This Day in Henrico History: Sept. 14 – An armed hostage crisis unfolds on West Broad Street

On Sept. 14, 1988, an armed 20-year-old Henrico resident took nine military personnel and two civilians hostage at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Tuckernuck Square Shopping Center on West Broad Street.

The incident began at about 9:15 a.m. The gunman, armed with an AK-47 rifle and a handgun, prompted police to evacuate nearby stores and clear the shopping center parking lot.

After several hours of telephone negotiations led by Henrico Police Sgt. Neil Bero, the gunman released the hostages one at a time before surrendering shortly before 2 p.m. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

The gunman said he wanted to call attention to the situation in Lebanon and requested that a statement calling for peace there be broadcast by local radio stations. Henrico Police reported that about 30 of its officers responded, along with FBI and Virginia State Police personnel.

Sources: Henrico County Police Division historical records; reporting by The Washington Post.