Robert E. Cruickshanks (PHOTO: Chesterfield County Jail)
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – The combination of an arrest warrant and some telephone confusion led police to swarm a Bon Air home.
When police went to Robert Cruickshanks’ home Wednesday to serve two warrants, officers called what they believed was the man’s home phone, according to Chesterfield Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Caroon.
“The suspect answered and refused to come out,” Caroon said. “Upon learning that the suspect may be in possession of firearms, the officers called for additional police resources. Officers soon learned that they had called the suspect on a mobile line, not the landline at the residence. As they could not establish whether the suspect was in the residence, officers left the scene.”
Cruickshanks later turned himself at the Chesterfield County Jail. He was wanted for breaking and entering and assault, Caroon said.
Neighbors told CBS 6 News reporter Jon Burkett it was shocking to see so many police in their neighborhood.
“I see an officer with a rifle that looks like he’s going to shoot somebody,” said Debby Vandewall, who also lives in Bon Air. “It always has been quiet around here. I’ve lived in this area for years. I’m shocked to see this much activity.”
Neighbors said Cruickshanks is a former dentist.
According to documents, the Virginia Board of Dentistry placed an indefinite suspension on Cruickshanks’ license to practice in 2010.
There were several allegations on his record involving malpractice and billing insurance companies for procedures he didn’t do.
Cruickshanks was released on bond Wednesday evening and is due to appear in Chesterfield General District Court for a pre-trial hearing Thursday morning.
