Suspect accused of threatening person with weapon shot by Richmond officer

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A male suspect is fighting for his life after he was shot by a police officer in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood Tuesday night. Police said he may have threatened someone with a weapon.

At about 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, officers with the Richmond Police Department were called to the 2900 block of East Broad Street for a “mental subject” armed with an “edged weapon.”

They were told that the subject, an unidentified male, was allegedly threatening people earlier.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards told 8News that, once officers arrived at the scene, they began negotiating with the male suspect, who was inside a residence.

Officers learned that both the male suspect and an unidentified female were inside together. According to Edwards, when officers asked the suspect to leave the residence, he refused — and when they asked the female to come out, she said she couldn’t.

Edwards told 8News that officers then heard screams from inside the residence and, concerned for the female’s safety, they entered the building. At this time, one officer fired his gun, hitting the suspect.

According to Edwards, an “edged weapon” was found as officers tried to aid the suspect.

The suspect had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The officer who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative leave. The investigation into this shooting is ongoing.

This incident has closed East Broad Street at 29th Street. It remains closed as of the time of reporting. Edwards told 8News that is expected to reopen around midnight or so.

No other information is available at this time.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.

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