DANVILLE, Va. – LATEST
Authorities say they arrested someone in connection with Melvin Smith’s death.
Police arrested the person on unrelated charges and say they will identify the person when they charge him or her in connection with the homicide.
This investigation is still ongoing.
UPDATE
Danville police have identified the man who was shot and killed on Wednesday morning.
Melvin Wayne Smith, 40, of Danville, was found dead at 6:40 a.m. in the front yard of his house in the 300 block of Summit Road.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, but police said their preliminary investigation has determined that this was not a random act.
“Something like this sends a ripple effect through our community. Whether you live next door or not, it’s tragic," said Lt. Richard Chivvis with the Danville Police Department. "We want to reassure everyone we’re working hard on the case and that this was not a random act. They shouldn’t be afraid to come outside.”
Investigators canvassed the surrounding area and a crime scene unit processed the scene.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the police at 434-793-0000.
Original story
Danville authorities say a man was found dead with gunshot wounds after an incident Wednesday morning.
According to Lt. Chivvis with Danville police, officers responded to a shots fired call just before 7 a.m. near the intersection of Summit Road and Idlewood Terrace.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man with gunshot wounds in the front yard of a home near the intersection. Authorities say they tried to revive the man at the scene but were unsuccessful.
According to police, the suspect is still unknown at this point in this investigation.
Authorities are reportedly working on notifying the victim’s next of kin.
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.