
A Richmond Public Works employee in a trash collection truck was shot this morning when a gunfight broke out in Shockoe Bottom.
The man was transported to a local hospital with an apparent gunshot wound that was not considered life threatening. His name was not released.
According to the Richmond Police Department, the investigation found that an altercation took place in front of a business on North 18th Street at approximately 1:36 a.m.
Someone involved in the altercation allegedly shot at a departing vehicle. The trash collection truck was in the vicinity of the departing vehicle when the employee was shot.
“I was so saddened to hear about a City of Richmond Department of Public Works employee who was wounded while doing his job,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Guns are taking a serious toll on people, and it’s not okay.”
Detectives with the Major Crimes Division responded to investigate.
“This is heartbreaking and is exactly why I am elevating this issue through my newly established Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Every Richmonder deserves to feel safe, whether you’re out with friends or out collecting trash at 1:30 in the morning,” said Avula.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective W. Hartley at (804) 646-4314 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.