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Habitat for Humanity workers stabbed while working on Richmond home

Posted at 4:07 PM, Mar 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-25 23:16:27-04

RICHMOND, Va. – Two Habitat for Humanity workers were stabbed Saturday afternoon near Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond.

The stabbing occurred when the workers were working on a home in the 200 block of W 34th Street.

While working, they were approached by a man asking for directions. But within minutes- the suspect was grabbing the neck of his 18-year-old victim- demanding money.

"Ron the supervisor threw a hammer at him and he ran out but Ron couldn't get to the door fast enough to close it," said Jane Helfrich, CEO Richmond Region Habitat for Humanity.  "The apprentice ran next door to the neighbor, but Ron couldn't close the door fast enough to keep him out- that's when he came back in and stabbed him."

The supervisor was stabbed four times- twice in the chest and twice in the back, while the 18-year-old apprentice was stabbed in the back of the leg.

In both cases, no vital organs were hit.

The suspect was last seen fleeing on foot toward Forest Hill Avenue.

While Habitat for Humanity says nothing like this has ever happened to their workers before, the organization is looking to strengthen safety policies. They say, workers and volunteers striving to improve the lives of others should always feel safe.

Police are also seeking possible surveillance video or images from residents in the surrounding area to help with the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Second Precinct Detective J. Thondique at (804) 646-8170 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

This is a developing story. Witnesses can send news tips, photos, or video here.

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