Two VDOT contractors killed in Route 1 shooting
TL;DR: Two VDOT contractors were killed in a domestic-related shooting at a staging area near Route 1 and Route 288 in Chesterfield County on July 24, 2026.
Quick facts
- Who: Rai'Shon Eugene Delarge, 30, and Philip Avery Wilson, 34, both of Emporia
- What: Two VDOT contractors fatally shot at a VDOT equipment staging area; shooting believed domestic-related, suspect still at large
- When: July 24, 2026, approximately 9:27 a.m.
- Where: VDOT staging area near intersection of Route 1 and Route 288 North
The story
Two VDOT contractors were fatally shot Friday morning at a staging area near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 288 North in Chesterfield County. The victims were identified as Rai'Shon Eugene Delarge, 30, and Philip Avery Wilson, 34, both of Emporia. The shooting occurred at approximately 9:27 a.m. at VDOT property used as an equipment staging area.
One contractor died at the scene; the second died from his injuries Friday afternoon. Both men were working for a company contracted by VDOT, not directly employed by the agency.
Virginia State Police believe the shooting is domestic-related. "The shooter knew at least one of the victims," according to VSP Sergeant Jessica Shehan. During a media briefing, Shehan said "We do have an idea of who it is, so we're working diligently to get that person." As of reporting, no suspect had been apprehended. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
Key players
- Rai'Shon Eugene Delarge: VDOT contractor, victim
- Philip Avery Wilson: VDOT contractor, victim
- Virginia State Police: Investigating agency
Why it matters: The fatal shooting at a VDOT staging area underscores the risks faced by workers in public infrastructure maintenance. The incident disrupted traffic along the heavily-traveled Route 1 corridor during the investigation.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-07-24VDOT contractors shot at Route 1 staging area: At approximately 9:27 a.m., two VDOT contractors shot at a VDOT staging area near Route 1 and Route 288 North; one died at scene, one died from injuries later that afternoon [source]
Related links
Read the original at Google News: Route 288 →
Sources
- 2 VDOT contractors killed in shooting along Route 1, Virginia State Police say
- VSP: 2 VDOT contractors killed in Chesterfield shooting off Route 1
- VSP: 2 VDOT contractors killed in Chesterfield shooting identified
- One dead, another seriously injured after domestic shooting on Route 1 in Chesterfield
- One VDOT contractor killed, one hurt in Chesterfield shooting
- Search Continues for Suspect in Route 1 Killing
- Suspect sought in deaths of 2 VDOT contractors on Route 1