-year-old Jerome Davis, wielded a BB gun. The self-defense statutes say if the victim thinks it's a gun - especially if the perp is using it like a real gun - then it is the legal equivalent of a functional, fully loaded firearm.
But the law gets much blurrier when the robber gets shot while in the act of fleeing. Jerome Davis was shot at least once in the back while allegedly trying to run out of the store. He managed to run the few blocks to his Cherokee Road home before collapsing in the yard, where police dogs found him bleeding to death.
So what will happen to the as-yet unnamed store manager?
Short answer: Probably nothing.
He'll likely have to sweat it out for a while, and then live with the knowledge he killed somebody, which might not be as simple as it seems.
It's been a long, long time since the victim of a store robbery was prosecuted for blasting off.
You may remember Mark Hazelgrove, whose Jackson Ward convenience store was robbed a couple of times in the mid-90s. He wound up shooting at a carload of young robbers fleeing his store in January of ‘95, winging two of them and killing the getaway car's engine.
A grand jury heard the facts and decided not to indict Hazelgrove for unlawfully wounding the teens.
Three months later Hazelgrove - still a little gun-shy from the previous robbery - fired four shots in the air outside of his store as yet another robber ran away. He wound up being arrested for discharging his firearm in a public place, although the public outcry drowned out that charge.
Often, these kinds of cases aren't decided by cops or prosecutors, but rather the citizens who sit on grand juries. And those citizens don't like robbers, especially since it's usually the store workers who wind up dead during these violent confrontations.
Former Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney David M. Hicks oversaw the Hazelgrove case.
The so-called fleeing felon rule, and its defacto expansion of the self-defense statutes, is a sticky area of the law, Hicks said Friday night.
The fleeing felon rule allows citizens (and law enforcement) to neutralize a real and continuing threat. The robber may not have shot you, but he could shoot the next victim, or anyone else who gets in his way.
The idea that Davis may have been fleeing the store - threat supposedly over - isn't necessarily a big deal, Hicks said, since robbers have been known to return and open fire.
A key question, Hicks said Friday night, is how many shots did the ice cream shop manager fire? Where did they go? In other words, was his response reckless - perhaps just as dangerous as the robbery itself? (A neighbor tells CBS 6 that he heard about five shots. Police have not told us how many times Davis was hit.)
There are three likely choices: Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Herring could announce that he's not going to file charges; Herring could have the store manager arrested and charged with manslaughter; or Herring could turn over the facts from the police investigation to the grand jury, which seems to be the most likely choice.
There's not much sympathy for robbers these days. The city has seen more than 700 individuals or businesses robbed already this year, a big surge over 2006.
And, as most of you know, when people die during robberies, it's usually the victim.
Two months ago, Lin Zi Ping was shot to death at his Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant on Williamsburg Road, within sight of police officers on a stakeout trying to stop a rash of hold-ups.
We've seen it over and over again - way too many times; some lost soul or lawless renegade taking the fruits of someone else's labor, and then taking that person's life.
My guess is most people are dead sick of this. I know I am. You hold up a store, you wave a gun around at innocent people, you waive your right to life.
So you probably won't see either handclaps or handcuffs from Lady Justice in this case. But don't be surprised if there's a little wink.
Petition defends Baskin-Robbins worker who shot robberFrom the Richmond Times-Dispatch of September 28, 2007
A robbery and subsequent shooting at Baskin-Robbins last week is stirring up a lot of emotion in the community — so much so that residents in one Richmond neighborhood have started a petition to keep the employee who pulled the trigger from being prosecuted.
Many Stratford Hills residents have signed the petitions that will be handed to the commonwealth’s attorney. They’re asking Michael Herring not to press charges against the worker for killing the robber, 43-year-old Jerome Davis.
Davis’ family sees it differently.
“He shot the first time,” said Marcus Davis. “My uncle didn’t shoot back, so he knew his life wasn’t in danger.”
Davis’ niece and nephew say the worker should be behind bars.
The police department’s investigation isn’t over. Until it’s finished, prosecutors can’t comment on whether criminal charges will be filed in this case.
A Baskin-Robbins employee shot and killed Jerome Davis after he held up the store with a BB gun. Police say Davis had been shot several times, including once in the back. The medical examiner ruled it was the back injury that killed Davis.
“I think deadly force would be justified,” said Richard Diggs, who started circulating a petition Saturday in neighborhood businesses.
Many people have already signed the forms. The petition is addressed to Michael Herring and asks him not to charge the employee with any criminal wrongdoing.
The petitions will be collected until Wednesday, then taken to Herring’s office downtown.
Ice-cream manager facing caseFurther to this incident
Prosecutors want firearms charge in fatal shooting of robber in South Side
Richmond prosecutors will seek a felony indictment on a charge of reckless discharge of a firearm against the Baskin-Robbins ice-cream parlor manager who fatally shot a man who robbed the store this month.
"We have considered everything the police officers have brought in, the witnesses interviewed, the review of the scene and the forensic evidence collected, and I believe there is probable cause that a crime has been committed," said Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Michael N. Herring, explaining his decision to present evidence to a grand jury.
Herring is expected to formally announce his decision at a news conference this morning.
According to police, on Sept. 6 Jerome Davis, 43, entered the Baskin-Robbins at 6940 Forest Hill Ave. waving a BB gun version of a 9mm handgun and demanded money from the register. The shift manager, David Fielding, handed over cash and change.
According to investigators, Davis ordered Fielding, another Baskin-Robbins employee and the lone customer to go to the back of the store.
Once in the back of the store, investigators said, Fielding produced his own 9mm gun from his waistband. The 21-year-old art student at Virginia Commonwealth University moved back toward the front counter of the store and opened fire, causing Davis to flee.
Investigators said it appears three of the shots fired that night by Fielding were fired from inside the store. Outside the store, investigators found evidence of eight additional shots fired.
Davis, a career criminal with a record of robberies and prison time, was hit twice -- once in the hand and once in the back. He died a short distance away in front of his home in the 2900 block of Cherokee Road, a couple of blocks behind the ice-cream parlor.
Herring said he has decided to seek an indictment against Fielding for reckless discharge, not manslaughter, because it cannot be determined whether the shot that killed Davis was fired from inside or outside the store.
"One volley of shots appears to have been arguably reasonable," Herring said. "And from what I've seen, the other volley of shots does not."
"The robber's trial should not have taken place in the parking lot of the Baskin-Robbins," he said.
Reckless discharge is a Class 6 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Herring said he wanted the grand jury to decide whether the second round of shots was reckless.
"If they believe they were, then they have the option to indict," Herring said. "If they don't, then I have to respect that decision."
(More,) including the prosecutors statement, "If there's anything I want people to take away from this, it's that I don't think more guns is in any way a good thing," the prosecutor added.
"It's only a matter of time before some victim hits an innocent bystander. Then what?"
(This will be moved to the original post in seven days.)
From Richmond’s WTVR.com of November 5, 2007
Ice Cream Store Manager Not Indicted
A Richmond Grand Jury will NOT indict the Baskin-Robbins store manager with felony reckless discharge of a gun.
Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring says he will not pursue any further charges.
David Fielding Shot and killed Jerome Davis during a robbery at the Baskin-Robbins on Forest Hill Avenue on September 6th.
Labels: business robbery, VA
8/2/07
Danville, Virginia
From the Danville Register & Bee of August 2, 2007
No charges in fatal shooting
A woman who shot and killed her estranged husband will not be charged in his death.
Tashia Lovelace shot Joel Lovelace at about 9:53 p.m. on June 9 after he broke into her home on Martinsville Highway in the Cascade area of Pittsylvania County, according to the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. After shooting him five times, Tashia immediately dialed 911.
“In my opinion, she did not commit a criminal act,” Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney David Grimes said Wednesday. “It was self-defense. If someone’s breaking into your house after threatening to kill you, that’s getting pretty close.”
Grimes said the number of shots that were fired was not a huge factor in the decision not to charge Tashia.
“By all appearances, all five shots were fired before (the victim) fell,” Grimes said. “She had a semi-automatic handgun, so it would fire pretty quickly.”
Deputies found Joel dead at the scene of the shooting about 10 minutes after Tashia called 911.
They also found an open pocketknife with a blade that ranged between 3 to 4 inches in length under Joel, the sheriff’s office said.
The front door of Tashia’s mobile home had extensive damage that indicated that it had been forced open. Deputies also found a shoe print on the outside of the door near the doorknob.
Tashia told authorities that she and her husband had been separated for more than a year. On the day of shooting, she said she ran into Joel earlier at a high school graduation. After the graduation and throughout the day, she said he called her phone numerous times threatening to kill her.
Tashia also told authorities that she was home with three children that night when she saw Joel’s vehicle pull up. He called her again, telling her that he “had something for her.” She then said she heard him hit her door at least twice. She ran to her bedroom to retrieve her handgun and saw him return to his vehicle as if he was looking for something.
He called her one last time repeating his threat to kill her, she told deputies.
She said when she returned to the living room, Joel kicked in the locked, dead-bolted door and entered the house. She then shot him numerous times before calling 911.
The decision not to charge Tashia revolved around the belief that she was acting in self-defense.
Grimes said Virginia law justifies the taking of another person’s life only when it appears reasonably necessary to do so to defend one’s self or another from great bodily harm or to defend one’s home from intrusion when it appears the intruder is intent on committing a felony or a violent act.
The prosecutor added that a person in his or her own home is not required to retreat from an intruder before resorting to force, even deadly force, if necessary.
Because he believes the case meets these guidelines, Grimes said the book on it is most likely closed.
“I don’t expect for it to re-open,” he said. “Based on everything that we’ve heard, it’s not a criminal case. It’s a tragedy that it happened, but it’s not a criminal case. It’s not a crime that she will be prosecuted for.”
Labels: domestic abuse, home invasion, VA
7/24/07
Danville, Virginia
From Roanoke’s WSLS.com of July 24, 2007
Would-be Thief Ends Up in Hospital
An overnight robbery attempt landed a gunman not in jail but in a hospital. Shortly before midnight, according to Danville Police Lt. Tommy Merricks, a gunman approached two men on Rocklawn Drive and attempted to rob them. One of the men grabbed the gun, however, and tried to take it away. The gun went off and struck the would-be robber in the head. He fled the scene.
Shortly afterwards, the police heard of a man being taken from Glenn Street to Danville Regional Medical Center.
He was later transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center with a reported gunshot wound to the head that likely fractured his skull, according to the police.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, street robbery, VA
7/10/07
Salem, Virginia
From Roanoke’s WSLS.com of July 10, 2007
Another Rabid Animal Confirmed in Our Area
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed a fox shot dead in Salem over the weekend had rabies.
Lewis Goode killed the aggressive fox after he said it picked a fight with his dog "Baylee."
"I heard [Baylee] fighting with something beside the house in the yard," Goode said.
He said the first round happened in the back yard.
He managed to get Baylee back inside but she escaped for round two in the front yard.
That's where Goode shot the fox.
It's the 14th confirmed case of rabies in the Roanoke Valley (Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem) this year, according to VDH local administrator Dick Tabb.
Statistics available on the health department's website show only five cases of rabies reported in Roanoke and Roanoke County in all of 2006.
Since Baylee was up to date on all of her shots, animal control quarantined her at home for 45 days.
She can go outside on a leash.
If Goode had not been able to provide proof of her shots, the health department would have recommended Baylee be either put down, or kept in strict isolation for six months.
6/12/07
Parksley, Virginia
From the Salisbury Daily Times (MD) of June 12, 2007
Alleged intruder shot in Sunday Accomack incident
The Parksley Police Department and Accomack County Sheriff’s Department are looking for a man who police say forced his way into a home near here on Sunday night.
A gun battle ensued and a suspect in the crime was shot and transported to Shore Memorial Hospital, according to the Accomack County Sheriff’s Department.
His name was not immediately released but charges are pending, said Sheriff’s Department Capt. Larry Giddens.
Giddens said the sheriff’s department received a call from the Eastern Shore 911 Center regarding a breaking and entering in progress and a shooting at a home on Woodland Park Drive.
Further investigation revealed that a man was returning to his residence when he discovered a suspicious vehicle driving in the area that proceeded to park in a neighbor’s driveway, Giddens said in a prepared release.
As the resident exited the vehicle, two males exited the other vehicle with a gun and chased the victim into his residence.
The suspects forced open the residence door and shots were exchanged, Giddens said.
No other injuries were reported. The second suspect, described as a black male driving a light-colored Chrysler PT Cruiser, fled the scene.
Labels: home invasion, VA
6/6/07
Amherst County, Virginia
From the Lynchburg News and Advance of June 5, 2007
Amherst County man shoots bear at his front door
Hank Burchard came in from sky watching around 10 p.m. Monday.
Shortly afterward, he heard a scratching sound outside the kitchen door of his rural Amherst County home.
Looking out the front door, Burchard saw the noise was coming from a black bear that since March has damaged property during late-night romps in his Temperance-area neighborhood.
But when Burchard yelled out his front door - trying to scare the animal away - the bear came to the front door and stood on its hind legs.
That’s when Burchard got his .358 Winchester rifle and pointed it through the screen door.
“I figured there wasn’t going to be any end to this, so I shot him,” Burchard said of what he estimated was a 235-pound bear, whose meat was donated to charity.
...
For both Crump and Burchard, killing a bear was the last resort.
“It got to where we were under siege,” Burchard said.
More
5/31/07
Woodbridge, Virginia
From the Manassas Journal-Register of May 31, 2007
Man shoots suspected burglar
A suspected burglar was shot in the head Wednesday after police say the unknown man tried to break into a house in Woodbridge, according to Prince William County police.
The man, who police believe may be responsible for two burglary attempts at the house in the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace, fled from the scene after being shot, leaving a trail of blood, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.
The first burglary attempt was around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Hernandez said. Police responded to the house and found that a rear window had been tampered with.
Then around noon Wednesday, police say a man tried to break into the same residence by breaking the window that had been tampered with the day before, Hernandez said.
Police said the homeowner fired a handgun at the burglar, striking him in the head, Hernandez said. When police arrived, the burglar was gone.
The burglar is described as a thinly built white man in his early 20s, with blond hair who is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.
The victim was not injured during the incident, Hernandez said, adding that at this time no charges have been brought against the homeowner.
Labels: residence burglary, VA
5/11/07
Hampton, Virginia
From the Hampton Daily Press of May 11, 2007
Shooting ruled as self-defense
The shooter still faces jail time for possession of a handgun by a felon.
A murder charge against a 22-year-old Norfolk man accused of killing a Hampton man in a 7-Eleven parking lot in January 2006 was dropped Thursday after prosecutors determined the fatal shooting was justified.
Donnell Lyscell Taylor also was cleared of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges were dropped just before Taylor's trial was to begin in Hampton Circuit Court.
Taylor was convicted of one count of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, however. He faces between two and five years in prison when he is sentenced on July 16.
The fatal shooting occurred Jan. 29 in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on the corner of Mercury Boulevard and Cunningham Drive.
Taylor shot 23-year-old Bobby Lee Spivey after Spivey threatened to shoot the truck Taylor was riding in with another man and two women, according to court records.
The threat came after Spivey and the truck's driver, Nicholai Peter Williams, exchanged words. Williams, an airman at Langley Air Force Base, also was charged in the slaying, but the murder charge against him was dropped earlier this year.
At a court hearing in January, a witness testified that both Taylor and Williams told Spivey to move away from the truck.
A woman in the truck told prosecutors Wednesday that before the fatal shots were fired, Spivey made a gesture toward his waistband and lifted his shirt.
Taylor remains in jail while awaiting his sentencing because he faces other charges in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Labels: altercation, VA
4/20/07
Norfolk, Virginia
From the The Virginian-Pilot of April 20, 2007
Man will not be charged in would-be intruder's death
A man fatally shot on Harvard Street in February had been attempting to break into an apartment, and the man who fired will not be charged, Commonwealth's Attorney Jack Doyle said in a letter released Thursday.
It was about 2 a.m. Feb. 28 when Keith Foreman tried to break into a ground-floor apartment at 416 Harvard St., Doyle wrote in a letter to police, after his review of the case. He said a man and a woman were inside the apartment at the time.
One of them called out to the intruder, but he "continued in his effort to pry open the window," Doyle wrote. The man in the apartment fired a weapon, striking Foreman once.
Later that morning, Foreman's body was found nearby.
Foreman had a 1993 conviction related to a break-in at another home on Harvard Street in which a purse was stolen. He also was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 1994, Doyle wrote in the letter. He fought with a man who died six days later of his injuries, The Pilot reported at the time.
Foreman was 6 feet tall and 308 pounds when he died. The shooter had a reasonable fear that both he and the woman in the apartment were in danger, Doyle wrote.
Labels: home invasion, VA
4/3/07
Henry County, Virginia
From Roanoke’s WDBJ7 of April 3, 2007
No criminal charges in shooting death of Henry County man
William Perdue was shot eight times on the morning of August 13th. At the time, Henry County deputies declined to file criminal charges, saying it was a case of self-defense. But Perdue's mother demanded further review.
Commonwealth's Attorney Bob Bushnell says a State Police investigation now also backs up the self-defense claim.
Investigators say Perdue had been drinking alcohol and using cocaine the night before and the morning of the shooting. He also threatened several people with a gun before the shooting.
3/31/07
Axton, Virginia
From the Roanoke Times of March 31, 2007
Police: Man in N.C. hospital after being shot
An Axton man is in fair condition at a North Carolina hospital after he was shot Thursday night, an official said.
Herbert Howard Cline, 23, suffered a gunshot wound to his back following a dispute in Axton, said Lt. Kimmy Nester of the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
Cline was taken to Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County and then was transferred to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Investigators have talked with a person who admitted to firing shots in self-defense after seeing Cline pull a weapon, Nester said. That person has not been charged because authorities are still investigating the shooting.
Labels: altercation, VA
3/12/07
Newport News, Virginia
From the Hampton Roads Daily Press of March 12, 2007
NN robbery victim fights back with gun
A robber got more than he bargained for Monday when he pressed a knife to a truck driver's throat and demanded cash at 28th Street and Chestnut Avenue.
The driver gave him some money, then began fighting with the thief, police said. The driver eventually grabbed a gun from the truck and fired a shot into the air before demanding his money back, police said.
The robber forked over the cash, then ran.
Police were looking for a bald black man with a light complexion, about 5 feet, 8 inches, and 180 to 190 pounds. He appeared to be in his 40s. His dark-colored shirt was torn during the fight, and he was last seen running shirtless westbound on 28th Street.
The truck driver suffered minor cuts to his fingers and throat, police said.
Labels: street robbery, VA
12/28/06
Dante, Virginia
From the Bristol Herald Courier of December 28, 2006
Maples: 'Now I’m glad I didn’t kill him'
Jim Maples woke early to the sound of breaking glass and knew trouble had come to his store.
He never expected, however, that within minutes, he’d have to shoot his wife’s second cousin and then stand guard until police arrived.
Maples sleeps in an apartment at the back of Midway Grocery, and just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, he heard one of the building’s front windows shatter.
When he got to the front of the store, 12-gauge shotgun in hand, he saw Jason G. Pruitt standing over the safe, trying to open it.
"I told him to put his hands on the window so I could see them," Maples said in an interview.
Pruitt complied but then quickly turned back toward Maples.
"So I fired a warning shot," Maples said. "Then he came at me, and so I shot him."
He later found out that he and Pruitt were kin, although they’d never met before.
"Now I’m glad I didn’t kill him," said Maples, 61.
The blast caught Pruitt in the shoulder, police said. He dropped the hammer and knife he’d been carrying and fell to the floor, Maples said.
The store owner stood over Pruitt and told him to lie still until police arrived. Having tested Maples’ mettle once, Pruitt decided this time to follow instructions.
The would-be robber did have the gall to ask for a cigarette while he waited, Maples said.
"I said, ‘fat chance,’ " Maples said. "I ain’t giving nobody who broke into my store a cigarette."
By the time deputies arrived, Pruitt’s two accomplices had fled, but he fingered them in an interview. Steven Hurd, 26, of Dante, and Kari Breeding, 24, of St. Paul, were arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit vandalism and breaking and entering, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Scott Stanley said.
Pruitt was airlifted to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport for surgery. He was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon and arrested immediately, Stanley said.
He faces charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, felony possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit vandalism and conspiracy to break and enter.
Stanley said Maples is unlikely to face any charges because he shot Pruitt in self-defense.
"He saved us a little bit of work," Stanley said.
Maples has operated the store since July and sleeps there as a means of protecting his investment, he said.
"We’re not in the best neighborhood," he said.
He just hopes he won’t develop a reputation as a quick draw.
"It’s like the Old West," Maples said. "You shoot somebody and then everybody has to test you.
Labels: business burglary, VA
12/13/06
Petersburg, Virginia
From Richmond’s NBC12.com of December 13, 2006
Police search for suspect shot during alleged burglary
Warrants have been issued for two men shot while allegedly breaking into a Petersburg home. One suspect is still in the hospital, but the other is on the streets this afternoon. Milton Tyrone Clanton, 23, was treated and released from a hospital Sunday night before police could catch up with him. Investigators believe he and Hurley R. Jackson III, 20, broke into a home off Hill Street and began burglarizing it when they were shot by the owner and ran off.
Labels: residence burglary, VA
11/21/06
York County, Virginia
From the Hampton Roads Daily Press of November 21, 2006
Three held after foiled robbery at York store
A 31-mile chase followed the incident at a Red Barn late Friday. Police are still investigating.
A foiled robbery at a York County convenience store Friday night led to three arrests and a long, high-speed chase down Interstate 64.
Several armed men entered the Red Barn on Route 17 in Grafton around 9:40 p.m. Friday, said Capt. Frank Crotty of the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office.
"They had guns," he said. "They had the store owner down on the floor."
A customer pulling in to get gas noticed the robbery in progress, he said, and called police.
At about the same time, the owner's son, who was working in the back of the store, came out and fired a gun at the men, Crotty said. He did not hit anyone, but caused the suspects to run from the store.
By that time, police were arriving outside, Crotty said.
One man jumped in a Kia minivan and sped from the scene, Crotty said, taking police on a 31-mile chase at speeds of 40 mph to nearly 100 mph. The man was eventually apprehended in Norfolk, after police cornered him in a parking lot on Lake Wright Drive.
Virginia State Police, Hampton police and Norfolk police all assisted in the chase.
Two additional suspects were located within a short distance of the Red Barn, after they ran from the scene.
Labels: business robbery, VA
9/14/06
James City County, Virginia
From the Hampton Roads Daily Press of September 14, 2006
Suspects flee robbery attempt in JCC
A robbery attempt this morning at ABM Fashion Beauty was foiled when an employee of the store pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the perpetrators, police said.
No one was hurt in the incident, and the two robbery suspects fled on foot, James City Police spokesman Mike Spearman said.
The incident occurred at 10:20 a.m. Thursday in the Windy Hill Shops, 8900 block of Pocahontas Trial in the lower Grove area of the county, Spearman said. The two male suspects entered the store, brandished a handgun and demanded money. Detailed descriptions of the men were unavailable.
Police are investigating.
Labels: business robbery, VA
8/21/06
Loudon County, Virginia
Press release issued by the Loudon County Sheriff's Department. It should be here in a few days:
Loudoun County, Virginia- A Sterling man was arrested Saturday night after he entered a home with an armed homeowner inside.
Jason Todd Lang, 23, was taken into custody by a Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputy as the suspect was walking away from the home in the 700 block of West Holly Avenue in Sterling. The suspect appeared disoriented.
According to the homeowner the suspect knocked on the front door shortly after 9 PM and attempted to come in when he answered the door. The homeowner was able to close the door and the suspect began banging on the door. The homeowner then ran to his bedroom where he grabbed a handgun. After the resident told the suspect he had the wrong house the suspect punched through a door panel and attempted to unlock the door. At this time the homeowner fired one round from his handgun through the bottom of the door striking the concrete steps out front.
Lang was treated by rescue personnel for minor lacerations that occurred prior to the incident. Lang was charged with Unlawful Entry, Destruction of Property, and Drunk in Public. He was released on a $2500 bond.
Labels: home invasion, VA
8/16/06
Warrenton, Virginia
From the Fauquier Times Community of August 16, 2006
Terry Hensley acquitted in brother's murder
Less than a week after a jury acquitted Terry Allen Hensley of all but one of the charges against him, the county's top prosecutor didn't seem surprised by the outcome.
"We were aware from the onset of this case that there would be a claim of self-defense, but we felt we couldn't make that finding," Commonwealth's Attorney Jonathan Lynn said Monday. "We had enough evidence to put before a jury, knowing it could go either way."
Lynn, who tried the case himself, said that the six-man, six-woman jury was "conscientious" in its deliberations.
The panel deliberated for slightly more than four hours before rendering a verdict on Thursday evening, and found Terry Allen Hensley, 39, not guilty of murder. He had been charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of his brother, Charles Wayne Hensley on Dec. 16, 2005.
Terry Allen Hensley was also acquitted on the charge of use of a firearm in the commission of a murder. However, the jury did convict him on a lesser charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Punishment upon conviction for the offense is a mandatory five-year sentence. Terry Allen Hensley had a prior felony conviction for burglary.
Sentencing is now scheduled for Oct. 10 in Fauquier County Circuit Court, pending the outcome of post-trial motions to be filed by Terry Allen Hensley's lawyer, Lorie O'Donnell.
"I never had any doubt that the jury should acquit him (of murder) but you never know what a jury will do," O'Donnell said.
O'Donnell said she was disappointed that the jury did convict him on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge, however. In her closing argument, she told the jury that by Virginia law, even a convicted felon has a right to arm himself in self-defense.
Summing it up
The prosecution maintained that Terry Allen Hensley, who had allegedly been beaten up by Charles Wayne Hensley on previous occasions, was "fed up" when he witnessed an altercation or "incident" between his brothers, Charles Wayne Hensley and William Daniel (Billy) Hensley Jr. in the early morning hours of Dec. 16, 2005.
During the trial, Lynn told the jury that Terry Allen Hensley got a shotgun and loaded it with a single shell after Charles Wayne Hensley went into a bedroom following that altercation. Lynn said that Terry Allen Hensley then went back into the living room and "waited" for Charles Wayne Hensley to come out of the bedroom.
More words were allegedly exchanged and Charles Wayne Hensley supposedly "lost it," when he came back out of the bedroom. Terry Allen Hensley shot his brother as Charles Wayne Hensley approached him as the new argument escalated, the prosecution maintained.
(More)
Labels: domestic dispute, VA
7/27/06
Henrico County, Virginia
From the July 25, 2006 Richmond Times-Dispatch:
A Henrico County man shot his son in the leg inside their home yesterday after the son demanded money and forced his way inside the father's bedroom, police said.Want to make any bets that the son has a drug problem?
The 30-year-old son was taken to VCU Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting occurred about 1:45 a.m. at the family's home in the 4900 block of Jones Road, off Springfield Road.
The son "started banging on a locked bedroom door," said Henrico police spokesman Sgt. Doug Parker. During that time he was demanding money, police said, and eventually broke in the door.
Parker said the father retrieved a weapon and shot his son in the leg.
The son, whose name was not released, was arrested on outstanding grand-larceny warrants unrelated to yesterday's disturbance, Parker said.
The father has not been charged in the shooting.
Labels: domestic dispute, VA
7/14/06
Newport News, Virginia
From Norfolk’s WAVY.com of July 14, 2006
Robbery victim shoots and kills one robber, wounds anotherIn a subsequent article in the Hampton Roads Daily Press of July 15, 2006, it was reported:
Newport News police are searching for a suspect in an armed robbery which resulted in one of the robbers shot dead, a second shot and wounded, and a third on the run.
Police tell us that they responded to a 'shots fired' call near the first block of Heritage Way shortly after 1:30 AM. When they got there, they found a 32 year-old man lying in a breezeway between two apartment buildings in the complex. He had multiple gunshot wounds.
He was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center where he died shortly after he arrived.
Other officers responding to the same call passed a man walking on Warwick Blvd. with blood on his clothing who was trying to get their attention.
The officers detained and questioned 22 year-old Morris Brown, and discovered he was the victim of a robbery which resulted in a gunfight. The man found shot was one of the robbers.
Brown told police that he'd dropped a friend off at the apartment complex. As he was leaving, he was approached by two men who were looking for drugs. When Brown told them he didn't have any, the men told Brown they were robbing him, while a third man came up from behind.
The third man grabbed Brown and a struggle ensued with the men assaulting Brown until one of them produced a gun, at which time Brown stopped resisting and gave the robbers what he had.
The suspects started to leave, but then the third man turned towards Brown and pointed the gun at him. Brown then pulled a gun of his own and fired at the robbers. He then fled and went to find police.
Shortly after 2 AM, a man walked into the emergency room at Mary Immaculate Hospital with a gunshot wound. After he was treated, detectives determined that he was one of the men involved in the robbery of Brown. He was subsequently charged with one count each of robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Police are still looking for the third suspect, as well as the gun used in the robbery.
Man being robbed kills an attacker, police say
…
Brown, who has a concealed weapons permit for his gun, likely won't be charged, Thurston said, because at this point the shooting is considered a justifiable homicide.
Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, street robbery, VA
7/7/06
Danville, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of July 7, 2006
Alleged intruder slain, police say
A Danville man was shot and killed after he and three others forced their way into a city residence, police said yesterday.
Deshawn Shakor Hardman, 19, died Wednesday at Danville Regional Medical Center after being found shot near the doorway of a North Avenue home, according to a statement from the police.
When police were called to the house in the 100 block of North Avenue about 10 p.m. Wednesday, officers found Hardman lying wounded near the doorway. A resident, whom authorities did not identify, told police that four men with firearms had forced open his front door and started to enter the house. The resident said he fired several shots at the intruders, striking at least Hardman, according to the police statement.
Labels: home invasion, VA
7/5/06
Henry County, Virginia
From the Roanoke Times of July 5, 2006
Man shot to death in Henry County
A Henry County man was killed Tuesday morning when the woman he lived with shot him in the chest, the Henry County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
Robert Junior Preston of 935 Southland Drive was dead at the scene when deputies arrived at the house about 6:55 a.m.
Deborah Foley told authorities Preston had assaulted her earlier Tuesday morning and was about to attack her again when she shot him in self-defense, the press release said.
The homicide is being investigated.
Labels: domestic abuse, VA
6/23/06
Bowling Green, Virginia
From Richmond’s WRIC.com of June 23, 2006
Judge OKs settlements in fence-feud slaying
A Caroline County judge has approved settlements in the case of a lawyer and cattle farmer who killed his neighbor.
Under the settlement neither Evelyn Brooks nor John Ames admits fault or pays money. Ames was acquitted in September of shooting Brooks' husband, Perry Brooks.
The two sides had filed competing claims.
Sixty-one-year-old Ames contends he shot Brooks in self-defense in April 2004 as the 74-year-old man came at him with a 3-foot stick. Brooks was on Ames' property to retrieve his bull, which often wandered onto Ames' property and mingled with his prized Black Angus beef cattle.
The two men had been embroiled in a 15-year feud that began over a fence Ames built between their properties.
The settlement agreed to Friday included a 10 (m) million dollar wrongful death claim filed by Brooks and her two daughters against Ames.
Ames had filed a one-point-three (M) million dollar suit against the widow, claiming she conspired with her husband to retrieve the bull.
Labels: altercation, VA
6/13/06
Richmond, Virginia
From Richmond‘s WRIC.com of June 13, 2006
No Charges
Richmond Police say no charges are being filed in Sunday's shooting at an independent living facility. Investigators say the shooting was self-defense.
According to police the incident began when two people living at the Fairmont House got into an argument over money. According to authorities, the victim was shot after he pulled out a knife. He is recovering at an area hospital.
6/12/06
Richmond, Virginia
From Richmond’s WRIC.com of June 12, 2006
Richmond Shooting
Richmond Police are trying to determine if a weekend shooting at an independent living facility was an act of self defense. It happened Sunday afternoon at the Fairmont House on North 21st Street.
Richmond investigators tell us two residents got into an altercation over money when one pulled out a knife. Then, the other shot him. Several other people were at the home at the time.
"I head no arguing, nothing. All I heard was a gun," said one resident.
The victim is recovering in the hospital though his exact condition is not known. Police say charges may not be filed in the case.
5/19/06
Hampton, Virginia
From the Hampton Roads Daily Press of May 19, 2006
Hearing gives details of Hampton home invasion
Robert Outlaw killed one of the men who broke into his home Feb. 21, but will not face charges.
Robert Outlaw didn't know the two men who burst into his house one evening in February, demanding money and waving guns around.
But a short time later, one of the supposed gunmen was dead and Outlaw and a roommate found themselves searching desperately for a hospital to treat Outlaw because he'd been shot in the chest.
Details of the Feb. 21 home invasion were revealed Thursday during a preliminary hearing for a Portsmouth man and Chesapeake woman accused of participating in the crime. Demarcus Wade, 21, and Ineen Robinson are each charged with one count of robbery, attempted robbery, breaking and entering while armed, conspiracy to commit burglary and three firearms charges.
Outlaw and his roommate, Timothy Page, testified they were the only two people home when Wade and 20-year-old Clifton Jordan of Portsmouth broke into the house on West Virginia Avenue near Mallory Street.
Robinson and a third man, Michael Antonio Williams, 23, of Portsmouth waited outside in a vehicle while their friends attempted to rob Outlaw, according to other evidence presented during the hearing.
"Two gentlemen came in and they told me to hit the floor, so I hit the floor," Page said. "They asked me where the money was but I told them I didn't know."
The men then headed to Outlaw's room and asked him the same question, Page said. A shot followed and the men came back, he said, again demanding to know where money was hidden.
Outlaw testified he used another roommate's gun to shoot at the intruders when they came back down the hallway with Page in tow. Outlaw won't face charges in Jordan's death because police ruled the killing was in self-defense. The two men said they fled the house and drove to the old Sentara hospital site on Victoria Boulevard not realizing the hospital was no longer there. They then stopped at a 7-Eleven on Shell Road and called 911.
Hampton General District Judge A.W. "Pat" Patrick refused Robinson's lawyer's request to dismiss the charges against Robinson because evidence showed she was the only one in the group who knew Outlaw and because she told police that she led the Portsmouth men to his house. In addition, Robinson knew the men were planning to rob Outlaw, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Karen Rucker told the judge.
Robinson's trial was set for Aug. 16. When Wade retains a lawyer to handle his case in Circuit Court, prosecutors plan to file a motion asking that he be tried on the same day. A preliminary hearing for Antonio Williams is set for June 5.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, VA
5/11/06
Norfolk, Virginia
From Norfolk’s PilotOnline.com of May 11, 2006
Newspaper carrier shoots, wounds youth trying to rob him
A Virginian-Pilot carrier who was delivering newspapers early today shot and wounded one of two youths who tried to rob him, police said.
Police planned to charge the youths, who were in custody. Their ages and identities were not released. The injured youth was hospitalized under guard, according to Cpl. Ollan Burruss, police spokesman. His wounds were not considered life-threatening.
Police said the shooting happened around 2:52 a.m. in the vicinity of the 3500 block of Chesapeake Blvd. The carrier, who is an independent contractor and not an employee of the newspaper, had just started his route when he encountered the two youths.
The carrier is not facing charges, Burruss said.
“They were trying to rob him and he defended himself,” he said.
Labels: street robbery, VA
4/28/06
Clintwood, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of April 28, 2006
A home invasion, a secret, A DEATHThus begins a very long article of interest. Read it all
In a little house in Southwest Virginia, a brazen robbery was a license to kill
The evening sun has disappeared and the old man is dozing on the couch beside his wife when a fist banging on the back door jolts him awake. Almost before he can raise himself up, two men in black ski masks rush into the living room. One of them points a handgun at the couple and tells them to sit down and shut up or he will blow their brains out.
Meekly, Clyde and Ruby Colley comply. The most terrifying hour of their long life together has just begun.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, VA
4/21/06
Henrico, Virginia
From Richmond’s NBC12.com of April 21, 2006
Henrico teen arrested for attacking security guard with baseball bat
A Henrico teen who suffered at least two gunshot wounds is charged with brutally attacking a Henrico security guard with a bat. The guard was able to fire his weapon during the assault. Police arrested the teen suspect about midnight after he had been treated at the Chippenham Hospital emergency room.
The attack on the security guard happened when he walked outside the eastern government center about 9:15 Thursday night.
James Crouch was struck from behind with a bat.
Police say the guard began fighting with his attacker and was able to pull his gun, firing off three shots. About three hours later, the teen suspect turned up at Chippenham Hospital's ER.
Police say he was treated for two gunshots, released, and arrested.
The teen who was arraigned Friday morning is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and attempted robbery.
4/5/06
Virginia Beach, Virginia
From HamptonRoads.com of April 5, 2006
Navy SEAL not guilty of murder, jury says
After deliberating three hours over two days, a jury this morning acquitted Navy SEAL Ronald Gasper of murder for shooting to death fellow SEAL Bradley Jondahl.
Gasper, 31, shot Jondahl once in the stomach on July 31, 2004, after the two returned from a night of heavy drinking on Shore Drive to Gasper’s home in Bayside.
As the verdict was read, a gasp went up from the left side of the courtroom, where Gasper’s friends and relatives sat.Gasper clutched and hugged one of his defense attorneys, a longtime friend from Ohio.
At the same time, Jondahl’s family on the right side of the courtroom began weeping. They were led downstairs by a bailiff. A spokesman for the family said they want to talk about the trial later.
Gasper’s friends and relatives greeted him outside the courtroom with tearful hugs.
Gasper claimed the shooting was in self-defense. He said Jondahl was angry and drunk and had attacked him. He testified that Jondahl at one point put him into a chokehold and picked him up off the ground.
Prosecutors, however, argued that Gasper introduced a gun into a non-lethal fight – “a wrestling match,” as prosecutors called it -- and he was not justified in shooting Jondahl.
2/18/06
Richmond, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of February 18, 2006
Self-defense ruled in fatal shooting
Charges against VCU student are dropped in the Dec. 10 death
A murder charge against a Virginia Commonwealth University student in the shooting death of a 19-year-old Richmond man was withdrawn after authorities determined the student acted in self-defense.
The Richmond commonwealth's attorney's office confirmed yesterday that Omari Al-Qadaffi, a VCU senior majoring in computer science, has been cleared in the Dec. 10 shooting death of Lawarren Arkeis Williams on Mosby Street. At the time, Al-Qadaffi's father insisted his son had shot Williams in self-defense after being confronted outside a coin laundry by Williams and another man, one of whom had a gun.
Wajid Al-Qadaffi had said the confrontation was the culmination of a long-running conflict with his family initiated by a group known as the "700 Boys," a reference to the block on which they live in Mosby Court.
Omari Al-Qadaffi did not admit his involvement in the shooting until a police canvass of the area brought investigators to his door. He was charged after he declined to provide police with additional information about his involvement.
After Al-Qadaffi's arrest, however, authorities were able to obtain crucial information from the student after working with his lawyer, defense attorney Christopher Jones.
"He was initially uncooperative, but once he talked with us and gave us all the information, everything he said was forensically correct," said Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Learned D. Barry. "All the information was verified, and we determined that he fired in self-defense."
Murder and gun charges were officially withdrawn in Circuit Court on Jan. 12.
Labels: altercation, student defender, VA
2/16/06
Martinsville, Virginia
From the Martinsville Daily of February 15, 2006
Shot that killed girlfriend did not come from boyfriend’s gun
The autopsy is complete and the results show Meghan Lee Price died from one bullet to the back of the head. There were 11 shots fired in and around her home Sunday night. Police say the continue to investigate the alleged break-in where Price’s boyfriend says an intruder knocked the door in and shot Price to death. 26 year-old Jamie Dantoni Dillard told police he returned fire in defense. Police now say they think Dillard fired two shots, neither of which struck Price.
Labels: home invasion, VA
1/18/06
Suffolk, Virginia
From Hampton Roads’ WAVY.com of January 18, 2006
Police: Suffolk Man Accidentally Shoots Five-Year-Old Son
Suffolk police are investigating after they say a father accidentally shot his five-year old son early Wednesday morning.
Officials say the man, hearing noises, thought an intruder was breaking in the family's home on Mill Pond Court just after 1:00 a.m. He called police to report the incident.
Before police arrived, the father was unloading his gun to put it away, when he accidentally shot his son. Police say the gun was a 9mm.
Police think siding ripped off and banging against the house by the severe weather that rolled through Hampton Roads was the source of the noise.
The boy was shot in the hip, and the same bullet hit his hand as well. He was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to by [sic] okay.
Police say the shooting appears accidental, but the father may face a charge of reckless handling of firearm.
The incident remains under investigation.
1/11/06
Manassas, Virginia
From the Manassas Journal-Courier of January 11, 2006
Man bluffs his way out of robbery
It was a move more often used at a poker table than in everyday life, but one that luckily paid off for a 27-year-old Manassas man Sunday night.
He was walking in the 11200 block of Soldiers Ridge Circle in the Coverstone housing subdivision around 10:40 p.m. when a man came up to him with a knife, demanding his money, said Officer John Bogert, a spokesman for the Prince William County Police Department.
Not wanting to give up his money, the would-be victim decided to try a dangerous bluff, saying he had a gun although he did not. The robber became scared and ran off.
“It was a complete bluff,” Bogert said. “Luckily for the victim it worked out, but it was very dangerous. You never know what could have happened. The robber could have dropped the knife and pulled out a gun himself. In those cases, it’s best to just give the person what they want and then let the police handle it.”
Labels: street robbery, VA
12/22/05
Suffolk, Virginia
From the Suffolk News-Herald of December 20, 2005
August fatal-shooting case closed
Charges will not be filed against a Jackson Road man in an August fatal shooting at the 7-Eleven on Carolina Road, officials at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office announced Tuesday.
“We found that the shooting was justified, as it was an absolute case of self-defense,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips Ferguson.
According to the office, an investigation revealed that on the evening of Aug. 10, Eric Ralph, 28, asked Thomas Cross, a customer at the store, for assistance with his vehicle. Cross assisted, but was unable to fix the problem and returned to his own vehicle to leave the premises.
According to Ferguson, this caused Ralph, who had a significant amount of alcohol in his system, to become agitated, and he pulled a firearm, placed it to Cross’s head, and threatened to kill him. Cross then got his own gun, which he possessed legally, and shot Ralph in self-defense, according to a press release issued Tuesday from Ferguson’s office. The victim died at the scene.
Cross then drove home and called police to report the incident.
“Based on the fact that Mr. Ralph was holding a gun to (Cross’s) head and actually making threats that he was going to kill him … there was no question that (Cross’s) life was in danger,” Ferguson said. “This is based on a combination of all the evidence, including corroborating statements from people that witnessed it.”
Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, VA
12/17/05
Petersburg, Virginia
From the December 1, 2005 Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Petersburg police yesterday were looking for a second suspect in an attempted robbery of a convenience store Monday night. The robbery was thwarted when the cashier pulled a gun and shot one of the two would-be robbers.
Two men wearing ski masks entered the Qwik Stop Grocery on East Wythe Street in Petersburg around 8 p.m. Monday. The men fled after the cashier pulled the gun and shot one of them in the face and leg.
Labels: business robbery, VA
12/6/05
Meadowview, Virginia
From the Bristol Herald-Courier of December 5, 2005
Police say family feud leads to arrest
A man shot his son in the wrist Saturday after the son attacked him with a knife during a fight, police said.
"We have an old saying, ‘You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight,’ " Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman said.
John Jefferson Tuggle, 22, faces an attempted first-degree murder charge after police said he threatened to kill his father, 44-year-old Jefferson Lem Tuggle, and attacked him at the home they share at 32364 Santa Cruz Drive.
Police don’t plan to file any charges against the father, who apparently acted in self-defense, the sheriff said.
The son was talking on the telephone in the living room, where both his parents were at the time. When he hung up, authorities said he began cursing his father and threatened to kill him.
Police weren’t sure who the son had been talking to on the phone or whether the call prompted the fight.
The son appeared to have been drinking, said sheriff’s Detective James Blevins.
He went upstairs and got a knife and ax while his father got a .357 Magnum pistol out of his bedroom nearby and started to load it, police said.
The son then propped the ax against the staircase, came downstairs and lunged with the knife at his father, who fired two shots, according to police.
The second shot struck the son in the right forearm just above the hand, Blevins said.
But that wasn’t the end of it.
"After the first shot was fired, he dropped the knife, and the father got the knife from the floor and threw it behind the couch," the detective said. "Even after all that, the son picked up a television off the floor, threw it at the father and hit him with it."
The son left the house and was arrested a short time later, Blevins said. The father was unhurt.
John Tuggle remained in jail Sunday night without bond. He has an arraignment hearing set for Dec. 20.
Labels: assault, domestic dispute, VA
11/26/05
Norfolk, Virginia
From Norfolk’s WAVY.com of November 26, 2005
Both Victim and Suspect Shot in Alleged Attempted Robbery in Norfolk
Police in Norfolk are investigating after an apparent attempted robbery ended with both the victim and the suspect shot early Saturday morning.
Officials say the incident happened around 12:30am.
According to authorities, as one man tried to rob another, both opened fire.
The victim of the suspected robbery attempt was found in the 8000 block of Foxdale Drive with non-life threatening wounds.
His alleged robber was found at a 7-Eleven in the 800 block of East Little Creek Road.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Labels: defender shot, street robbery, VA
11/8/05
Hopewell, Virginia
From the Petersburg Progress-Index of November 8, 2005
Man fires gun at Huddle House security
The restaurant's private armed security encountered the offender at 2:15 a.m. Security personnel asked the offender to leave the premises because he was being unruly, but the offender returned at 4:10 a.m.
"They were in the business and asked to leave, then the security guard noticed they had reentered the business so he escorted them out," said Lt. Gabriel Costanzo, spokesman for the Hopewell Bureau of Police.
The guards escorted him out of the business and remained in the parking lot while the offender got into a parked vehicle. The offender then drove around, picked up a male customer and started out toward Oaklawn Boulevard, waving a handgun out the driver side window.
He discharged the weapon into the air several times before pointing the gun at one of the security officers in the parking lot. Security personnel returned fire several times, but no one was injured at the scene. The offender continued on to Oaklawn Boulevard, traveling eastbound, and left the area.
The offender has been identified as Immanuel Jordan Taylor, 19, who is last known to have lived in Hopewell.
He is described as an African-American male, approximately is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 165 pounds and has black twist box style hair and a goatee. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants and a dark cap.
Taylor is wanted for attempted malicious shooting, recklessly handling a firearm, brandishing a firearm, trespassing and intentionally discharging a firearm as to create the risk of injury or death.
10/1/05
Henrico, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of October 1, 2005
Henrico murder case dismissed
Judge rules defendant acted in self-defense during Aug. shooting
A charge of murder against Donald Arman Terrien, who shot and killed Richard Jason Gooding on Aug. 14, was thrown out of court Thursday when the judge ruled Terrien acted in self-defense.
Gooding, 31, was the ex-boyfriend of Terrien's girlfriend, Bess McAteer, 24.
McAteer testified in Henrico County General District Court Thursday that she started to leave Terrien's house about 9 p.m. that Sunday evening. She had walked to her car parked in the street when Gooding drove up and confronted her, yelling.
She said Gooding complained about hearing Terrien, 34, in the background laughing "at me and my feelings" over the phone when Gooding had called her. Henrico police Investigator Joe Schihl played recorded phone messages Gooding had left for McAteer in which he angrily complained about Terrien laughing.
McAteer -- the only eyewitness to the shooting except Terrien -- said Terrien came out the front door with his pistol in hand, held at his side, and called out to her, asking what was going on. He stepped down to the bottom of the steps from the small porch.
She said she remembers Gooding saying: "A gun? You've got to be kidding me," and that he would "kick his ass," referring to Terrien.
She said she called to Terrien to go back inside and call 911. She said Gooding ran to the house's front steps and attacked Terrien, who had turned to go inside, from behind.
The exact sequence of events was not clear from testimony, but during the struggle with Gooding, Terrien fired two shots from his Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun. The first was into the air, holding the gun at arm's length, McAteer said.
The second shot was the one that killed Gooding. It was fired "dead center in his chest" and medical evidence showed it was not a contact shot with the muzzle held against the body, Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Michael V. Gerrard argued in court.
Another witness, a friend who accompanied Gooding to Terrien's house, said he heard two shots with a few seconds of time between them. But the witness had stayed with Gooding's vehicle and was not in a position to see what happened.
Gerrard said Terrien acted hastily and used too much force for what happened to be legal self-defense. "You have to be in fear of death or serious bodily injury serious bodily injury," Gerrard said.
Defense attorney William T. Linka argued that the shooting was self defense. McAteer was fearful of Gooding and asked Terrien to call for police help, he said. When Terrien tried to do so, he was attacked from behind and had to physically defend himself at his own front door. He was concerned for McAteer's safety and his own.
Judge James S. Yoffy agreed with Linka.
"I think this is strictly a self-defense case," Yoffy said. He said Terrien "almost retreats" and then is attacked, fires a warning shot and is pummeled by his attacker. "Mr. Terrien had a right to defend himself. I'm going to dismiss it."
After court, Linka said Terrien "is very upset" since the shooting. "He feels awful that it happened."
Gerrard said the commonwealth's attorney's office could next take its evidence to the grand jury and seek an indictment against Terrien.
"We're going to take a second look and review the situation," Gerrard said.
9/24/05
Staunton, Virginia
From the Waynesboro News Virginian of September 24, 2005
Prosecutor: Self-defense believed in shooting
A Staunton man hospitalized with a bullet in his back early Friday had been shot when his street gang attacked an armed victim, authorities have tentatively ruled.
Police who found Joseph Antonio Coakley, 24, sprawled near downtown Staunton at the intersection of Lewis and Baldwin streets about 2 a.m. initially thought he was drunk in public. They soon realized he had been shot.
As doctors listed Coakley in critical condition hours later, investigators had 26-year-old Jeremy Kyle Bryant, of Staunton, in custody as the shooter. They charged him with carrying a concealed weapon because he lacked a permit, and released him.
Investigators didn’t charge him as the shooter, however.
That’s because Bryant, surrounded by a group of men at the intersection of Fillmore and Frederick streets, pulled out a concealed pistol after someone else brandished a knife, Staunton prosecutor Ray Robinson said.
“From what I understand, it was self-defense,” Robinson said. “It was apparently some gang members that had been harassing Bryant.”
9/20/05
Danville, Virginia
From Lynchburg’s WSET.com of September 20, 2005
Homeowner Shoots Intruder
A Danville homeowner says he had to shoot a teenage intruder to save his own life. That teen was shot in the shoulder. Police say the homeowner will not face any charges. They say he pulled the trigger in self-defense.
And while that 15-year-old is in custody, police tell us he wasn't alone. They say two teenagers were in the backyard of the home at 220 Halifax Street Monday night. A neighbor took a picture after the attack of the homeowner named Jeff -- who wouldn't tell us his last name.
He did tell us he went outside to see what was happening, and that's when the teens threw bleach on him. He ran inside and locked the door and says they broke in. Jeff says he shot one of the boys in the shoulder with a hand gun. Police tell us the other one ran away. Both were apparently armed with "edged" weapons.
If you have any information please call Danville Crimestoppers at 434-793-0000. As for Jeff, he tells us he's just glad to be alive.
Labels: assault, home invasion, VA
9/16/05
Bowling Green, Virginia
From Richmond’s NBC12.com of September 16, 2005
Defendant acquitted in slaying of his neighbor
A Caroline County jury has acquitted a lawyer-cattleman charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of his neighbor. After fire hours of deliberations, the jury issued its verdict and John Ames walked away a free man Friday afternoon.
Ames, 60, was charged with fatally shooting his neighbor Perry Brooks, 74, in April 2004 after Brooks tried to retrieve a wandering bull on Ames’ property. The incident ended a 15-year-feud that began over a fence that Ames built between their properties.
The jury began deliberations at 9 AM Friday morning and it lasted for five hours. They asked the judge for transcripts of two witnesses. Later, they asked the judge to define “reasonable provocation.” He told them they had to determine what it means.
Reasonable provocation was central to the defense of the accused. Ames argued he was trying to defend himself from Brooks. Prosecutors say Ames waited for the 74-year-old man and shot him several times with a handgun.
In the end, jury sided with the defense and John Ames left the Caroline County courtroom a free man, not guilty in the eyes of the court.
Earlier, from the Richmond Times Dispatch of September 16, 2005
Ames: 'I think I saved my own life'
A jury this morning will begin deliberating the fate of John F. Ames, who testified yesterday that he had "no conscious thoughts" as he fired rapidly at his lunging, stick-wielding neighbor.
"He was coming at me with the stick up in the air. I started backing away," Ames, a 60-year-old attorney and cattleman, told jurors on the fourth day of his murder trial in Caroline County Circuit Court.
"He took a swing at me with the stick . . . I ducked, and as I ducked, I cocked the 9 mm [pistol] and I fired and kept firing."
"Everything happened so fast, there were no conscious thoughts," he said. "It was totally reaction."
9/1/05
Arlington, Virginia
From the Arlington Sun-Gazette of September 1, 2005
(No permalink)
No HeadlineUPDATE; More details here.
An Arlington man was shot in the face over the weekend after allegedly attempting to burglarize a North Arlington home and being confronted by a gun-toting homeowner.
County police said Tuesday morning that 18-year-old David Jeovavy Valdivia Dominguez was arrested at Virginia Hospital Center, where he was seeking treatment for the wound. Police later transferred Dominguez to Inova Fairfax Hospital. After treatment, Dominguez was transported to the Arlington County Adult Detention Facility.
Police allege that Dominguez was in the process of burglarizing a home in the 6000 block of 26th Street North in the Leeway-Overly community about 5:30 a.m. Sunday when he was confronted by the homeowner.
When confronted, police said Dominguez ran from the family room into the room of the man’s teenage daughter. A struggle ensued, and the homeowner shot the intruder in the face.
According to police, Dominquez fled on foot.
While there is an ordinance that makes it illegal to discharge a firearm in Arlington County, Arlington County Police Det. Rick Rodriguez said that no charges have been filed against the homeowner, who was interviewed by detectives following the incident.
“It will be up to the investigator to determine if they will be,” Rodriguez said of charges. “You have to look at the circumstances in this case.”
Police officials say that because of the gruesome nature of Dominguez’s injury, a mug shot will not be released. They have confirmed that Dominguez lives in a house near the crime scene.
A neighbor told the Sun Gazette that a large number of people – perhaps as many as 15 – live in the small home where Dominguez lives.
Rodriguez said that detectives have visited the home and interviewed some of the residents.
Labels: residence burglary, VA
8/10/05
Richmond, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of August 10, 2005
More Richmonders acting in self-defense
Prosecutors rule that two victims who shot attackers will not face any charges
Richmond is armed and dangerous. And we're not just talking about the bad guys.
Since March, there have been at least three fatal shootings of armed suspects by armed victims. In at least two of those cases, Richmond prosecutors say it was in self-defense.
The Richmond commonwealth's attorney's office has concluded that the martial-arts instructor who fatally shot former NFL cornerback Mike Brim during a confrontation last April in South Richmond acted in self-defense.
Prosecutors have also decided that a pizza deliveryman acted in self-defense in March when he fatally shot a teen who attempted to rob him in the Hillside Court neighborhood, also in South Richmond.
Officials said they are awaiting toxicology reports before reaching a conclusion about the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy. Police said the boy attempted to rob a 47-year-old man with an unloaded rifle in the East End in June.
"It does appear to us in the commonwealth's attorney's office that a lot of people are armed with weapons," said Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Learned D. Barry, the city's top homicide prosecutor.
"And because of that, situations like these are becoming more and more prevalent."
(More)
Labels: altercation, pizza delivery driver, street robbery, VA
8/8/05
Falls Church, Virginia
From the July 19, 2005 Washington Post:
A man who fatally shot a 23-year-old Falls Church man last month during a scuffle did not commit a crime, a Fairfax County grand jury found yesterday in declining to file charges.
Friends and relatives of victim Jack "Steve" Cornejo said the former high school soccer star was not a violent man and would never start a fight. But the grand jury decided otherwise, according to Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr., who presented the case to the panel and received no indictment for only the third time in his 38 years as prosecutor.
...
Steve Cornejo and a young woman had attended an apartment party early June 25 in the 12000 block of Pender Creek Circle, just off West Ox Road in Fair Oaks. About 4:30 a.m., police said, Cornejo and the woman were arguing loudly in a hallway outside the party, awakening neighbors. The two moved down to the apartment building's entryway, where one of the neighbors then intervened "to prevent an assault that was going on on a young woman," Horan said.
The neighbor apparently was armed with a concealed handgun. After the neighbor determined the conflict between Cornejo and the woman was over, Horan said, "every bit of evidence we had was he [the neighbor] was trying to leave, he had broken it off and was going back to his apartment when the victim [Cornejo] attacked him."
Horan added: "There is no question that the evidence indicated that Cornejo struck him from behind and knocked him over a hedge. In fact, the police found his glasses the next day next to the hedge."
The prosecutor said he thought police had uncovered all the evidence in the case. "And the evidence was that the aggressor throughout was the victim, and the evidence was he was not just a little drunk, he was very, very drunk," Horan said. Toxicology reports showed Cornejo's blood alcohol level to be .20, more than twice the legal limit in Virginia, Horan said.
Witnesses told police that Cornejo and the man fought. "In the course of that, the gun went off and the victim was shot," Horan said.
The neighbor, whose name and age have not been released, was never taken into custody and will face no criminal charges. Cornejo's family is considering a civil lawsuit.
7/29/05
Portsmouth, Virginia
From the July 1, 2005 Virginian-Pilot:
PORTSMOUTH — What began as an armed robbery early Thursday at a go-go club near Victory Crossing ended in a gun battle, during which a robber was fatally shot in the head.
Police said Roberto C. Pope , a 27 -year-old Churchland man, entered Majik City on Portsmouth Boulevard shortly after 1 a.m.
He was armed with a gun, said Lt. Robert L. Smith , commander for the midnight shift.
A security guard confronted Pope, and the men went outside.
Then, Pope apparently pointed his weapon at the guard, police said.
“Shots were exchanged between the security guard and the suspect,” Smith said during an interview outside the club.
Pope “was shot once in the head. ... At least once in the head,” Smith added.
Pope was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
He died at 9:40 a.m. Thursday, said Cheri Hinshelwood , a Sentara spokeswoman.
The security guard was not identified.
When police arrived at the club, they found Pope lying in the parking lot , holding the weapon in his right hand and an unknown amount of cash in his left hand.
Willie J. Holmes , a man who was at the club to pick up friends who work there, said “the guy who had the gun” had demanded money.
Labels: business robbery, VA
6/26/05
Richmond, Virginia
From the June 22, 2005 Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Law enforcement sources involved in the case said Rodvon Daymetric Brown, 14, was carrying an unloaded, .22-caliber rifle when he got off his bicycle and approached a 47-year-old man sitting in his car at 24th Street and Fairmount Avenue around 11:40 p.m.A recent law school graduate with sources inside the prosecutor's office tells me that if there are charges filed, it will be for felon in possession--not for the shoot itself. The article goes on to explain that the 14 year old had an arrest record.
An ammunition magazine from an AK-47, also unloaded, had been duct-taped to the barrel of the rifle, giving it more of an appearance as a deadly assault weapon, the sources said.
The man inside the car, however, had a loaded, 40 mm [sic] semiautomatic handgun. He told police that after dropping off a woman at her home, he saw Brown and another boy circling his car on their bicycles. Police said the man told them Brown got off his bicycle and began walking toward the driver's side of his car carrying his weapon.
The man said Brown "threatened him with a gun and attempted to rob him," according to a statement released by police.
Law enforcement sources said the man in the car fired three times, shattering two windows in his vehicle. One of the shots struck Brown in the side of the head, causing him to fall face-first on his gun. He died just over an hour later at VCU Medical Center.
Richmond are consulting with prosecutors on whether to charge the man in connection with the shooting, which is still under investigation.
Police said the man who fired the fatal shots did not flee the scene, but called 911 and waited for police and medical attention to arrive.
Labels: minor offender, street robbery, VA
6/7/05
Pitt County, Virginia
From the Norfolk Virginian Pilot of June 6, 2005
Shooting ruled self-defense; Hertford man won’t be charged
A Hertford man will not face charges in the April shooting death of an Elizabeth City woman because he was acting in self-defense, District Attorney Frank Parrish said.
Thomas Harvin, 49, of Hertford, fatally shot Stacy Bayles, 39, early April 6.
The incident began after Harvin arrived outside the Ivy Neck Road home of his ex-wife, Dawn Teachey.
Parrish said Bayles, a friend of Teachey, shot Harvin when he arrived. During a struggle over the gun, Bayles was shot in the head.
Bayles died from the wound, and Harvin was treated at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville and released.
“The evidence tends to indicate that the woman who would be killed had laid in wait for Mr. Harvin,” Parrish said.
Parrish said authorities do not know why Bayles shot Harvin . The investigation is continuing.
4/23/05
Richmond, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of April 22, 2005
Ex-NFL player killed in city
Police say the former VUU standout was in dispute over a woman
Former Virginia Union University standout cornerback Michael Brim survived eight seasons in the violent world of the NFL before suffering a career-ending injury in 1995.
On Tuesday, his life ended in violence on a quiet, residential street in South Richmond after a shootout with another man.
Richmond police said yesterday that Brim, 39, had been involved in a dispute with Gary Miles, 42, over a woman.
Police found Brim about 10 p.m. with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest on the driveway of a home owned by Miles' brother. Miles was found behind the house with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was listed in serious condition yesterday at VCU Medical Center.
Investigators yesterday did not release details on the duration or specifics of the dispute over the woman. But police spokeswoman Cynthia Price said a preliminary investigation reveals that the fatal sequence of events began earlier in the evening at the American Karate Center on Huguenot Road in Chesterfield County.
She said Brim went to the center, where Miles works, and got into an argument. After the initial disagreement, Price said, Miles "got worried and decided to go see his brother," who lives on Pineway Drive near the Westover Hills neighborhood.
According to police, Brim followed Miles in his car to the house, and fired several times at him as he got out of his car. Miles, who police said was also armed, returned fire, police said, fatally wounding Brim with a shot to the torso.
When Miles' brother returned to his home, he saw both vehicles running and two wounded men on the ground, Price said.
Price said that as of yesterday, no charges have been filed in the case, which is under investigation and is being reviewed by the commonwealth's attorney's office.
4/2/05
Chesterfield, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of February 21, 2005
Chesterfield man dies after shootingNo subsequent stories about this incident were found.
Chesterfield County police are investigating the death of a 45-year-old county man found wounded Saturday night after a Chester resident reported shooting an intruder.
Police yesterday identified the man who died as Farley Todd Pickering of the 9800 block of Kendrick Road.
Pickering was found after police received a call Saturday about 7 p.m. from a resident of the 2900 block Warfield Ridge Terrace who reported shooting an intruder who had broken into the residence.
Pickering was found near the residence and was taken to VCU Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
County police said yesterday that the shooting was under investigation and that additional information about the incident would be made available today.
3/16/05
Hampton, Virginia
From Norfolk’s WAVY.com of March 16, 2005
Suspect Shot During Robbery Attempt at Hampton Food Lion
Hampton police say a man attempting to hold up a grocery store was shot by a store security guard Monday night.
The 19-year old suspect, identified as Caleb Joshua Carr of the 3500 block of Kecoughtan Road, is in intensive care with a gunshot wound to the head. He is listed in stable condition.
According to authorities, it was around 10:42pm when the guard inside the Food Lion in the 3800 block of Kecoughtan Road saw a masked man jump over a counter and demand money from a cashier.
Police say the guard identified himself as security personnel and demanded that the suspect surrender. When the suspect pointed the gun toward the guard, officials say the guard fired one shot striking the suspect in the head.
None of the customers or employees in the business at the time were injured.
Labels: business robbery, intruder, VA
3/14/05
Richmond, Virginia
From Richmond’s WTVR.com of March 14, 2005
Robber shot dead by pizza delivery man
A pizza delivery man confronted by two robbers in Hillside Court shot one of them to death Friday night.
According to Richmond Police the delivery man says he was approached by two men and they demanded money, he refused, and pulled out a gun and shot one of them to death.
Richmond Police say 17 year old Angelo Blair was found dead at the scene. The delivery man called police after the shooting.
The other suspect remains at large.
The driver will not face charges in this case.
Labels: pizza delivery driver, street robbery, VA
12/23/04
Sandlick, Virginia
From Dickenson County’s Coalfield.com of December 22, 2004
Elderly victim shoots intruder
After being shot in the leg and scared that he and his wife would would be killed by the two men who had held them hostage for two hours as they ransacked their home, Clyde Colley decided to defend his life and home, investigators say.
Now, one Kentucky man is dead and another is in jail on a long list of charges. Colley, 84, is in Dickenson Community Hospital recovering from the gunshot wound.
At about 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 14, a caller reported to 911 dispatch that a man had been shot at the Colley residence. Dickenson County sheriff's deputies were sent to the home on Route 80 between Haysi High School and Birchleaf.
When officers Scottie Owens and Brett Stallard arrived at the Colley home, they found Hubert Howard Jr., 39, of Letcher County, Ky., dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Police say the shot was fired from a .38-caliber special that belongs to Colley.
Colley was also wounded, suffering a shot to his calf from a .25 caliber gun allegedly fired by one of the intruders. The man accused of shooting Colley, 24-year-old Mazel Sexton, also of Letcher County, had fled the home but was later arrested by local authorities in Kentucky, according to sheriff's investigator John Hall.
Sexton is charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of abduction, two counts of burglary, maliciously shooting with intent to kill, use of a firearm while committing a felony and unlawfully shooting Colley in the commission of a felony.
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, residence robbery, VA
12/15/04
Hampton, Virginia
From Norfolk’s WTKR.com of December 14, 2004
Robber Gets A Surprise From Potential Victim
On the Peninsula, it's the bad guy lying in a hospital bed, while his intended victim is unscathed. Your NewsChannel 3's Kathleen Carey has the story of the victim that fought back.
Hampton Police say it's a case of an armed robber going after the wrong guy. Instead of a Hampton man becoming the victim of an armed robbery, Hampton Police say he turned the tables on his attacker. In the parking lot behind the "Treasure Chest" nightclub on East Pembroke Avenue, police drew circles around empty shell casings, drawing the conclusion that 22-year old Tony Kensler, Jr. Newport News pulled-out a gun to rob a man, just to be surprised that his intended victim fought back.
That man had a permit for a concealed weapon, and he's the one who got off the shots, hitting Kensler in the arm, leg and chest. Police say it was self defense, and those who we spoke with agree. Sarah Daniel lives nearby, "I think he had every right to do what he did. If someone came up to me, I'd use any means of self defense that I had." Charli is an employee of the club, but wasn't working the night of the shooting. Still, she has an opinion, "I think the bad guys need to have something happen to them for a change, instead of always have some innocent person die."
(More)
Labels: concealed carry permit, street robbery, VA
12/1/04
Richmond, Virginia
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch of October 14, 2004
Police: Shooting started as robberyNo subsequent stories about this incident were found.
Police say they now believe that two men found shot in the Essex Village Apartments complex early Tuesday had attempted to rob another man at gunpoint.
But the attempted robbery victim pulled his own gun and wounded the men after a struggle, said Lt. Doug Perry, a Henrico County police spokesman.
The suspects were still hospitalized at VCU Medical Center last night and were listed in stable condition, Perry said.
Police said the man who wounded the pair is a 25-year-old Henrico resident. Police did not release his name. He was visiting his girlfriend, who lives in the apartment complex near Richmond International Raceway, when the suspects confronted him about 12:25 a.m., Perry said.
"We're going to consult with the commonwealth's attorney before we make a determination of whether it was self-defense," Perry said.
The wounded men, both in their 20s, were found together on the ground after police were called to investigate a reported shooting in the 300 block of Engleside Drive in Essex Village.
The attempted robbery victim was still at the scene when police arrived, and "presented himself as a victim of a robbery," Perry said.
Labels: residence robbery, VA
11/1/04
Fairfax, Virginia
From Washington’s NEWS8.net of October 27, 2004
Suspect Picks Wrong Fairfax House To Rob
There's a young burglary suspect who no doubt wishes he'd picked another house. That's because Fairfax County police say the one they found him in is owned by a guy with a gun.
Investigators say shortly before 2 a.m., the homeowner heard some noises in his house in the 3900 block of Collis Oak Court, in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. The man grabbed his gun and went to take a look.
According to police, he found a 17-year-old wearing a ski mask and gloves. Turning the tables on the teen, the homeowner ordered him to call police, which he did. Officers arrived and took him into custody. The suspect was later released to his parents, and charges are pending.
No shots were fired and no one was hurt.
8/23/04
Chesapeake, Virginia
From Norfolk’s WAVY.com of August 23, 2004
Chesapeake Police Seek Three Suspects After Shots Exchanged With Homeowner
Chesapeake police are looking for three suspects after they say a homeowner exchanged gunfire with the three early Monday morning.
According to officials, a man in the 1700 block of Cedar Road heard his dog barking in his Deep Creek backyard just before 4:00am.
When he went to investigate, police say he found three individuals that appeared to be stealing equipment from his neighbor's truck.
The man - who police have not identified - says when he confronted the three, they fired gunshots towards him. He then returned fire with his own gun.
No one was hurt.
Police say they are looking for three black males driving a black Ford Explorer.
The trio could be charged with attempted malicious wounding.
Labels: assault, street property theft, VA
7/24/04
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
From Roanoke’s WSLS.com of July 23, 2004
Three separate crime scenes link together in Pittsylvania
Three crime scenes intersect and lead back to form one investigation.
Major Gary Goodson, Pittsylvania county: "We're seeing much more violent crimes in rural parts of the community -- there used to be a difference between city and county crimes but now I don't believe there is at all."
Wednesday, Pittsylvania county investigators find a burning Nissan near the Henry county border and then just two miles away, a body on the side of the road.
Police say the whole thing started in the 1200 block of Hill Creek road in the Dry Creek area. They say three men drove along a gravel driveway to the home of David Gammon --- attempted to kicked in the door and break-in and they actually fired shots at Gammon's house . Gammon fired back and that's when the three men drove away.
Investigators believe gunshots hit one of the three men, Jerry Weadon, the body found on the road.
They think the other suspects ditched him and burned the car.
Bullet holes in the Nissan were crucial in helping police fill in the blanks and eventually led to the arrest of Michael Wilson.
So with Weadon dead and Wilson in custody, that leaves just one of the three left to fiind, Timothy Thornton and police say don't go near him, call them first.
Labels: assault, home invasion, VA
4/7/04
Emporia, Virginia
From Richmond's nbc12.com of April 7, 2004:
Home invasion turns deadly in Emporia
Two men broke into a home on Halifax Street in Emporia Tuesday night. Sixty-six year old Thomas Jones was watching TV when the men kicked his door open. He ran to the kitchen and struggled with one of them. Then, yelled for his wife to get out of the house. Carrie Jones grabbed her phone, ran outside to call police and then she heard a gunshot.
Authorities say one of the suspects, Omar Powell, was shot and killed.
"You have a right to defend yourself in your own residence,” says Emporia Police Dept. Chief Keith Carr. “I don't think there is a text book answer on how you should confront someone if they came in to your residence."
Authorities do not intend to charge Jones in the shooting.
Labels: VA
11/15/03
Portsmouth, Virginia
From the November 4, 2003, Virginian-Pilot:
PORTSMOUTH — Somewhere between a Food Lion and home, Temesha Greene noticed a van following her.
When she got to her driveway that August night, a man pulled out a gun.
Greene pulled out her own gun.
The man fired at her.
She fired back.
He missed.
She didn’t.
That night, officers found Emmitt M. Warren, 34, in a van near Greene’s house, suffering from gunshot wounds, according to court records. He was taken to a hospital and eventually was charged with attempted murder and weapons violations.
...
No charges were filed against Greene. The incident happened Aug. 9, shortly after Greene bought a house alarm system and her first gun.
The 26-year-old mother began worrying about the safety of her Peachtree neighborhood after she heard about several break-ins.
She ordered the .40-caliber Glock pistol in late July, and it arrived a few days later. She shot it for the first time at a range on Aug. 9.
At first, she said, holding the weapon felt strange. It scared her.
Then she started imagining the target picture was someone coming after her, and she felt more comfortable.
Later that night, someone did, according to court records and testimony Monday. Greene, her two sons and her boyfriend arrived home from a Food Lion about 11 p.m., according to testimony.
Labels: street robbery, VA
