Security guard in Chesterfield found slain
A security guard described as dedicated and thorough was found slain early yesterday in the Chesterfield County apartment complex he protected, killed by a blow to the head.
The body of Damion L. West, 28, was discovered shortly after 4 a.m. near a retention pond at the Ivy Walk Apartments in the 4800 block of Burnt Oak Drive, near the intersection of Iron Bridge Road and Chippenham Parkway, police said.
Officers found West's body after finding his abandoned marked security vehicle near the complex's office, across the road from the pond about 150 feet away.
West was unarmed and had been on duty Wednesday night.
"He worked there on a routine schedule," said John W. Hall, president of American Security Group in Richmond, West's employer.
"Our hours and days of coverage there varied, but he was a permanent officer assigned to that complex."
"The property management there knew him and loved him a lot," added Hall, who said West had been employed about six months. "He was very dedicated and very thorough."
West died of blunt force trauma to the head, said a spokesman for the state medical examiner's office. His death is Chesterfield's first homicide of the year.
Police originally were called to investigate an auto accident, but officers found West's white sport utility vehicle abandoned near the office on Burnt Oak Drive, the only road leading into and out of the complex. The vehicle was "up into the grass area, kind of stopped at the wood line," said Chesterfield police Capt. Terry Patterson.
He said when they didn't find anything immediately, they expanded their search and found the man's body by the retention pond
Members of the Chesterfield Fire & EMS dive team searched the water, but no useful evidence was found.
Patterson said police are exploring several leads. He declined to speculate on a motive. About 10 detectives are working the case.
Police spent much of yesterday at the complex, near the southwestern tip of Falling Creek, and planned to return last night, Patterson said. Police believe West lived in the 6400 block of Lovey Court in Varina.
Hall said his security firm had no idea about what might have happened. "Obviously at this point, our concern and thoughts go to his family," Hall said. "Hopefully Chesterfield will catch those responsible for this tragic event."
Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or
.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Security are always the first responders and the eyes and ears of the public when they’re asleep! Security’s role (both armed and unarmed) is to protect people and property. Yes, they report events, such as calling the fire department when you’re asleep or away, or reporting a flood. But they also help people in need, such as walking or watching people to their cars when it’s dark. Remember there is safety in numbers. What happened to Officer West is tragic. Pray for his family and friends, and pray that CPD will catch those responsible. And the next time you see a security officer working in uniform, thank them for what they do…They deserve it!!
I second what opinion8d said, well put! Like to add that it only takes a second to be suprised and dead. Dialing 911 takes alot longer. And since all the localities have been greedy and are now strapped for money, 911 becomes 411. The 911 operators can’t be “trigger happy” and waste resources. While most do a great job, circumstances make them all ask more questions that take time. And time is money.
Many hire unarmed ‘security’ to give the appearance of protection when really, there is little they can do to stop or prevent a crime. The only value unarmed ‘security guards’ provide is a pair of eyes. Not bashing the people who do this for a living, just that companies have a choice of hiring a guard that can actually guard something, or a person who can do nothing but call for help. It costs more to hire armed guards because of the training, licensing, and yes, the liability of doing so (in the event of an accident or rogue individual and such.) Perhaps if he had been an unarmed ‘guard’ but had a personal weapon in his possession he might be alive right now. Sincerest condolences.
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
ASG, why would you schedule and allow an un-armed man to be in there on an evening or midnight shift? Of course he worked it because he was dedicated and like all of us needs to work. So please tell us ASG why was he there? I will bet every last cent that I have that you dont schedule anymore unarmed people in there will you?? A shame that you learn something that is taught in “security 101” from a man losing his life.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement