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Robert E. Nicholson

Age : 38

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 07/06/2026

Location : 3500 block of Commonwealth Avenue

City : Portsmouth

County : Portsmouth

State : Virginia

Agency : Portsmouth Police Department

Officer(s) :Not disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during hostage incident

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 07/06/2026, Portsmouth Police Department officers responded to a reported domestic assault near the intersection of Pullman Avenue and Turnpike Road after Robert E. Nicholson, 38, allegedly struck a woman with an SUV. Nicholson continued driving, and officers pursued him to a residence in the 3500 block of Commonwealth Avenue. After entering the residence, Nicholson threatened his own life with a knife before taking his roommate hostage at knifepoint. Officers attempted to negotiate with Nicholson for several minutes, but he continued threatening the hostage's life. An officer then fired, striking Nicholson. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the hostage was rescued without physical injury. The Virginia State Police are conducting the investigation, and the officer who fired the fatal shot has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/portsmouth/police-operation-underway-on-commonwealth-avenue-in-portsmouth/
https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/portsmouth/suspect-shot-and-killed-by-portsmouth-police-was-holding-roommate-hostage-neighbors-say