Virginia’s first-of-its-kind Animal Law Unit and more state headlines

• The former Fairfax County police sergeant who fatally shot a man accused of shoplifting last year at Tysons Corner Center had previously drawn his gun on two other people suspected of shoplifting, “spurring criticism that he was acting too aggressively and possibly violating department policies.”—Washington Post

• Virginia’s Animal Law Unit, the only team of its kind in the country, is overseeing a major case involving the care of animals at the Natural Bridge Zoo.—Cardinal News

• A murder trial begins this week for the 20-year-old man accused of opening fire outside a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond last year. The defendant’s lawyer has claimed he acted in self-defense.—NBC12

• Richmond election officials are encouraging voters not to mail in their ballots due to ongoing problems with mail delivery in the region.—WRIC

• A Hampton Roads man had to take a $100 Uber ride home after his car was stolen in Richmond.—WAVY