RICHMOND, Va. -- Police have identified the man accused of shooting a Richmond police officer Friday. Police say 20-year-old Tamar X. Harris shot 30-year veteran of the force William Turner in the Fulton neighborhood.
It happened around 2:30 Friday when Turner was responding to the report of an adult male suffering from emotional issues.
"All of a sudden I heard pop, pop, pop," said, Willard Roland Jr., Neighbor who witnessed shooting.
The sounds of gunfire alerted Roland Jr. to look out his window Friday afternoon.
"He staggered to the middle of the street and I knew he had been shot so I called 911," said, Roland Jr.
Roland Jr. made that call for help for Richmond Master Patrol Officer William Turner.
"I was telling them officer shot because I could tell he had been shot and saw the blood on the back of the car," said, Rowland Jr.
Saturday, paint marks the spot of that car and bullet holes line a house where police say Harris shot the 30-year veteran of the force as he got out of his cruiser while responding to a mental health crisis. Turner returned fire.
"I heard the pop, pop, pop. He was leaning across his trunk facing that way. I am sure he was shooting at the suspect," said, Rowland Jr.
Neighbors say the suspect was sitting on a rock next to a home where kids were playing when he made his way across the street where he came in contact with the officer.
RELATED: Friends say suspect who opened fire on RPD officer previously shot himself in the face
"It was like seven shots went off," said, Ash-lee Bradby.
Ash-lee Bradby's small children were playing feet from the gunfire and told their mom Harris was acting strange moments before.
"I hear a couple shots and I hear my kids come running in the back door and we tell all the kids you all get down and everybody just stayed in place," said, Bradby.
Twenty-four hours later, her kids have bounced back but the Fulton neighborhood is still shaken.
"It's very scary, very scary,” said Bradby. “We're just thankful they're alright."
"My stomach started jumping right away because after seeing everything that's going on television and everything it's upsetting," said, Rowland Jr.
Turner and Harris are recovering at VCU Medical Center. Turner remains in critical condition while Harris is listed as stable. The injuries to both men are considered non-life threatening.
Harris is in police custody and warrants have been obtained but have not yet been served due to his medical condition. The warrants are for aggravated assault and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
RPD Chief Ray J. Tarasovic says he would like to thank the community for the outpouring of concern for First Precinct officer, Turner.
