A Ridgeway man has been charged in connection with an alleged armed domestic disturbance on Spet. 18 at 779 Wright Road in Ridgeway, according to a release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident involved a man allegedly brandishing a firearm and threatening his wife, Jeanie Hawks Smith, and her brother, Jimmy Hawks.
According to the release, an altercation escalated when a firearm was retrieved and fired in the direction of the two victims, preventing them from leaving the room. Jeanie Smith’s cell phone was demanded; she was allegedly threatened to be shot if she refused. After about 30 minutes, Jeanie Smith and her brother were able to leave the home and contact law enforcement.
Deputies and investigators responded to the scene, where Richard John Smith was taken into custody without incident. He is charged with shooting, stabbing with intent to maim or kill, abduction and kidnapping, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and robbery in connection with the incident.
He is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest, with the reward amount based on the nature of the crime and the details provided.
