CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – Local authorities have escalated charges against two individuals linked to the grievous shooting of a Virginia State University (VSU) campus police officer to a grand jury, marking a significant development in a case that has rocked the university community.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of November 12, 2023, when Officer Bruce Foster responded to a disturbance report in the 3400 block of Boisseau Street. During his investigation, Foster encountered 21-year-old Reginald L. King. According to police reports, King initially provided false identification and subsequently attempted to flee the scene.
The pursuit ended tragically when 21-year-old Deonta M. Blount allegedly fired at Foster from behind, critically injuring the officer. Foster was immediately rushed to a local hospital with injuries that later resulted in paralysis from the waist down.
Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies moved quickly to apprehend both King and Blount. It was later confirmed by university officials that neither of the accused was affiliated with Virginia State University as a student, shedding further light on their presence on campus during the incident.
Charges against Blount include aggravated malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. These charges were officially certified to a grand jury on July 3, setting the stage for a trial date on September 16, 2024.
Simultaneously, King faces charges of felony assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and providing false identity to a law enforcement officer. His preliminary hearing led to a grand jury certification on May 23, with his trial scheduled for November 4, 2024.
The community and the university have been left to grapple with the aftermath of this violent act, prompting discussions about campus security and the measures needed to protect students and faculty. The incident not only highlights the dangers that campus police officers routinely face but also the broader issues of gun violence and safety in educational settings.
Legal experts suggest that the trials of King and Blount may center on their intentions and actions during the incident, potentially influencing future protocols on university campuses regarding security and law enforcement engagement.
As the court dates approach, the VSicitizens and the university community alike are closely watching the developments, hoping for justice for Officer Foster and seeking reassurances for their safety in the wake of this unsettling event. The outcomes of these trials might not only bring closure to this particular case but also contribute to the ongoing national conversation about law enforcement safety and gun control.