RICHMOND, Va. – Police agencies along the East Coast, including some local, are on alert after Baltimore Police warned of possible gang violence targeting law enforcement. Specifically the warning said that gang members, who also have a gang presence in Central Virginia, have banded together to take out officers.
A memo was released by the Baltimore Police Department, but no other information was provided.
Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield and Petersburg police are all taking appropriate precautions, they said.
"Anytime we get that type of threat or intelligence, we have to pass it on to our law enforcement because at any time something could happen here,” said Chief Alfred Durham, Richmond Police Chief.
“But they do know and have the expertise that when they're responding to certain assignments - to be more cognizance of their surroundings,” said Durham.
Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon is top of the situation too.
"First and foremost, we're here to protect and preserve the community to make sure things go well,” Dixon said.
"We tell our officers to be alert. Be aware and make sure they notify of any unusual or any situation that could lead to something like that happening,” said Chief Dixon.
CBS 6 also reached out to Chesterfield and Henrico police.
“The information in the alert has been passed on to our officers. Chesterfield County Police officers are well trained, well equipped and well informed. They will be cautious and take appropriate precautions in light of the alert. Police work is inherently dangerous, and it is impossible in a free society for the police to eliminate all danger or disengage from the public they are sworn to serve,” said Elizabeth Caroon, Public Information Coordinator, Chesterfield County Police department.
“We are monitoring the current situation and remaining vigilant in our patrols,” said Lieutenant C.J. Eley, Henrico Media Relations/Public Information.
