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Why did the Independence Day event at Dogwood Dell go ahead as planned? Stoney, experts say

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – A night of Independence Day celebrations could have turned into a massacre at Dogwood Dell. Fortunately, the tip-off received by the police was not taken lightly.

“This is the outcome we wanted to happen in any active shooter,” said safety expert Mike Jones.

The tip led police to Julio Alvarado-Dubon and Rolman Balacarcel, who they say planned to carry out the attack. Two assault rifles, a handgun and more than 200 rounds of ammunition were seized from a home on Columbia Street in south Richmond.

People living two doors down who spoke to us off-camera questioned why they weren’t warned about their neighbor.

Jones said the notice would only hurt the investigation.

“When information like this comes out and is told 15 different times, all you do is muddy the ‘waters,’ so to speak, and so many rumors become true, and then law enforcement is left with a chase instead of three leads – 300,” Jones said.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney weighed in on why the Dogwood Dell event wasn’t canceled.

“We wanted people to have fun for the Fourth of July. There’s no need for mass hysteria when Richmond police do their part in securing the premises, but also making sure people who could do some harm are off the streets,” Stoney said.

Richmond Parks and Recreation said they were not notified of the plot before Monday’s event.

“If there was a means where the public was truly in danger, and it was credible information of a credible threat. In all likelihood, the event probably would have been cancelled,” Jones said.

Court records for Balacarcel are not yet available, but court records show Alvarado-Dubon has no criminal history and has lived in Richmond for three years with his son.

Richmond police have not yet discovered a motive in this case.

Alvarado-Dubon is being held without bond at the Richmond City Jail. Balacarcel is expected to be arraigned Friday or early next week in Albemarle County.

Count on NBC12 for updates on this developing story.

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