Eyeglasses, Smashed Glass, and Community Support: Tom Kirkland Opticians Robbery

Early Monday morning, three suspects attempted to rob Tom Kirkland Opticians in Richmond. Around 1 a.m., the suspects used a stolen Honda Accord to smash through the business’s front door and crashed into it multiple times, attempting to enter the store. However, they fled the scene before the police arrived.

Tom Kirkland, owner of the eyeglass business, has been working tirelessly since the incident occurred to clean up the mess and secure his store. Despite not having much sleep or food, he remains positive and determined to reopen his store. He has been operating on North 8th Street since the 1980s and has received support from both the city and community members who have stopped by to take pictures and check on his well-being.

Kirkland hopes to reopen his store in the next few weeks and encourages anyone who visits to leave a positive message on the message wall he plans to create. He wants individuals to write positive messages for the City of Richmond as a show of support for those affected by this incident.

If anyone has information about the incident or suspects’ whereabouts, they are urged to contact Richmond Police Department at 804-646-6820.