Police: 19-year-old shoots passerby who attempted to intervene in Richmond domestic violence situation, then shoots self

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- After a call reporting a domestic violence situation was placed in Richmond on Saturday, police said the 19-year-old man involved shot a passerby who attempted to intervene. The 19-year-old then shot himself, according to officials.

At 10:17 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, officers with the Richmond Police Department were called to the 2000 block of East Grace Street for a domestic violence call.

When an officer arrived, they found two men lying down, unresponsive. Both men had gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said detectives have determined that a 19-year-old man was in a confrontation with a woman on the sidewalk in front of an apartment building. The two know each other, officials said.

According to police, the argument prompted 911 calls for a violent domestic violation.

The other man, 35, was passing the confrontation while walking his dog and attempted to intervene in the argument. The 19-year-old then pulled out a firearm from his backpack and shot the man, then shot himself, according to police.

Officials said the officer arrived three and a half minutes after the initial call of domestic violence. The officer did not fire his weapon.

The 35-year-old man's dog was taken to Richmond Animal Care and Control initially and has since been returned to a family member.

"This is a tragic story of gun violence against a person who was simply trying to de-escalate a disturbing argument," said Chief Rick Edwards. "This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must, as a community, continue to combat gun violence in our society."

Officials continue to investigate. Anyone with further information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at 804-646-7570.