Crime
Mass shooting in downtown Suffolk left two people dead and three others injured
Suffolk, VA – A tragic shooting incident occurred on East Washington Street in Suffolk on Thursday night, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to three others.
Suffolk Police announced that they would be holding a press conference at 2 PM on Friday to provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Washington Street at 11:25 PM following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals had been shot. Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and provided emergency medical care.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
William Goodman Jr., age 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. Demonte Tillery, age 30, was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Three additional victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, and their current condition remains unknown.
Local residents, who declined to be identified, described the gunfire as sounding like a “warzone.” While an exact count of gunshots is difficult to determine, estimates suggest several dozen rounds were fired.
As of now, there is no information available regarding a suspect in the Suffolk shooting. The condition of the three hospitalized victims will continue to be monitored.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.