Henry County man charged with shooting and kidnapping after domestic incident

RIDGEWAY, VA (WSET) — A Henry County man is under arrest following a domestic dispute that resulted in a shooting and kidnapping.

The incident occurred on Sept. 18 on Wright Road in Ridgeway. The sheriff's office said there was an argument between Richard John Smith and his wife during which Smith allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened his wife and brother-in-law.

Smith reportedly fired the gun in her direction, preventing her from leaving the room, and allegedly demanded that his wife hand over her cell phone, threatening to shoot her if she refused.

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After about 30 minutes, the wife and brother-in-law were able to leave the house and call the police, according to the sheriff's office.

Smith was taken into custody when officers arrived on the scene. He is facing several charges including: shooting, stabbing with intent to maim, kill, etc., kidnapping and abduction, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, and robbery.

Smith is being held without bail at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 632-7463.