Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Late Tuesday afternoon, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith resigned from the Richmond Police Department. Mayor Levar Stoney has asked for a national search to find his replacement.
Smith's resignation comes amid low morale in the police department. It also comes following the controversial announcement this summer of the arrest of two Guatemalan men, allegedly for a mass shooting plot. Smith told reporters at the time the men were likely targeting Dogwood Dell on July Fourth. However, in the court proceedings that have followed, there has been no evidence that Dogwood Dell was the target, and no mass shooting related charges have been brought against the men, only immigration-related ones.
Smith took over in July 2020, during the social justice protests. He was named Chief by Stoney after former Chief Will Smith resigned, following the RPD's tear gassing of protestors at the Lee Monument.
Acting Major Rick Edwards will serve as interim Chief.
