RICHMOND, Va. — One man has been arrested and charged with a weapons violation during an incident Wednesday night in which shots were fired at several Richmond Police Department officers.
Shortly after 7 p.m., March 25, officers with the Third Precinct Focused Mission Team (FMT) encountered two men while on patrol in the 200 block of Green Cove Drive.
Police said that officers were investigating a drug complaint when the incident unfolded. Officers said that the suspect was coming from a motel area across the street from apartment complex when neighbors called police.
The men ran away from the officers, who gave chase.
Polie said that during the foot pursuit, several shots were fired by one of the men. The officers were not hit by the gunshots, and they did not return fire. One of the two men, believed to be the only shooter, was quickly captured after he suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg.
Darnell Elliotte, 20, of the 6300 block of Springcrest Lane, Henrico, has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Other charges are expected after detectives consult with Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said that officers quickly spotted Elliotte, who began making an unexpected move.
“He was going down in his trousers and pulled out a firearm,” Durham said.
The suspect ended up shooting himself in the leg, but Durham said that did not stop him from trying to run from police.
Elliotte was transported to Chippenham Hospital for the non-life threatening injury, treated and released into RPD custody. He is being held without bond.
Durham said the terrifying ordeal could have been much worse.
“The most important thing is we want our officers to go home safe at night, but you never know what you’re going to encounter,” Durham said.
Officers recovered two firearms and narcotics at the scene. They are attempting to locate the second suspect in this case.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Travers at (804) 461-8265 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
