The manhunt for a suspect in an alleged shooting earlier today in Richmond has been officially called off tonight. Authorities say the search will resume in the morning and urge anyone with any information or that sees anyone suspicious to call 911. Investigators tell WBON-TV9 they are still not able to release the suspect’s identity at this time, but that residents in the search area should remain on a higher alert until the suspect is captured.
The situation began Monday afternoon around 3:30pm, when Richmond Police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the Bellevue/Turpin Drive area of Richmond. Police are still investigating, but initial evidence indicates the actual shooting may have taken place near Bellevue Drive and McWhorter Court and the victim then made their way to Turpin Drive. The shooting victim was reportedly shot in the leg and transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover.
An eyewitness tells WBON-TV9 that he heard gunshots outside his home on Bellevue at approximately 3:20 on Monday afternoon. Police subsequently marked that area off and spoke to neighbors. The witness went on to say what appears to be shell casings were marked and identified in a nearby driveway with “numbered cards.”
After the alleged shooting, the suspect fled the scene by vehicle. Around 6:00pm Monday evening, authorities determined the suspect to be in the Muddy Creek/Crooksville Road area of Madison County. Apparently, the suspect left the main road in their vehicle, attempting to hide in the rural farm area of Madison County. The suspect abandoned his vehicle on a farm on Crooksville Road earlier tonight and continued to flee from authorities on foot. That vehicle has now been impounded.
Units from Richmond Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police converged on the area for the manhunt Monday night for hours. Patrol units reportedly were warning residents along the Muddy Creek and Crooksville area from Kingston to Brassfield to remain in their homes as the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Reports of additional gunfire were also reported in the that area while the pursuit of the suspect ensued.
Our reports indicate helicopters from both the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police were used to light up the search area for hours during the initial search of the suspect. The WBON-TV9 team is closely following the developments and will have more information when search efforts resume.
