Death by Cop 2026
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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 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Portsmouth Police Department officers responded to the 100 block of Commonwealth Avenue after receiving reports of a domestic assault. Investigators determined Robert E. Nicholson, 38, had assaulted a woman before entering a nearby residence occupied by another individual. Nicholson forced his way inside and held the occupant hostage at knifepoint, prompting a large police response.
Patrol officers established a perimeter around the residence while crisis negotiators attempted to persuade Nicholson to surrender. The hostage remained inside the home throughout the standoff. According to Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins, officers communicated with Nicholson for an extended period and attempted to resolve the incident peacefully before tactical officers were deployed.
Police stated Nicholson eventually emerged from the residence while still armed with a knife and continued to pose an immediate threat to the hostage. Officers fired, striking Nicholson. Tactical officers entered the residence, secured the hostage, and rendered emergency medical aid to Nicholson until Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services personnel arrived. Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene. The hostage was rescued without serious physical injury.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation assumed responsibility for the officer-involved shooting investigation. Investigators processed the residence, documented the domestic assault and hostage scene, collected physical evidence, interviewed officers, the hostage, and civilian witnesses, and reviewed available body-worn camera recordings. The investigation will be presented to the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney upon completion.
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