Richmond Police: 'Hero Citizen' Thwarted July 4 Shooting Plot

Updated with more details on the alleged plot.

Police in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday said a mass shooting was planned for their city on July 4, but that they fielded a tip that allowed them to thwart the plot. In an afternoon press conference, Police Chief Gerald Smith said a "hero citizen" on Friday alerted the department to the plot after overhearing a conversation that referenced it, reports the Times-Dispatch. Smith said that tip allowed authorities to thwart a mass shooting at the Dogwood Dell, a 2,400-seat amphitheater in the city's Byrd Park.

Local police and Homeland Security officers investigated and ended up at a residence near the 1000 block of Columbia Avenue on July 1. Officers seized two assault rifles, a hand gun, and 233 rounds of ammunition from a residence where Smith said those items were in plain view, reports the AP. Two arrests have since been made. WAVY identifies those arrested as Julio Alvarado-Dubon, 52, and Rolman Balacarcel, 38. They have been charged with possessing a firearm as a non-US citizen. More charges are possible. (More Richmond stories.)