HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — A Hopewell Police officer is on leave after he allegedly shot an armed man during a search of a home early Wednesday morning.
According to the Hopewell City Police Department, at around 8:04 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, officers executing a search warrant at a home on the 1100 block of Kruper Avenue encountered a man who was brandishing a firearm.
The man was shot by officers with the Hopewell Police Special Weapons and Tactic Team and taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations is leading the investigation into this incident. Officers remained on scene throughout most of the afternoon as the investigation unfolded.
“When I came home, barricades were in place, and I had to get permission to park in my own backyard,” a neighbor said.
A spokesperson from Hopewell Police Department confirmed to 8News that an officer who was involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative, leave pending the investigation by Virginia State Police.
K. Taylor, a man who identified himself as the brother of the man who was shot, sent the following statement to 8News on their family’s behalf:
“I really want everyone to know that Hopewell Police shot my brother 5 times and that was excessive. We want to know what really happened, we will be getting a lawyer and requesting to see the body camera [footage],” Taylor said.
The man’s identity still has not been confirmed by police. Anyone with further information on this incident is asked to call 804-674-2133.
