RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Maggie Donovan has lived on Wilmington Avenue in Richmond’s Bellevue neighborhood for over 30 years — and was shocked when a stray bullet flew into her home last week.
The Richmond Police Department is currently investigating three incidents of shots fired into Northside homes on the same night — one at Donovan’s house on the corner of Wilmington Avenue and Hermitage Road, one across the street from her and one just minutes away.
Donovan told 8News she went outside Sunday morning and saw shattered glass and a hole in one of her windows. She said her grandchildren spend a lot of time playing outside her home and she is just glad that her family is safe.
“It’s my intent just for people to be aware that this is hopefully an unusual happening,” said Donovan. “I want neighbors to be aware so they can stay safe.
The couple who lives directly across the street from Donovan were out of town the night the shots were fired. When they got back a few days later, they discovered that a bullet flew straight through their bedroom window.
“I know how I feel, so I feel for them also,” said Donovan.
The third home hit by gunfire that night was on Princeton Road. Luckily, no one was injured in that incident either.
Donovan said that she is not only dealing with physical damage to her home, but emotional damage after what happened.
“Any time there’s this kind of violation into your home space, no matter where you live, it’s frightening, it’s worrisome,” said Donovan.
Police say detectives are still working to determine whether these three events are related. Anyone with information is asked to call Richmond Police at 804-646-5112.
