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Surveillance video may show suspect in Petersburg ‘random’ shooting

Posted at 1:31 PM, Aug 20, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-21 08:14:14-04

PETERSBURG, Va. (WTVR) -- The Broadway Inn and Suites is situated just off Washington Street where cars exit Interstate 95.  A pickup truck smashed into it Monday afternoon after the driver was hit by gunfire while driving on the bridge going over the interstate, police said.

Sayed Jaffry, who manages the Broadway Inn and Suites, heard the shots while he was inspecting rooms at his motel.

"I was 100 percent sure it was gunfire," said Jaffry.

Petersburg Police are currently investigating what led to the shooting Monday. Police said witnesses indicate the gunfire was not aimed at the pickup truck.  The driver also clipped a van, with a father and two children inside it, before crashing through a portion of the motel that was vacant at the time.

The pickup driver was taken to the hospital, and at last check, officials said he is in critical condition.

Investigators have not released any suspect information or given a description of any other vehicles that may have been involved in the shooting.

Jaffry has heard gun shots in that area of Washington Street before.  He immigrated from Pakistan four years ago, and said he's not surprised by shootings anymore.

"There are criminals everywhere," said Jaffry.

Petersburg Police are asking anyone with information about the incident, including any witnesses who have not yet contacted police, to call Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212.

Some in the area are concerned that the shooting may not be random as first thought, but police aren't releasing any information about the shooting at this time.

CBS 6 obtained two different surveillance video's showing a car traveling behind and then beside the pick up truck, but Petersburg Police asked the video not be shown while their investigation is on going.