Police release map, narrow search for July 4 shooter

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Police have narrowed the scope of their search for the person who fired a gun near Swift Creek Reservoir on July 4.

A bullet fired from a handgun that evening struck seven-year-old Brendon Mackey in the head. Mackey, who was walking to a fireworks show with his family, died from the injury.

Police believe the shot was fired from a handgun no more than 5280 feet from Sunday Park in Midlothian where Mackey was hit. However, police said it is possible the shot came from as far away as 7100 feet.

Police have spent several days going door to door, talking to people living within 5280-foot radius. Officers said they planned to continue canvassing neighborhoods in Brandermill and Woodlake, in the hopes that someone heard or saw something that night that could help the investigation.

Police said it was possible - though unlikely - that someone may have fired the gun after pulling over on Route 288. Police said they believed the shot was fired from a 50 - 70 degree angle. Police were not yet sure from which direction the bullet traveled.

Police said they were working with the ATF and FBI to investigate the shooting.

Forensics testing indicated the rifling on the bullet is mainly consistent with, but is not limited to the following firearms manufacturers:

• GLOCK
• Heckler & Koch
• IMI
• Kahr Arms
• Vektor Pistols

If you were firing a gun or you know someone who was firing a gun in the area of the Swift Creek Reservoir around the time of the incident, call Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.