Holly MatkinChester, VA – Two Chesterfield County police officers were wounded on Tuesday night after a suspect disarmed one officer and used the officer’s duty weapon to shoot them both.
According to a Chesterfield County Police Department (CCPD) spokesperson, officers responded to a residence near the intersection of Timsberry Circle and Broadwater Way at approximately 6 p.m. on Oct. 25 for a report of an emotionally disturbed individual, WRIC reported.
The individual was later identified as 28-year-old Kelvin Hunter, according to WWBT.
Upon their arrival at the residence, one of the officers began speaking with the Hunter, while the other officer spoke with Hunter’s family members in a separate area of the property, according to the CCPD.
The officers had been on the scene for approximately 20 minutes and were waiting for a call back from the Chesterfield Crisis Team Board when Hunter allegedly attacked the officer who had been speaking with him, WWBT reported.
Police said Hunter grabbed the officer’s holstered duty weapon, leading to a physical altercation over the firearm.
The officer was shot in the chest during the brawl, but was protected by a ballistic vest, WWBT reported.
The second officer ran towards the melee after hearing the gunfire and ended up being shot in the upper leg, police said.
Hunter was also shot during the incident, but it is unclear who shot him or where he was hit, WWBT reported.
“They were able to — after he sustained the gunshot wound — be able to get him in a pair of handcuffs and get the situation calmed back down until some more officers could come and assist,” CCPD Major Mike Louth told WRIC. “We’ll be reviewing some of the body cam footage and talking to the other witnesses, and trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.”
The wounded heroes were rushed to a local hospital, as was the suspect.
The officers have since been released from the hospital and are continuing their recoveries at home, WWBT reported.
Hunter was treated for his injuries before he was booked into the Riverside Regional Jail on two counts of aggravated attempted murder and two counts of using a firearm to commit a felony.
He was ordered to be held without bond.
“Hunter’s intent cannot be misinterpreted,” CCPD Chief Jeffery Katz told WWBT. “This suspect was convicted of a violent offense, in prison and released early — only to cause harm to my officers. Someone should answer for that.”
According to court records, Hunter was convicted of use of a firearm and robbery in 2014 and was sentenced to 23 years in prison with 13 years suspended, WTVR reported.
He was granted an early release from prison earlier this month.
