104th Graduation at Training Academy

The 104th Basic Recruit Class Graduation scheduled for 10 a.m. today has been moved to the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

The graduation was to be held at Virginia Union University’s Coburn Hall. That facility does not have power this morning.

The graduation remains open to the public. However, seating will be limited.

Arrest Made in Belvidere Homicide

Richmond Police has made an arrest in the murder of William O. Ennis III, which occurred on July 18 in the 400 block of Belvidere Street.

James R. Taylor Jr., 18, of the 1300 block of St. John Street was arrested July 28. Taylor has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Numerous tips from citizens led investigators to the identity of Taylor. Richmond Police further determined the shooting was not random and that Ennis apparently was not the intended target of Taylor.

Richmond Police would like to thank the members of the community who provided valuable information that resulted in the arrest of Taylor.

The investigation remains active. Richmond Police asks that anyone with any additional information contact Detective Joe Fultz at 646-3929.

National Night Out Kicks Off with Day Event Saturday

WHAT:

National Night Out Kickoff

WHEN:

Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31

WHERE:

Target store, 7107 Forest Hill Ave.

BACKGROUND:

Richmond Police and Target invite the public to attend a free crime prevention festival as a prelude to Tuesday, Aug. 3, the official National Night Out.

Richmond Police will provide crime prevention information, giveaways and fingerprint identification kits for children accompanied by a parent.

Target will provide food, fun and a family-friendly atmosphere.

This year marks the 27th annual celebration of National Night Out, when communities across the country come together to give crime a going-away party.

In addition, citizens and neighborhood groups may still register their National Night Out event for National Town Watch recognition by contacting the Richmond Police Community Care Unit at 646-4395.

For a list of scheduled National Night Out events in Richmond, visit www.richmondgov.com/Police/NNO2010.aspx.

RPD Arrest 2 in Forest Hill, Bryan Park Graffiti Cases

After an in-depth investigation by Richmond Police, Henrico Police and the FBI, two men have been arrested and charged with vandalism in connection with the spraying of anti-Semitic and racist graffiti in Forest Hill Park, Bryan Park and the Bellevue area last year.

Jonathan Edward Feldman, of Richmond, is charged with felony destruction of property. Andrew Bryant Souser, 22, of the 1700 block of Elmsmere Avenue, is charged with two felony counts of destruction of property and 17 misdemeanor counts of destruction of property.

“Investigators worked hard on this case following up on leads that led us to these men,” Special Events Division Commander Michael Shamus said. “If it weren’t for the partnerships between Richmond, Henrico and the FBI as well as community tips and a thorough follow-up, the case would not have had such a positive outcome.”

Similar charges are also pending against both men in Henrico County.

Below are photos of Souser and some of the graffiti.

Richmond Police Welcomes 19 New Officers

Four of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces are represented in the Richmond Police Department’s 104th Basic Recruit Class: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

For most, as the old recruiting commercial used to say, their military experience was “a great place to start.” But now they’re looking for an even greater finish for their careers through law enforcement.

“I want to help people when they really need help and remove people from society when they endanger the innocent,” said Andre Guevara, who was part of the Army’s Infantry and served in Iraq.

He and his 18 fellow recruits will do just that after they are commissioned as Richmond Police officers 10 a.m. Friday, July 30, at Virginia Union University’s Coburn Hall, 1500 N. Lombardy St. Keynote speaker for the graduation, which is open to the public, will be Byron C. Marshall, chief administrative officer for the City of Richmond.

Some of the recruits bring policing experience with them from their service to their country. “I was law enforcement in the military and wanted to continue helping my community,” said Paul Campbell, who was part of the Air Force Security Forces. This falls in line with the Richmond Police community policing philosophy of putting officers in touch with the residents to better help the officers help them and building community partnerships.

Those with military experience also cite camaraderie as the key that drew them to policing. “I want the feeling of brotherhood I experienced in the Marine Corps. There’s nothing like it,” said Christopher Shore, who did two tours of duty in Iraq. “As officers, we know someone will always have our back.”

After 28 weeks of training at the Department’s Academy, the recruits are now ready to join the ranks of Richmond Police. They will immediately begin patrols with a field training officer for the next eight weeks.

Chief Bryan T. Norwood and Richmond Police congratulate and welcome:

· Paul Campbell of Newport News
· Thomasina Cunningham of the Eastern Shore
· Michael Early of Richmond
· Farrhard El-Amin of King William
· Andre Guevara of Queens, N.Y.
· Keir Hinton of Norfolk
· Bradley Hirst of Gloucester City, N.J.
· Robert Knight of Charleston, S.C.
· Kevin Knudsen of Richmond
· LaTosha Lewis of Virginia Beach
· Jonathan Nathanson of Reston
· Andrew Nicholson of Centreville
· Willie O’Neil of Richmond
· Joachin Okonkwo of Washington, D.C.
· Doran Preston of Richmond
· Jason Pritchard of Mechanicsville
· Julio Rodriguez of Richmond
· Christopher Shore of Farmington, N.C.
· Philippa Vaughan of Richmond

Vehicle in Murder Investigation Located

Richmond Police has located the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Tameka Claiborne.

The vehicle was found this afternoon in the 1600 block of Autumn Drive in Hopewell, Va.

Richmond Police would like to thank the Hopewell community, Hopewell and Waverly Police Departments and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating the vehicle.

Anyone with additional information about this case should call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or they may speak directly to Richmond Police Detective Mark Williams at (804) 513-0955.

Body of Missing Woman Identified

Richmond Police, with the state medical examiner’s office, has identified the body found yesterday in Charles City County as Tameka Claiborne.

Claiborne, 27, had been missing since Tuesday. Her death is being investigated as a murder.

Richmond Police is still looking for a gold 2006 Chevrolet Malibu with Virginia license plate number XTU-2530 as part of this investigation.

Anyone with additional information about this case should call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or they may speak directly to Richmond Police Detective Mark Williams at (804) 513-0955.

Missing Person Update

Richmond Police are investigating a possible connection between a body found today in Charles City County and a city woman who went missing earlier this week, 27 year old Tameka Claiborne.

This morning, a passerby discovered the body of a woman off Route 5 in Charles City County near Herring’s Creek along the James River. The Medical Examiner will make a positive identification and determine the exact cause of death.

Richmond Police are also working closely with the Virginia State Police, the Charles City County Sheriff’s Office, the Hopewell Police Department and the Chesterfield Police Department on the investigation.

Earlier in the day, a person of interest in Claiborne’s disappearance,

Michael Solomon, 28, surrendered to Richmond Police. He and his

attorney arrived at police headquarters at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Solomon is being held in the Richmond City Jail on two prior charges

not directly related to the investigation.

Anyone who may spot Solomon's vehicle, a 2006 gold Chevy Malibu

with VA license XTU-2530 (similar to the one in the photo)

should call police.

Wachovia Bank Robbery Suspect Sought

Richmond Police need the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed the Wachovia Bank at 4901 W. Broad St. on Saturday.

The man, described as a black male, 45-60 years of age, 5’8”-5’10”, medium build, is pictured in the below surveillance photos.

At approximately 11:55 a.m., he entered the bank, displayed a weapon to the teller while passing a note demanding money. He left the bank, crossed Broad Street and left the scene in a brown or dark green Dodge or Chrysler minivan.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Four Sought in Pine Street Robbery

Fourth Precinct investigators need the public’s help to identify four people of interest in connection with a violent robbery of a 60-year-old woman Wednesday afternoon.

The three males and one female being sought are pictured in the below photos.

The victim was walking in the 100 block of Pine Street at approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when two males pushed her to the ground and yanked off her purse.

The two males were last seen getting into a dark SUV, possibly a black Chevy Tahoe or black Yukon, and driving away.

The first suspect is described as a Latino male in his 20’s, weighing about 180 pounds, approximately 6’0” with short hair and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a navy blue shirt, tan shorts and tennis shoes.

The second suspect is described as a Latino male, age 20 to 21, approximately 5’9,” and weighing between 165 and 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

If anyone has any information to identify these individuals, please call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or Detective A. Sleem at 646-2925.

35th Street Homicide

Hours before a vigil for Keith W. Bates, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force just found and arrested Elsumakeal M. Lamar, 29, for the murder of Bates.

Bates was found shot to death on the sidewalk in the 700 block of North 35^th Street early Sunday morning. Lamar was also wanted for aggravated assault, use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the shooting of a second victim at the same scene.

The Richmond Police Department would like to thank the community for sharing information with investigators.

A mugshot of Lamar will be released when it’s available.

Updated Belvidere Homicide

Thanks to the appeal by Richmond Police investigators and response from the community, investigators have received more detailed information about suspects wanted in connection with the Sunday homicide on Belvidere Street.

William O. Ennis, III, 29, of Ashland, was shot and killed while driving a vehicle on Belvidere Street just after 10 p.m. Sunday.

With the help of the community, investigators now have these more detailed suspect descriptions:

Suspect one is described as a black male, 18 to 25 years of age, approximately 5’9” tall with a medium brown complexion and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and dark-colored shorts.

Suspect two is described as a black male, 18 to 25 years of age, approximately 5’9” with dark skin. He was last seen wearing a reddish-colored t-shirt and dark shorts.

Suspect three is described as a black male, approximately 5’11” with dark skin. He was last seen wearing dark-colored shorts and white crew socks.

Investigators know there are several other people who saw what happened that night. They urge them to come forward either anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or by calling the department’s Tipline at 514-TIPS (8477) to speak to a detective.

Person of Interest in Missing Person Case

Investigators from Richmond Police and Chesterfield County Police are looking for Michael Solomon.

Solomon, 28, of Hopewell has been identified as a person of interest in the disappearance of Tameka Claiborne. Solomon drives a gold 2006 Chevrolet Malibu with Virginia license plate number XTU-2530.

Claiborne, 27, is the mother of a 2-year-old who was found abandoned in Chesterfield County. She disappeared yesterday under suspicious circumstances from her apartment in the 700 block of Blandy Avenue in Richmond. Richmond Police responded to her address with Chesterfield Police investigators. Officers are concerned for Claiborne’s safety and believe she may be in danger.

Anyone with information about Michael Solomon or Tameka Claiborne’s whereabouts should call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or they may speak directly to Richmond Police Detective Mark Williams at (804) 513-0955.

Missing Person - Tameka Claiborne

Richmond Police is asking for the public’s assistance to help find the mother of a 2-year-old who was found abandoned in Chesterfield County.

The mother, Tameka Claiborne, 27, disappeared yesterday under suspicious circumstances from her apartment in the 700 block of Blandy Avenue in Richmond. Richmond Police responded to her address with Chesterfield Police investigators. Officers are concerned for Claiborne’s safety and she may be in danger.

Anyone with information about Claiborne’s whereabouts should call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or they may speak directly to Richmond Police Detective Mark Williams at (804) 513-0955.

Altria Shows Altruism with 'Shop with a Cop' Donation

The first day of school may be well over more than a month away, but Altria Group Inc. is making sure backpacks are packed and ready for more than 700 children in the Richmond area through the YMCA of Greater Richmond’s Bright Beginnings program.

About 100 of those backpacks will go to the Shop with a Cop cause – the YMCA’s partnership with Richmond Police and the Richmond Sheriff’s Office that pairs a member of law enforcement with a child for back-to-school shopping.

Altria employees will fill the backpacks with school supplies 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 22, at the company’s corporate headquarters, 6603 W. Broad St. A Richmond Police officer will be available at this time to discuss the Department’s participation with Shop with a Cop and to thank Altria as a community partner. Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Each year, Richmond Police partners with the YMCA to provide volunteers to take young people shopping at a local store. The shopping trip is sponsored by Altria Group Inc. Richmond Police officers pick up the children from their homes, take them to the store, help them shop and make sure they return home safely – ready to start the school year off right.

Belvidere Street Homicide - Appeal for Witnesses

Richmond Police investigators are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward in the shooting death of William O. Ennis, III, 29, of Ashland. Ennis was shot and killed while driving a vehicle on Belvidere Street last Sunday night.

After interviewing several witnesses, investigators believe Ennis was not the intended target of the shooter. They have determined the shooting was not random – the gunman had apparently selected a target - but that Ennis unknowingly drove his vehicle into the line of fire and was struck.

Investigators know that there are several other people who saw what happened that night. They urge them to come forward either anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or by calling the department’s Tipline at 514-TIPS (8477) to speak to a detective.

Jennie Scher Road Homicide

Richmond Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man inside a residence on Jennie Scher Road this morning.

Just before 2:30 a.m. today, officers responded to an apartment in the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road and found Shamarl O. Whittaker, 22, also of the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road, suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are following up on several strong leads based on information from the community, but ask anyone with any information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Two Employees To Receive Chief’s Citation at Ceremony

McGruff the Crime Dog-- He’s one of the most recognizable faces to citizens everywhere.

Yet his real face is that of Cynthia Kerns, a Richmond Police property and evidence technician who volunteers on weekends, evenings and even in 100-degree heat to wear the suit that brings joy to many.

Tomorrow, she will receive one of the Department’s highest honors—the Chief’s Citation—for her efforts.

Officer Ron May will also receive this honor for his decade of work encouraging city children through music. Chief Bryan T. Norwood will also bestow the prestigious Police Medal to five officers who risked their lives to capture a homicide suspect.

These awards and more for citizens and officers will be presented during the Department’s Quarterly Awards Ceremony at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, July 20, at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1201 W. Graham Road.

“We like to take this opportunity to thank our officers and our citizens for all they do,” Chief Norwood said. “We want our officers and citizens to know that we appreciate all the hard work that makes this city and this community safer for all of us.”

Belvidere Homicide/3 Suspects Sought

A male who was shot last night while driving his vehicle near Belvidere and Marshall streets has died.

William O. Ennis III, 29, of Ashland, was taken to VCU Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators need the community’s help in identifying three possible suspects who were on the corner of Belvidere and Marshall streets at the time of the shooting.

The first suspect is described as a black male with a low haircut who was last seen wearing a white and black checkerboard shirt and dark blue jean shorts.

The second suspect is described as a black male who was last seen wearing a dark shirt and dark pants.

The third suspect is described as a black male who was last seen wearing dark clothing.

Investigators discovered Ennis after receiving a call for random gunfire just after 10 p.m. in the 500 block of Chamberlayne Avenue.

Police ask anyone who was walking or driving in the area and may have information about these suspects or this incident to call the Department’s Tipline at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Suspect Sought

Richmond Police need the public’s help in finding a man believed to be a person of interest in this morning’s homicide.

Elsumakeal M. Lamar, 29, of the 700 block of North 35th Street, is also wanted for aggravated assault, use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the shooting of a second victim at the scene. Police believe he is connected to this morning’s incident in the 700 block of North 35th Street.

Anyone with any information on Lamar’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Victim Identified in North 35th Street Homicide

Richmond Police have identified the victim in this morning’s homicide in the 700 block of North 35th Street as Keith W. Bates, 47, of the 700 block of North 35th Street.

Police are still in the early stages of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

35th Street Death Investigation

At 12:38 a.m. the Richmond Police Department was called to the 700 block of North 35th Street for the report of shots fired. Officers found a male dead from a gunshot wound. A second male was also found suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to VCU Medical Center with injuries that are considered life threatening.

Police are still in the early stages of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Wood Street Homicide

Richmond Police have identified the man found shot to death this morning as William A. Charity Jr., 46.

At approximately 7:54 a.m. today, Richmond Police received a call for a person shot inside the residence of 2408 Wood Street. When they arrived, they found Charity dead inside his home.

Investigators do not believe this was a random incident and are following up on several strong leads based upon strong community support.

Investigators ask anyone with any information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Semmes Fatal Accident

Just before 10 a.m. today, a Richmond Police officer drove upon the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident in the 1400 block of Semmes Avenue near Cowardin Avenue.

Winston C. Mitchell, 38, of the 6000 block of Seaman Road, was taken to VCU Medical Center where he died of his injuries.

Crash Team investigators have determined that Mitchell lost control of the motorcycle he was driving and crashed.

Neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors in this accident. The investigation is ongoing.

Broad Rock Neighborhood Walk Through

Chief Bryan T. Norwood will lead his Command Staff and sector officers in a community walk through in the Broad Rock neighborhood tonight.

Officers will be focusing on violent crime prevention and quality of life issues as they speak with residents and business owners to learn about any safety concerns they have and how they can work together to fix them.

The group will meet at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of 3621 E. Broad Rock Road and fan out from there.

The media is encouraged to attend.

Two Arrests in School Bus Incident

Richmond police officers have arrested two people in connection with an incident earlier this week in which a child was left on a Richmond Public School bus.

Irene Jenkins, 60, Richmond and Alvin Matthews, 43, Hopewell surrendered voluntarily to officers Thursday, July 8th. They were each charged with one count of child endangerment, a felony.

These arrests follow an investigation that was begun by police officers immediately after the incident was reported. It was conducted in cooperation with the Richmond School District and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

Bank Robbery Arrest

It took just three minutes this morning for Richmond Police to find and arrest a man who robbed a bank on East Belt Boulevard.

According to bank tellers, the robber entered the BB&T at 200 E. Belt Blvd. at approximately 9 a.m. and passed a teller a note demanding money. He did not display a weapon.

With the assistance of citizens who spotted the man running and trying to scale a fence, officers quickly caught the robber.

Joseph L. Gilliam, 24, of Chester, will be charged with bank robbery. He’s also suspected of robbing the Virginia Credit Union, 720 E. Broad St., yesterday morning.

A mugshot of Gilliam will likely be released tomorrow after investigators have had time to meet with witnesses.

Drowning Victim Identified

Richmond Police have identified the woman who drowned yesterday in the James River as Portia B. Smith, 40, of the 5400 block of Hackney Road in Richmond.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., police and fire units were called to Fifth and Tredegar streets for the report of a missing woman in the river. The Richmond Fire Department’s river rescue team quickly located Smith and brought her to shore. Emergency responders from the Richmond Ambulance Authority attempted to resuscitate Smith at the scene but were unsuccessful.

Persons of Interest Sought in Fan Robbery

Richmond Police is asking for the public’s help identifying a man and a woman who are persons of interest in the June 23 robbery of two people in The Fan.

The man and the woman were seen in a local convenience store shortly after the robbery. Photos are shown below of the man and woman from the store surveillance cameras.

Two females were robbed at gunpoint around 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, in the 1400 block of West Main Street. Among the items taken during the robbery was a credit card that was used at an ATM at the convenience store where the persons of interest were seen.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the man and the woman who are persons of interest in the Main Street robbery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

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Virginia Credit Union Bank Robbery

Richmond Police need the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed the Virginia Credit Union at 720 E. Broad St. this morning.

The man, described as a black male in his mid-20’s, is pictured in the below surveillance photos.

At approximately 9:10 a.m., he entered the credit union and passed the teller a note demanding money. He did not display a weapon and was last seen leaving the scene on foot.

Because of the good surveillance images and speedy patrol officers’ response, Richmond Police are following up on several strong leads. Investigators also appreciate the assistance of the Virginia Capitol Police this morning.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Time to Give Crime a Going-Away Party

It’s that time of year again – Time to plan to give crime a going-away party on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

That’s when Richmond and communities across the country will celebrate the 27th Annual National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

Richmond Police and Target stores will join forces for a National Night Out kickoff event the weekend before the big night out from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at the city’s Target, 7107 Forest Hill Ave. Officers will be on hand with crime prevention materials and children’s fingerprinting ID kits. The festive atmosphere also will include free food.

In preparation for National Night Out, Richmond Police is asking all residents and neighborhood associations to take an active part in this year’s event. The Department encourages groups to host everything from block parties to cookouts or ice cream socials from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3. Individuals unable to attend a community event can participate by simply turning on their porch lights.

“This really is our big night out,” said Community Youth, and Intervention Services Division Captain Sybil El-Amin. “And by our, I mean the Richmond community. Richmond Police can’t fight crime alone. Our success, in large part, is due to the active role the residents have taken in helping us help them. We’ll celebrate that success on Aug. 3rd.”

The deadline to register an event to have a Richmond Police officer stop by on National Night Out is Friday, July 23. The official National Night Out registration deadline is Friday, July 30. To register your National Night Out event, visit our Web site, www.richmondgov.com/police, or call the Community Care Unit at 646-4395.

Jefferson Davis Highway Shooting

Richmond Police have a teenage male in custody in connection with the accidental shooting of a female he knew this afternoon on Jefferson Davis Highway.

The shooting happened at 12:49 p.m. and officers were on scene at 12:51 p.m. in the 3200 block of Jefferson Davis Highway.

The victim was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The teen has initially been charged with misdemeanor reckless handling of a firearm, misdemeanor minor in possession of a firearm and felony unlawful discharging of a firearm in a vehicle. Additional charges may be are pending.

Thanks to officers’ quick response and regular patrol in the area, the teen was quickly caught and the victim was rushed to the hospital.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Midyear Crime Stats Show 2 Percent Rise

As Richmond Police analyze the midyear crime statistics, overall crime is up slightly –2 percent to be specific.

Violent crime is down 1 percent led by our homicide rate, which is at a historic low. We’ve had a 30 percent decrease in homicides compared to this same time period last year. To boot, we’ve solved 74 percent –or 14 of 19 cases--of homicides in 2010. That’s well above the clearance rate for many cities our size.

Our aggravated assaults –which comprise shootings, stabbings and an assault where the skin is broken—are down 7 percent. Robberies of individuals are also down 2 percent.

Though business robberies are up 5 percent, we are working on several different strategies to address that problem.

Property crimes are up 3 percent overall led by a 4 percent increase in larcenies. However, we’re glad to see a decrease in thefts from motor vehicle. Those thefts are down 9 percent, thanks in large part to citizens taking their valuables out of their cars and locking their vehicles.

As we statistically complete the first half of this year, there are positive trends that benefit the city of Richmond.

Working off of those trends, continuing to build relationships within our neighborhoods, maintaining strong clearance rates to reduce recidivism, professional relationship with our commonwealth’s attorney, we feel we’ve positioned ourselves to respond to and, at the same time, be proactive in solving public safety concerns in the city.

“To us, each crime number has a victim, has a suspect, has a story behind it. Both have families and our goal is to have fewer crime victims. We’re more interested in that than crime numbers,” Assistant Chief Dave McCoy said.

Chief Bryan T. Norwood -- Midyear 2010