Gunshots rang out on Christmas in Richmond when local officers responded to two ShotSpotter activations in the 1300 block of 24th St., where they found multiple casings. However, no property damage was reported, according to the Richmond Police Department's activity log released on Facebook. The holiday season was anything but peaceful, as a collision on 7th St. led to the arrest of a man on DUI charges, who was also found with a shotgun.
The following day, an armed robbery took place on Carlson Blvd, where a victim was accosted by three suspects, resulting in the loss of their wallet, jewelry, and cell phone. The patrol activity overview detailed that an armed suspect demanded belongings while accomplices made sure to ensure control over the victim. The streak of violence continued with an attempted carjacking near Seacliff Dr. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape unharmed. A pair of juveniles took Richmond families on an emotional roller coaster when they were reported missing from S. 45th St., only to be found and safely returned later the same day.
December 28 turned out to be a particularly busy day for Richmond officers as they dealt with another discharge of a firearm, this time in the 2200 block of Potrero Ave., leading to the arrest of suspects in possession of loaded firearms found in their vehicle. In an alarming incident, a victim flagged down officers to report an armed robbery in progress after trying to sell a pair of shoes, the thief threatening with a firearm and getting away with the goods.
Violence persisted on December 29 with a double shooting inside Mike's Liquor. Fortunately, the victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, as recovered casings suggested the grim reality of the attack, as stated by the official police rundown. In a separate event, yet another individual was booked for illegal possession of a "ghost gun" during a stop at McBryde and Wilson Avenues. The year neared its end with yet another shooting on the 30th, where two individuals, simply walking on 20th St and Nevin Ave, were struck by gunfire, yet again escaped life-threatening injury, with the case still open as officers plunged into a relentless hunt for the culprits.
