Attempted 2nd Degree Murder Arrest 7-12-15

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

 For Immediate Release

On Sunday, July 12^th, at approximately 10:42 p.m., Abingdon Police officers responded to the 100 block of A Street in reference to an assault of an unknown nature. Upon arrival, officers observed a person matching the suspect description walking at the intersection of A Street and Court Street.

Responding officers approached the suspect on foot and noted that the suspect’s demeanor was combative.  Officers instructed the suspect raise his arms and show his hands. He did so briefly; however, upon being asked to step down to street level and go down to his knees the suspect became agitated and lowered his hands toward a heavily loaded white shopping bag at his side. After several requests to comply, officers took physical control of the suspect in order to secure him in hand cuffs. The suspect was identified as Keith A. Robinson, 33, of 241 Highland Street, Abingdon.

Further investigation revealed that Robinson assaulted the victim, Mary Ross, with a knife. Ross, 54 YOA, stated Robinson, wanted to go for a walk around 10:30 p.m. She said they walked to the Virginia Creeper Trail where he suddenly grabbed her hair and pulled her neck back in an attempt to cut her throat. Ross was able to fight and escape from Robinson and call 9-1-1.  Ross was treated for injuries by the Washington County Life-Saving Crew.

Robinson was charged with one count of Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder, in violation of § 18.2-32 of the code of Virginia; two counts of Assault and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, in violation of § 18.2-57 of the code of Virginia; and one count of Obstructing Justice, in violation of § 18.2-460 of the code of Virginia. Robinson is being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. 

###