On August 20, 2025, the Richmond Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant at an apartment in the City of Richmond. Sgt. Glenn Gohlke was the shield operator and Sgt. Shane Watson was directly behind him in the stack.
While knocking and announcing, the first suspect opened the front door and surrendered. As the first suspect moved away from the door, Sgt. Gohlke and Sgt. Watson moved to the open doorway to keep the door from closing, to protect the team, and the first suspect.
As they scanned the interior, a second suspect opened fire with a fully automatic 9mm. The Safariland® Assault II HZ Level III Shield was hit and stopped the rounds. Sgt. Gohlke was able to reposition and continue using the shield to protect the team and the original suspect from the gunfire.
Both officers have returned to full duty.
We welcome Sergeant Shane Watson as Save #2273 to The Safariland Group Saves Club®.
