Danville police say man shot, killed during reported burglary

DANVILLE — Danville police say a man was shot and killed during a reported burglary late Friday night on Wooding Avenue.

Danville police received a call at 11:27 p.m. of a burglary in progress at 247 Wooding Avenue, according to a news release from the Danville Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound lying near the building. The man, 42-year old Richard Totherow, was transported to Danville Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A male resident of an apartment building told police he was asleep with his girlfriend and 6-month-old child when the sound of breaking glass woke him.

The resident picked up a firearm, went into the living area and saw an intruder, according to the release.

Police say both the resident and Totherow ran from the apartment, when the resident fired a shot at Totherow.

The resident identified Totherow and told police Totherow was his neighbor.

It is unknown at this time whether the resident knew Totherow was the intruder at the time of the burglary, or was only able to identify him after the shooting.

“At what point he knew (Totherow’s identity) is uncertain,” Cpl. R. Chivvis said.

The case remains under investigation, Chivvis said.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Danville Crime Stoppers at (434) 793-0000 or . Information given will remain confidential.

Residents who contact Crime Stoppers by telephone may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.