LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — It has been a little over a month since 25-year-old Ry’Heam Da’Mon Brown died after an officer-involved shooting on Thursday, Feb. 2. After an in-depth investigation, the Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Lynchburg, Bethany Harrison has determined that the deadly force used was “justifiable self-defense.”
According to Attorney Harrison, Lynchburg Police Department Officer John Person responded to a shots fired incident around the 700 block of Grady Street with information regarding a white Hyundai Sonata driven by 25-year-old Ry’Heam Da’Mon Brown. On the scene, Officer Person reported he had Brown’s vehicle in sight and attempted to pull him over. A vehicle pursuit was then initiated.
During the chase, Brown encountered a vehicle and got out of the car, and began running on foot. Officer Person continued to chase Brown while making attempts to get him to stop running.
Officer Person urged Brown to get on the ground when he saw a firearm and ordered him to drop the gun. After several unsuccessful attempts, Officer Person fired six shots. Brown was taken to the Lynchburg General Hospital where he later died from injuries.
During the investigation, officers allegedly found a Glock 22 semiautomatic handgun with an extended 22-capacity magazine in Brown’s possession.
Attorney Harrison says the six shots fired at Brown’s torso are “consistent with the training the officer received at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy.” She also claims Officer Person had probable cause to believe Brown committed a misdemeanor or felony.
Harrison’s full statement and investigation conclusion is available below:
