RICHMOND, Va. — Police officers shot and killed a man after he allegedly refused to put down a gun during an incident Sunday night in the Fulton area.
Richmond Police said they were called to the 1200 block of Garber Street around 10:40 p.m. after someone reported there was an unknown man with a gun on their front porch that would not leave.
Police found the man when they arrived to the scene and reportedly ordered him to put his gun down. Police said he refused and "showed aggression" towards the officers, so they shot him.
The man was transported to a local hospital where police said he later died.
During a press conference on Monday, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith said it is believed that both officers fired their guns at the suspect. They are both on administrative leave for 48 hours.
Smith estimated it took 20 minutes for officers to get to the scene after they were called, and, based on body camera footage, he believed it was less than a minute before officers shot the suspect after they arrived. The two officers were the only ones at the scene, according to Smith.
"We believe he attempted to fire his weapon," said Smith. "He did point it at the officers." Smith also said it was possible the suspect's gun misfired, but lab testing will have to determine that.
The suspect's loaded gun was recovered from the scene, according to Smith.
"We have no idea right now exactly what his actions were, but we do know that his aggression went up upon the officers' arrival," Smith added.
The officers who shot the suspect have been identified as Officer Shannon McGarva, who has been with the department since 2017, and Officer Richard Redford, who has been with the department since 2011.
"Our prayers are with the suspect's family at this time, as well as with the officers who are going this dramatic and traumatic incident in their careers," said Smith.
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released later on.
Anyone with information about this incident can call Major Crimes Detective M. Young (804) 646-3926 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for in-depth coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
