Community rallies to show support for Richmond detective

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ)- The mood in Richmond this afternoon, as you can imagine, was somber. As the sun began to set though, the police department came alive with a community letting its officers know they’re not alone.

For a few hours Wednesday, Richmond paused. For many, silence reflects shock. Officers huddled together were surrounding Detective Daniel Ellis’ cruiser. It wasn’t long before they themselves, were surrounded with the loving support of the community.

“Well, I think it brings our community together in the sadness and it’s unfortunate sometimes that it draws us together. You know, we respect our police officers so much and they do such a wonderful job and to have things like this happen, just a loss for words,” said Mayor Jim Barnes.

Barnes, as hurt as the rest, was encouraged by the crowd. The night was filled with prayer and well-wishes for what many are referring to as a case of senseless violence.

“I can only imagine the grief, well, the grief, yes that they’re experiencing right now,” said Pastor Robert Blythe.

Ellis’ coworkers were understandably emotional. Gina Lockhart works with evidence. She remembers what it was like hearing the news.

“Schock. I think that was my first thought and then just tears. That’s the way it’s kind of went from that to a little bit of anger, to sadness for his family,” she said.

There is another vigil already scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Mark Catholic Church in Richmond.