Newport News man sought in murder of security guard in York County

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WAVY News Staff – YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A Newport News man is being sought by York County deputies for the overnight shooting death of a security guard at a tent event.

Authorities say 42-year-old Richard Irvin was shot and killed early Thursday morning off of George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17).

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"For something like this to happen in York County is pretty rare," Lt. Dennis Ivey of the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said.

The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office says Coleston Ryan Lewis, 26, is wanted on charges of murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Lieutenant Ivey, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, says Irvin was escorting Lewis from a tent event at the County Grill when he was shot and killed by Lewis.

Authorities say Lewis ran across the street past Rip's store shortly after the shooting.

Ivey confirmed Thursday afternoon that a second security guard who was not shot in the incident fired a weapon at Lewis. The security guard did not hit Lewis in the exchange, but hit a window at Rip's store.

"We have investigators out here working hard," Lt. Ivey said.

Workers at a nearby Royal Farms gas station told WAVY.com deputies put the store on lockdown Thursday during the investigation.

All lanes of the George Washington Memorial Highway were shut down from Coventry Boulevard to the Newport News line while deputies searched for Lewis. VDOT has since reported that Route 17 has reopened in that area.

A candlelit vigil will be held Friday to honor Irvin at 7 p.m. at the County Grill, located at 1215 George Washington Memorial Highway. Those who wish to attend are asked to bring a candle or light.

Call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP if you have any information on Lewis.