July 10, 2023
Police
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Chesterfield County Police continue to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 1200 block of Wycliff Court at about 12:49 p.m. on Saturday, July 8.
The suspect who was shot by police has been identified as Charles M. Byers, 34, of the 900 block of Marblethorpe Road.
Through investigation, detectives determined that a relative took Byers to an area hospital for mental health treatment on July 5. On July 6, a temporary detention order was issued for Byers; the order was served by police at the hospital and Byers was admitted to the facility on July 6. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances under which Byers was released from the hospital.
“While it is staffed with remarkable and caring professionals, our country’s mental health infrastructure is shameful,” said Col. Jeffrey S. Katz, Chesterfield County chief of police. “Virginia has made overt strides to address this problem in recent years, but substantive changes must come faster. Lives are at stake. It is stunning that mental health is such a pervasive issue, touching countless lives, in this country, and yet the patients, the practitioners, and the police are hamstrung by an infrastructure that puts profits over people.
“Our mental health system failed Mr. Byers, his family, our community, and my officers. I feel compelled to speak on behalf of their interests and to support the needs of those in crisis, their loved ones, and the professionals who dedicate their lives to aiding people in need,” Col. Katz continued. “No amount of good will is sufficient to overcome the brokenness of an ineffective system. We must do better. Now.”