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Two charges set aside for suspect shot by Richmond officer

Posted at 12:53 PM, May 07, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-07 13:03:01-04

RICHMOND, Va - A firearm possession charge against man who was shot by police officers in South Richmond was certified to Circuit Court Thursday morning.

In April, police said officers approached Roderick Hardy outside the Richmond Inn and Suites on Midlothian Turnpike after witnessing him involved in a “transaction.” That’s when Hardy allegedly took off running, then pulled a gun on officers and was shot.

Police said a handgun was recovered on scene.

Two other charges, assault on a police officer and brandishing a firearm, were thrown out at the request of the commonwealth's attorney.  Those charges or upgraded charges could be brought against Hardy on June 1 when the grand jury is scheduled to meet, according to prosecutors.

Two officers who responded to the initial call for back up after Hardy ran testified.  During cross examination, Hardy's defense attorney brought into question whether his client had a weapon in his hand when he was shot.

The officer who shot Hardy is still on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Richmond Police Department's investigation of the incident.