Shooting during child custody exchange in Richmond on Saturday

On Saturday evening, a violent incident occurred during a child custody exchange in Richmond, leading to a police response. At approximately 6:50 p.m., officers were called to the 3500 block of Nevin Avenue after reports of a shooting. The confrontation escalated when a man allegedly brandished a handgun and fired at a woman’s vehicle as she attempted to escape with three children inside, two of whom were under the age of two. Fortunately, the shots struck the vehicle but did not injure anyone. The police quickly mobilized, utilizing outside agencies and a drone to locate the suspect, who had fled the scene on foot. Their search led them to the 3600 block of Barrett Avenue, where they discovered the suspect hiding under a house's crawl space. A K-9 unit assisted in the apprehension of the man, who had discarded the firearm during his escape. The weapon used in the shooting was identified as stolen, and officers recovered it at the scene. The suspect was taken into custody and faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder and child abuse, as well as violations of a restraining order and domestic violence. The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with child custody exchanges, particularly when prior conflicts exist between the parties involved. This alarming event raises concerns about the safety of children during such exchanges and the need for effective measures to prevent violence in domestic situations. The police response and subsequent arrest demonstrate the urgency and seriousness with which law enforcement addresses such threats to public safety.