Teen arrested at high school after Richmond shooting

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A teenage boy was arrested Thursday at George Wythe High School in connection to a Richmond shooting that left another boy injured on Monday.

Police say the 17-year-old had a concealed firearm when he was arrested.

On Monday, Oct. 3, just before 8:30 p.m., police were called to the 4100 block of Kinsley Avenue to report a shooting.

When they arrived, officers found three bikes in the middle of the road. They could not determine if the boy shot was on the bike or if bystanders left the bikes.

One neighbor says she saw kids riding their bikes around the corner when she heard five gunshots and children screaming. That scene was in front of her home near Sunbury Road, but police say the actual shooting happened on Kinsley Avenue nearby.

Cornelius Brown, who lives close to where the shooting occurred, says the 15-year-old tried to ride away from the area when a person inside a vehicle drove up and shot the teen.

“He was shot in the chest while riding his bike,” Brown said. “It’s so close to home. I got home like two hours before it happened, and after I heard it, it was a little shocking.”

Police say the shooting stemmed from some unknown altercation.

Officers say the boy had life-threatening gunshot wounds but is now expected to survive.

The 17-year-old suspect faces six charges in both the shooting and having a firearm on school property.

The suspect has been charged with the following pertaining to the shooting:

• Aggravated malicious wounding
• Use of a firearm in a felony
• Possession of a firearm by a minor

Charges pertaining to the Oct. 6 arrest:

• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Possession of a firearm by a minor
• Possession of a firearm on school property

The Oct. 3 incident comes just days after another juvenile was shot in the 9th District.

Councilman Michael Jones, who represents the District, was at the scene Monday night and then went to the hospital with the family later.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney also spoke out about the shooting.

According to Richmond Police, 43 people have been shot and killed this year in the city. 18 juveniles have also been victims of gun violence, with three deadly shootings. Some people who live near Kinsley Ave say they want to see more police patrolling the neighborhood to keep the violence away, but others believe it will take more than good policing to stop the violence,

“The killing has to stop, and you can’t put everything on the police,” one resident said. “Police are doing everything they can. As people, we need to do our part. The kids need to put the guns down, and the parent needs to do a better job of what they’re supposed to be doing.”

Police Chief Gerald Smith says it will take a collective effort from the police and the public to solve the city’s gun violence epidemic.

Richmond Police have released no other details behind a motive. As officers continue their investigation into the case, they’re asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

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