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Bond denied for ex-airman accused of attacking wife with bat

Posted at 9:39 PM, Aug 23, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-24 18:16:51-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va (WTVR) - While a Chesterfield woman slept, her husband used a baseball bat to attack her, said police.

He then left her and his three children at the house. He was stopped by police, who said he pointed a gun at them.

Now 51-year-old Russell Hornkohl is in Riverside Regional Jail, recovering from a gunshot wound to his shoulder.

His wife is recovering from what police describe as serious and substantial injuries.

Neighbors said the family is quiet and keeps to themselves.

Around midnight on Wednesday, those same neighbors spotted a fire truck, ambulance and police cars in front of the Kimmeridge Drive home.

A short time later, police spotted the car on Hull Street Road, as it made a stop in the 13800 block.

Chesterfield County Police Captain David Pritchard said Hornkohl got out of the driver's side and that’s when officers spotted a gun.

Several times they ordered him to drop the weapon. Police said that Hornkohl pointed the gun, and then veteran officer of six years fired one shot. The bullet hit Hornkohl in the shoulder.

He then got back into his car, police said. Hornkohl waited about 45 seconds before he exited the vehicle and surrendered to officers.

Police said they have learned the couple had ongoing marital problems, including a disagreement Wednesday evening. Hornkohl retired 11 years ago as a Senior Master Sergeant from the Air Force. 

Hornkohl, who is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and brandishing a firearm, is being held in Riverside Regional Jail.

During his arraignment Friday morning, a judge denied bond for Hornkohl. He is scheduled to appear in court in November.