Third Suspect in Parking Lot Shooting Still At-Large
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office filed one additional felony charge against one of the suspects from Richmond.
Correction: An earlier version of this story had the wrong location of where deputies found a "substantial" amount of mariujana because of an incorrect statement in a press release from the sheriff's office. This story has been updated with the correct information from the search warrants.
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office detectives are still trying to figure out the identity and location of a third suspect possibly involved in an alleged drug deal that turned violent Wednesday night in the parking lot of the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office 1st Sgt. James Konicko said the incident happened at 7:54 p.m. when deputies responded to the mall near Cancun Margarita Bar and Grill and Belk for a report of a shooting in the parking lot.
Detective Kelly Mills determined that Travis Burley, 25, of Richmond and the unknown suspect met Matthew Johnson, 29, of Spotsylvania County in the parking lot for an alleged drug deal.
"Burley got into Johnsons’ vehicle to complete the transaction when an argument ensued. Burley pulled out a semi-auto handgun and he and Johnson began to struggle over the weapon. During the altercation, Burley shot Johnson wounding him in the left hand and left calf and accidentally shooting himself in the left hand as well," Konicki said.
After the altercation, Burley got out of Johnson's vehicle and got into his vehicle and drove approximately 100 yards. He then got out of his vehicle, called 911 and sat on the sidewalk to wait for help. Konicki said the unknown suspect fled the scene on foot.
Johnson drove to an area near Best Western and America's Best Value Hotel and also called 911. The gun was taken as evidence and a "substantial" amount of marijuana was recovered from a trash can in American Best Value Hotel, according to a search warrant. Both Burley and Johnson were taken to Mary Washington Hospital, treated and released. They are now in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Johnson is charged with possession with the intent to distribute.
Burley is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Related News:
Cynthia Rogers
10:22 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
You can't take a gun to a knife fight if you don't know how to handle it. Now you see why they tell you to leave well enough alone. And what you need a gun for anyways, it's not hunting season until November. All these young people are always thinking about getting a gun. FOR WHAT, May I ask? Show us what you are really working with when you get a beat down the old fashion way. As for drugs you all are not going to stay away from that so we need not waste our breath or time on telling you that. Parent just make sure you have the life insurance policies paid up. Harsh, yes, sometimes you need to step back and let them go for what they think they know. I bet that'll learn ya.