🌱 Shooting Suspect's Name Released + New Civic Engagement Director

Hello all. Sean Peek here with your Wednesday edition of the Harrisonburg Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 74 Low: 47.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and comfortable. High: 79 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. The name of the suspect in the officer-involved shooting in Harrisonburg has been released. Thirty-year-old Oliverio Patricio Garcia has been identified as the suspect who abducted a female victim and fired a shot from inside a vehicle. The Harrisonburg Police Department said he was ordered to drop the handgun and didn’t, leading to an officer shooting into Oliverio’s car. Marsha Garst, the Commonwealth’s Attorney of Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg said a number of charges have been placed on Garcia. This is all the information that has been released at this time. (WHSV)
2. One Harrisonburg couple welcomed a baby despite struggles with cystic fibrosis. Michaela and Kevin Blosser had longed to be parents but weren’t sure if it would be possible until they found out that In Vitro Fertilization could give them a chance without passing the genetic disease to their baby. Michaela said they started off with 13 eggs and it dwindled down to just one viable one. Hettson (Hetti) was born healthy on Jan. 1. (WHSV)
3. James Madison University announced a new director for Civic Engagement at The Madison Center. David Kirkpatrick is an accomplished scholar and associate professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion and served as interim director of the center for the past year. Kirkpatrick has a deep knowledge of the intersection of politics, religion, and social movements of the Madison Center, and he hopes to bring the resources of the university to advance ongoing work to rebuild trust. (James Madison University)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Harrisonburg:

Wednesday, May 10

• Notebooks At North River Library (10:00 AM)
• LEGO Club At Elkton Community Library, Elkton (4:00 PM)

Thursday, May 11

• Bryan Elijah Smith At Hyatt Place (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don’t miss "Doktor Kaboom, Look Out! Science is Coming!" at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts today, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. Well-known comedian, actor, and mad scientist David Employ will showcase a lineup of science experiments! (Visit Harrisonburg)
• Award-winning singer-songwriter Brian Elijah Smith is performing on May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Place. His music has been compared to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Gregory Alan Isakov. Brian's song "Through The Dark" was featured in Netflix's hit series "Virgin River." (Visit Harrisonburg)
• Harrisonburg’s first-ever "Explore Rocktown Trails" event was a hit! A big shoutout to the Harrisonburg Police Department officers who came for a bike ride. A new Trail Guide can be picked up at the Hardesty Higgins House Visitor Center. (Visit Harrisonburg VA via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.