COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. -- Nearly three weeks after she was shot by a Colonial Heights Police officer, 43-year-old Melissa D. Alexander has been charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer and use of a firearm while attempting to commit capital murder.
Alexander, of Jackson, South Carolina, was charged upon her release from VCU Medical Center earlier this week, Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Vick said. She is being held, without bond, at Riverside Regional Jail.
The officer said he shot Jackson when she threatened him with a gun during an incident on August 24.
An affidavit showed the Colonial Heights police officer was running radar on Ellerslie Avenue when he clocked Alexander' car at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. After he attempted to stop Alexander's 2014 Dodge Avenger, he followed it for about a mile until the car hit a dead end near South Park Mall.
The officer tried to get Alexander to step out of the car multiple times, the affidavit continued. When she did get out, she raised a gun in the direction of the officer. The officer fired at Alexander, injuring the woman.
The search warrant for Alexander's car revealed police found prescription medication and .380 caliber cartridges inside the vehicle.
The investigation into the Colonial Heights' police officer's shooting remained ongoing, Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Vick said.
