Richmond Virginia Security Officer Murdered
RICHMOND, Va. Dec 1 2021
A security officer is dead, and a second person shot after violence broke out overnight at a local restaurant and bar.
Police were called to the shooting at the Thirst Bistro & Bar where the shots rang out.
Shevan Rochester, a security officer who had a passion for keeping people, died doing just that. Rochester has worked security for years throughout Richmond, oftentimes at numerous events, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
The 32-year-old father was gunned down early Sunday morning while on the job at Thirst Bistro & Bar.
Around 4:30 a.m. Richmond Police said they were called to the establishment for a shooting and found several people shot.
Ashely Arties also works security and says she and Rochester have been close for years, sharing that he was affectionately known as ‘Von’ or ‘Jamacia’. The nickname is now etched in purple chalk in front of the place he took his last breath.
“Why him? I mean he’s such a great all-around guy, a family guy,” Arties said.
Rochester died from his injuries and another person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Friends and family are mourning the sudden loss of Rochester, who they called a gentle giant.
“He’s going to be missed by a lot of people,” Arties said. “Sometimes when he’s getting off work or up late, I’ll be strolling on Facebook and see his light on. I’ll send him a message. He always reply back. We be joking and laughing. I could really talk to him.”
Thirst Bistro & Bar posted a tribute to the fallen security guard on social media, reading in part, “We did not lose an employee, we lost a member of our family. Shevan was a genuine person who had a smile that was contagious.”
Rochester’s mother said she has been in contact with an owner and they’re planning to hold a vigil at the establishment on Northumberland Avenue soon.
It’s still unclear if Thirst Bistro & Bar was open for business when shots rang out. According to Virginia ABC, the location has had an active wine, beer, and mixed drink license since June of 2020 and has received three complaints. A spokesperson said two of the complaints were related to COVID-19 violations and one was for selling alcohol to an underage person.
Virginia ABC says, per protocol, they are investigating and have a 48-hour window to determine if the establishment causes a threat to public safety. If they find that to be the case, they could issue a temporary license suspension.
Meanwhile, Richmond Police have not released any information about arrests or suspects. If you know anything about the shooting call RPD or Crime Stoppers at 804- 646- 6733.
