Chesterfield County Community Insider Weekly Newsletter

Welcome back to another edition of the Chesterfield County Community Insider!

It's been a busy week around the county, and we've gathered the stories, events, and updates you need to know about all in one place.

This week's edition includes the latest developments in the tragic Gumfork Place shooting, community support efforts for the injured officers, local events, summer opportunities for families, and more.

As always, thank you for being part of this community. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to Chesterfield, I appreciate you spending a few minutes with us each week to stay informed about what's happening close to home.

Let's get caught up on the week together.

— Matt

Hope you enjoy this week's edition!

This week’s biggest story comes from a tragic officer-involved shooting in Chesterfield. Police have identified the suspect as 65-year-old Gary G. Shaw, who allegedly opened fire on responding officers during a domestic disturbance call on Gumfork Place.

Officer Jacob Clark and Officer Jacob Wells were both struck by gunfire and remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Police K9 Knight was also shot during the incident and sadly died from his injuries. Shaw was wounded as well and is currently hospitalized while facing multiple felony charges, including attempted aggravated murder of a police officer, aggravated malicious wounding, killing a police dog, and firearm-related offenses.

The incident has shaken the community, and many residents continue to rally around the injured officers, their families, and the Chesterfield Police Department.

As Chesterfield continues to process the events of the Gumfork Place shooting, support for Officers Jacob Clark and Jacob Wells has poured in from across the community.

According to police, Officer Clark was struck seven times and required an astonishing 71 units of blood during treatment. Officer Wells was struck twice.

Both officers come from law enforcement families and have dedicated years of service to protecting Chesterfield residents. A GoFundMe has been established to help support the officers and their families as they continue their recovery journey.

The outpouring of support serves as a reminder of just how much these officers mean to the community they serve. Residents are encouraged to continue keeping the officers, their families, K9 Knight’s handler, and all first responders involved in their thoughts.

A Chesterfield family is searching for temporary housing after a fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at a home on Cobbs Avenue. Firefighters arrived around 2:40 p.m. to find smoke coming from the residence and flames burning in the attic.

Fortunately, crews were able to get the fire under control in about 30 minutes, preventing the situation from becoming much worse. No injuries were reported, though three people were displaced by the fire, including one person who was inside the home when it started.

The cause remains under investigation by the Chesterfield Fire Marshal’s Office. A big thank-you goes out to Chesterfield Fire and EMS personnel for their quick response and professionalism.

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Good news for local families this summer. Chesterfield County Public Schools will once again provide free breakfasts and lunches for children ages 1 through 18.

Meals will be available at 20 locations throughout the county Monday through Thursday from June 23 through July 17. The program helps ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals while school is out for the summer.

For many families, these meal sites provide an important resource during the break and help reduce food costs while keeping kids healthy and fueled for summer activities.

Members of the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and Police Department recently laced up their running shoes and participated in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.

The event helps raise awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes while bringing law enforcement officers and community members together for a great cause. Residents lined portions of the route to cheer participants on and show their support.

The annual tradition continues to be one of the most uplifting events of the year, highlighting the strong connection between local first responders and the communities they serve.

A story that left many local residents shaking their heads this week involved a puppy discovered inside a pet carrier that had been left in a mailbox.

Thankfully, the dog was found alive and is now safe. Officials say the resident at the address where the carrier was discovered is not the animal’s owner. Richmond Animal Care & Control is now working to identify the puppy and locate whoever abandoned it.

If you recognize the dog or have information about its owner, officials are asking you to contact Richmond Animal Care & Control. While the circumstances are upsetting, many residents are relieved the puppy was found before the situation ended much differently. 🐾

The Park at River City Sportsplex Opening Celebration

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: River City Sportsplex, 13030 Genito Road

Residents are invited to celebrate the opening of the new park amenities at River City Sportsplex. Expect family activities, entertainment, and opportunities to explore the facility.

Juneteenth Jubilee Dessert Party

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Stonebridge Recreation Center, 230 Karl Linn Drive

Celebrate Juneteenth with community members while enjoying desserts, fellowship, and cultural activities honoring African American history and heritage.

Juneteenth Jubilee Cookout

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Mayes-Colbert Ettrick Recreation Center, 20621 Woodpecker Road

Enjoy food, music, community fellowship, and Juneteenth-themed activities celebrating freedom, culture, and local history.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Workshop

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education

Participants can try juggling, balancing, and other circus arts in a welcoming, hands-on workshop led by performers from the renowned Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Registration required.

RVA Environmental Film Festival

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: LaPrade Library

Part of the regional environmental film series, this event features a documentary screening focused on conservation, wildlife, and sustainability, followed by discussion opportunities.

Flying Squirrels Pride Night

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: First pitch at 7:05 PM
Location: CarMax Park

Just minutes from Chesterfield County, the Richmond Flying Squirrels host a Pride Night celebration featuring baseball, themed entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Trio Performance

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education

A one-night-only performance featuring acrobatics, comedy, juggling, vaudeville-style entertainment, and audience participation. Perfect for families and anyone looking for something unique.

Tree Walk: Early Summer

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Lane B. Ramsey Administration Building, 9901 Lori Road, Chesterfield

Join county naturalists for a guided walk highlighting native trees, seasonal blooms, and local ecology. A great outing for nature lovers and photographers.

Weather forecast: Guaranteed to be 100% accurate at least 20% of the time—unless it changes. Expect sunny skies… or rain. But definitely weather. We guarantee some form of that. No refunds!

Note: While the provided forecast gives a general idea of expected weather conditions, it should be treated with caution due to potential inaccuracies in long-term predictions. Checking closer to the date will provide a more reliable forecast.

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Thanks for spending a few minutes with me and staying connected to what's happening around our community.

As always, let's keep Officers Clark and Wells, their families, and everyone affected by this week's tragic events in our thoughts.

If you come across a local story, community event, great photo, or something your neighbors should know about, feel free to send it my way. This newsletter is at its best when it's powered by the people who call Chesterfield home.

Have a great week, stay safe, and I'll see you back here next time.

— Matt

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