Neighbors react to officer-involved shooting that left Lynchburg man dead

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - An officer with the Lynchburg Police Department was involved in an officer-involved shooting following a vehicle pursuit Thursday night.

At 9:23 p.m. February 2, 2023, officers were called to the 700 block of Grady Street about shots being fired. An officer tried to stop a vehicle believed to have been involved with the disturbance in the area of 12th Street.

The driver of that vehicle attempted to elude police, according to LPD, and the male driver, who was the only occupant, ran away near Pierce Street and 14th Street. After a brief foot chase, the officer encountered the man in an alleyway in the 1400 block of 17th Street. The man pulled a gun and was shot by the officer.

Officers performed life-saving measures on the scene until the Lynchburg Fire Department took him to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The man has been identified as Ryheam Damon Brown, 25 of Lynchburg.

WDBJ7 spoke to a neighbor who has lived in the area for 13 years. She described what she heard.

”I was sitting there watching TV me and my daughter. Next thing I heard pow pow pow. I heard some shots. And that’s when next thing I know all I seen the ambulance and everything,” said Maggie Elliott. “And I just give my regards to his mama cause I know and dad I know you know that they’re all sad and stuff. I just want them to keep their heads held up and everything cause I’m going to keep him in my prayers. "

Chief Ryan Zuidema contacted the Virginia State Police to investigate the incident and the involved officer has been placed in a non-enforcement, limited-duty status until the investigation is complete.

Copyright 2023 WDBJ. All rights reserved.