Friday, April 30, 2010

Suspect Arrested in Midlothian Turnpike Homicide


Craig Butler, wanted in connection with this week’s homicide at the Host Inn on Midlothian Turnpike, is in police custody.

Butler, 34, was arrested this afternoon shortly after 3 p.m. without incident by officers in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Richmond Police is working with its law enforcement partners in West Virginia on Butler’s extradition.

With the public’s assistance, Butler was identified as one of two men wanted in connection with the April 28 murder of Brandon Justin-Louis Webb at the Host Inn, 6621 Midlothian Turnpike.

Investigators ask anyone with any information about the other suspect in this homicide to call Detective Michael Gouldman at 512-2950 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Suspect Identified in Host Inn Homicide


Richmond Police have identified one of two men wanted in connection with yesterday’s homicide at the Host Inn at 6621 Midlothian Turnpike.

Brandon Justin-Louis Webb, 24, of the 1400 block of Georgia Avenue, was found shot to death at 10:48 a.m. inside a room of the motel.

With the help of the public, investigators have identified Craig Butler, 34, no fixed address, as the first of two men pictured in the already-released motel surveillance video. Butler is known to frequent motels on Midlothian Turnpike and other locations in Chesterfield and Henrico counties. He may be riding in a dark colored SUV.

Butler should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators ask anyone with any information about Butler or the other suspect in the video to call Detective Michael Gouldman at 512-2950 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Midlothian Homicide Suspect Video

These two suspects are wanted in connection with yesterday’s homicide at the Host Inn at 6621 Midlothian Turnpike.

Brandon Justin-Louis Webb, 24, of the 1400 block of Georgia Avenue, was found shot to death at 10:48 a.m. inside a room of the hotel.

Investigators are searching for the two men, pictured in this video, who were last seen running toward Warwick Road and may have gotten into a dark colored SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer or Ford Escape.

Investigators ask anyone with any information to call Detective Michael Gouldman at 512-2950 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Midlothian Turnpike Homicide

Richmond Police have identified the man shot to death yesterday as Brandon Justin-Louis Webb, 24, of the 1400 block of Georgia Avenue.

Officers received a call for a person shot in a room of the Host Inn at 6621 Midlothian Turnpike yesterday at 10:45 a.m. and arrived on scene at 10:48 a.m.

Investigators are searching for two men who were last seen running toward Warwick Road and may have gotten into a dark colored SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer or Ford Escape.

The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9, weighing 180 pounds, possibly in his 30’s who was last seen wearing all black clothing.

The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9, possibly in his 30’s who was last seen wearing blue jeans.

Investigators ask anyone with any information about this crime to call our Tips line at 514-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Arrest in Police Pursuit


Richmond Police officers traveling north on I-195 from the Downtown Expressway around 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 24, observed a silver BMW traveling at a high rate of speed.

The officers initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled over near the Laburnum Avenue exit. The officers approached the vehicle and asked the driver to exit the vehicle. One of the officers observed the driver was acting nervous. He asked the driver a second time to exit the vehicle, and she sped away, striking the officer who was standing on the passenger side of the vehicle. His injuries were minor.

The Richmond Police officers returned to their patrol car and pursued the car north on I-195 into Henrico County. Officers from Henrico took over the pursuit once it entered their jurisdiction. The pursuit ended when the woman struck another vehicle and tried to flee on foot. She was apprehended by Henrico and Richmond police officers at 7150 W. Broad St.

Chris Lynn Haynes, 29, of the 7500 block of Hudgins Road, was arrested on outstanding in warrants in several jurisdictions and multiple offenses for Saturday’s incident.

Family Dollar Robber Sought

Richmond Police needs the public’s help identifying and locating the man who robbed the Family Dollar at 1720 Williamsburg Road at gunpoint on Friday.

Shortly after 11 a.m. April 23, a man walked up to one of the registers with items as if he were going to make a purchase. He then displayed a gun and demanded the cashier give him money from the cash register. He also ordered the store manager to open the safe.

The robbery suspect is a black male, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He wore dark sunglasses, a black baseball cap with a yellow “P” on it, a black hooded jacket with a yellow design on the front, dark jeans and black-and-white shoes. The suspect also has a tattoo or distinct birthmark under his right eye.

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

Homicide Victim Identified

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of Saturday’s homicide in the 1800 block of East Main Street as Jeremy A. Uzzle, 20, of the 300 block of Beech Road, Petersburg.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives ask anyone with additional information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Department Awards to Recognize Citizens, Officers

One February afternoon, a depressed Richmond woman attempted to kill herself by jumping off the 5th Street Bridge. But five caring strangers wouldn’t let that happen.

Each person worked as a team to hold onto the woman until police and emergency services arrived to pull her to safety. For this, they will each receive a Service to Law Enforcement award.

Several other citizens, from a teenage boy who testified against three violent robbers to a local radio DJ who encouraged her listeners to work with police, will also receive awards as well as many hardworking police officers.

These awards will be presented during the Department’s Quarterly Awards Ceremony at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27, at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

The Department will also recognize the retirement of its veteran chaplain, the Rev. William Gibson. During his 17 years of dedicated service to the Richmond Police Department, he has served our officers as the Department’s chaplain, mentor, instructor and friend.

“We like to take this opportunity to thank our officers and our citizens for all they do,” Chief Bryan T. 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.”

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Motorcycle Crash Victim Identified

Richmond Police have identified the rider of the motorcycle involved in the fatal crash this morning as Thomas U. Johnson, 27, of the 900 block of North 27th Street, Richmond.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the accident. The crash area is extensive along 25th Street and, as a result, it may take some time for the Crash Team to process and complete its investigation.

Police are interviewing witnesses and compiling information in order to make a determination of the cause of the crash.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

East Main Street Death Investigation

At just before 2 a.m. the Richmond Police Department was called to the 1800 block of East Main Street for the report of a shot fired. Officers found an adult male in the parking lot of Have a Nice Day Café suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to VCU Medical Center where he died.

There were many people in the parking lot at that time that may have seen the incident and the Department asks anyone with information to contact police in order to help solve this crime.

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

Fatal Motorcycle Accident

A fatal motorcycle accident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of 25th and M streets in the city’s east end.

The motorcycle rider died at the scene.

The Richmond Police Department Crash Team is investigating the incident. The investigation is in its early stages.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Suspect Wanted in Lucky’s Convenience Store Robbery


The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help identifying and locating the man who robbed the Lucky’s Convenience Store at 418 Cowardin Ave. at gunpoint on April 15.

Around 11 p.m. last Thursday, a man walked into the store with the lower half of his face covered by a sweatshirt. He displayed a gun and demanded a store employee give him money from the cash register.

The robbery suspect is a black male in his 30s, about 6 feet tall and weighing 180 to 190 pounds. He wore dark, possibly denim, clothing and a light brown baseball cap. Photos from store surveillance video accompany this advisory.

Anyone with information about this robbery or the robbery suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Citywide Prostitution Stings Net 31 Arrests

To improve the safety and quality of life for many residents, Richmond Police officers conducted three citywide prostitution stings last week.

As a result, 31 men and women were arrested on several charges, including prostitution, solicitation of a prostitution and narcotics possession.

"We’re responding to complaints from city residents who live or work in the areas where prostitution occurs," Second Precinct Capt. Scott Booth said.

On April 14, those arrested were:

*Regina Brown, 43, of the 2700 block of Pompey Springs Road, was charged with prostitution at Lumpkin & Jefferson Davis Highway
*Leslie Reffo, 27, of the 4100 block of Jefferson Davis Highway, was charged with prostitution at Courtland & Jefferson Davis Highway
*Connie Savage, 42, of the 2500 block of Cole Street, was charged with prostitution at Dale and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Heather Gray, 36, of the 3900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue, was charged with prostitution at North Avenue and Chamberlayne Avenue
*Teresa Chrisley, 30, of the 3600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue, was charged with prostitution at Claremont and Chamberlayne Avenue
*Michelle Michaud, 35, of the 00 block of 1st Street, was charged with prostitution at Hammond and Chamberlayne Avenue

On April 15, those arrested were:

*Brenda Lee Miller, 26, of Chesterfield County, was charged with prostitution at Walmsley Boulevard and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Candace Douglass-Devendorf, 23, of the 4600 block of Jefferson Davis Highway, was charged with prostitution at 4601 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Tammie Hagen-Noey, 45, of Woodbridge, was charged with prostitution at Cofer Road and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Angela Wheelings, 26, of the 1200 block of North 22nd Street, was charged with prostitution at Summerhill and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Krystal Smith, 20, of Chesterfield County, was charged with prostitution at Gordon and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Phillip "Bre" Lee, 33, of the 400 block of German School Crescent, was charged with prostitution at Lamberts and Jefferson Davis Highway
*Terri Neeley, 41, of the 700 block of Sanborn Road, was charged with prostitution at Carnation Street and Midlothian Turnpike
*Markeith Allen, 18, of the 3100 block of Meadowdale Boulevard, was charged with prostitution at 2400 Hull Street
*Sandra Johnson, 47, of the 1500 block of Clarkson Road, was charged with prostitution, identity fraud and probation violation at 3400 Hull Street
*Janice Motto, 48, of the 400 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard, was charged with prostitution and possession of cocaine at North Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard
*Sabrina Mickins, 45, of Henrico County, was charged with prostitution at 2600 North Avenue
*Veronica Smith, 48, of Henrico County, was charged with prostitution at North Avenue and Poe Street
*Dawn Debra Hicks, 26, of the 3200 block of Woodrow Avenue, was charged with two counts of prostitution at 2900 North Avenue
*Donna Chew, 43, of the 3300 block of Hazelhurst Avenue, was charged with prostitution at North Avenue and Hooper Street
*Virginia Gayles, 44, of the 1100 block of Myrtle Street, was charged with prostitution at North Avenue and Poe Street
*Delores Amos, 53, of the 500 block of Milton Street, was charged with prostitution at Walton & Chamberlayne Avenue

On April 16, those arrested were:
*Russell Cox, 51, of the 5700 block of Trafalgar Park, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Ezekiel Marshall, 22, of the 3100 block of Tanners Way, was charged with solicitation of prostitution and possession of marijuana at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Horace Collins, 62, of the 600 block of Arizona Drive, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Rueben Todd, 42, of the 2200 block of Hildrith Street, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Claudio Esparza, 30, of no fixed address, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Eduardo Vera-Pavon, 36, of no fixed address, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*Jeffery Perry, 47, of no fixed address, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*William Hoston, 41, of no fixed address, was charged with solicitation of prostitution at the Southside Motel, 4301 Jefferson Davis Highway
*George Knight, 47, of the 1100 block of St. Paul Street, was charged with solicitation of prostitution and possession of cocaine during a traffic stop in the 4900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway

See the mugshots here: http://www.richmondgov.com/police/ProstitutionArrests.aspx

Monday, April 19, 2010

December Homicide Arrest


Richmond Police investigators have made an arrest in the December homicide of a local rap artist.

Michael R. Mitchell, 30, whose last known address was the 5700 block of Lorivilled Lane, was found shot to death at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2009, inside the Glenncroft Professional Building, 121 Wyck St.

First Precinct Officer Brandon Hill arrested Joseph M. Rodriguez Jr., 21, of the 3900 block of Bridgeton Road, during a routine traffic stop on Saturday. Rodriguez was served with the outstanding warrant for murder in connection with Mitchell’s death.

Daytona Drive Drug Bust

Good work by two Richmond Police officers Friday resulted in the seizure of more than 5 pounds of marijuana, narcotics pills, packaging material, scales, a hand gun and an AK-47 machine gun.

Third Precinct Officers Benjamin Frazer and Blake Letchford were investigating an assault around 11 p.m. Friday when they approached and spoke with an individual at 6601 Daytona Drive.

After doing a protective search of the residence, they found marijuana. The officers then obtained a search warrant and found more drugs, drug-distribution materials and guns inside the residence.

Michael C. McKinney, 55, was arrested at the address and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. More arrests are possible.

Police Community Walk-Through in North Barton Heights

Richmond Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood and his Command Staff will visit the residents and business owners of North Barton Heights this evening in the Chief’s continuing series of community walk-throughs.

Chief Norwood and his staff will join Fourth Precinct officers for a walk covering Edgewood, Griffin, Fendall and Hanes avenues. Each of these streets intersects with a primary gateway for Northside – Brookland Park Boulevard, which also is slated for revitalization as a commercial corridor in Mayor Dwight C. Jones’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2011.

North Barton Heights was one of the first stops for Chief Norwood and his Command Staff when he began the walk-throughs in January 2009. They are returning for an annual checkup to see if progress is continuing on input and suggestions from citizens and business owners made last year.

The community walk-through begins 6 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 2811 Fendall Ave.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Tea Party Closes, Restricts City Streets Tonight

To accommodate the Tea Party event this evening downtown, the Richmond Police Department will close and restrict driving on several city streets from 5:30 p.m. through 9 p.m. today.

Starting at 5:30 p.m.:
• All streets around Kanawha Plaza will have a two-lane restriction zone with the exception of the Manchester Bridge side, which will have a one-lane restriction zone;
• Byrd Street will be closed to through traffic and pedestrian traffic at 7th Street, but federal and Westvaco employees will be allowed to exit from 7th Street onto Byrd Street;
• Canal Street will be closed to through traffic from the Manchester Bridge to 8th Street, but 8th southbound traffic will be allowed to turn westbound and get on the Downtown Expressway via the 7th Street on-ramp;
• 8th Street will be closed for traffic heading south onto the Manchester Bridge. Traffic will be diverted south to Canal Street and turned west at Canal Street;
• Canal Street will be closed to through traffic at 10th Street;
• The straight lane of the 7th Street off ramp of the Downtown Expressway will be closed. Traffic exiting the Downtown Expressway will have to turn left at 7th Street;
• Tredegar Street eastbound will be closed to through traffic at 5th Street;
• Tredegar Street westbound will be closed to through traffic at Haxall Point;
• There will be a one-lane restriction zone on the Manchester Bridge next to the Federal Reserve; and,
• Byrd Street will be closed at 5th Street.

All streets will reopen at approximately 9 p.m.

Street Closings, Parking Restrictions for Duathlon

The National Duathlon Festival comes to Richmond next week, restricting some driving and parking on city streets.

On Saturday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Riverside Drive will be closed from the Lee Bridge to West 22nd Street. On Sunday, April 25, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Riverside Drive will be closed from West 42nd Street to the Lee Bridge for the bicycle race portion of the 2010 Richmond Duathlon.

Additionally, the below streets will also be closed during the stated time periods:

• 2nd Street, from the Lee Bridge to Byrd Street from 4 p.m. Friday, April 23, to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• North 5th Street, from Tredegar Street to Byrd Street from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Spring Street, from Belvidere Street North to South 2nd Street, from 4 p.m. Friday, April 23 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Byrd Street, from South 2nd Street to South 12th Street, from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Canal Street, from South 12th Street to South 14th Street from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Lee Bridge-One Southbound lane, from South 2nd Street southbound access ramp to southbound Riverside Drive exit ramp from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24

• Lee Bridge, from the Northbound side of bridge from Semmes Avenue to Spring Street to include the Riverside Drive access ramp to northbound side of Lee Bridge as well as the South 2nd Street exit ramp from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Manchester Bridge-One southbound lane, from the Byrd/9th Street exit ramp to Semmes Avenue from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Tredegar Street, from the entrance to Dominion Parking Lot to South 12th Street from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Riverside Drive, from the southbound exit ramp of the Lee Bridge to West 22nd Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24

• Riverside Drive, from the Railroad Avenue ramp for the Lee Bridge to West 42nd Street parking lot from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

• Semmes Avenue, from the Manchester Bridge exit ramp to the Lee Bridge/Cowardin Avenue from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25

In addition to the street closings, parking will be prohibited prior to and during the Duathlon on 2nd Street, 5th Street, Spring Street, Byrd Street, Canal Street, Tredegar Street, and Riverside Drive from 22nd Street to the Bridge on Saturday, April 24, and from 42nd Street to the bridge on Sunday, April 25.

Bicyclist Dies After Accident

At approximately 8:10 p.m. Monday, April 12, Richmond Police were called to the intersection of Lombardy Street and Brook Road for an accident involving a bicyclist and an SUV.

Crash Team officers’ investigation revealed that bicyclist Steven L. Smith, 37, of the 3300 block of North Avenue, disregarded the red light as he was traveling northbound on Lombardy Street. As a result, he struck the side of a Suburban heading northbound on Brook Road.

Smith was taken to VCU Medical Center where he died Wednesday, April 14. He was not wearing a helmet. No charges are expected to be filed in this case.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Brookland Parkway Attempted Robber Sought

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help in locating the man who tried to rob three women at gunpoint yesterday afternoon.

Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday, a man entered a residence in the 1200 block of Brookland Parkway through an unlocked door and tried to rob three women inside at gunpoint. He also struck one woman in the head and then ran from the residence, last seen running toward the 2900 block of Northumberland Avenue.

He is described as a black male with a dark complexion and short hair, 20 to 25 years old, approximately 5’8” to 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds to 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, dark blue cargo shorts and white tennis shoes.

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

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Motorcycle - Van Fatality

At 6:18 p.m. Monday, April 12, Richmond Police were called to investigate a collision involving a motorcycle and a van at the intersection of N. 24th and E. Main Streets, Richmond.

A motorcycle, driven by John Raymond Green, Jr., 31, Henrico County was traveling westbound on E. Main St. when it collided with a van traveling northbound on N. 24th St.
The driver of the van had stopped at the stop sign before proceeding into the intersection and into the path of the motorcycle. The speed of the motorcycle was a factor in the accident.

Green was taken to VCU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators are reviewing witness statements and consulting with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office as they consider possible charges.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Pine Crest Avenue Homicide

At 10:19 p.m. Sunday, Richmond Police were called to investigate a shooting at 5005 Pine Crest Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found Christopher J. Mackin, 30 of that address, shot to death inside the residence.

Detectives are investigating several leads at this time, but ask anyone with any information on this crime to call the Richmond Police Tipline at 514-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Overlook Street Homicide


At approximately 8:48 p.m. Friday, Richmond Police were called to the 1400 block of Overlook Street for a report of shots fired.

When officers arrived, they found Christopher A. Johnson, 22, who’s last known address was the 6700 block of Elk Lane, dead in the street from a gunshot wound.

As a result of officers’ quick response and investigation, Brandon L. Spence, 24, of the 1400 block of Overlook Street, was identified as a suspect. He was arrested and charged with murder.

The motive for this homicide appears to be an argument between the pair, who knew each other.

Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips line at 514-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Piney Road Homicide


At approximately 8:28 p.m. Friday, Richmond Police were called to 3934 Piney Road for a report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found William H. Bagley, Jr., 38, of the same address, suffering from a gunshot wound inside the home. He was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries early this morning.

His father, William H. Bagley, Sr., 60, also of the same address on Piney Road, was initially charged with aggravated malicious wounding, but the charges will be upgraded to murder.

The motive for the shooting appears to be an argument between the pair.

Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call the Richmond Police Tipline at 514-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Missing Person Jill Edmonds Found

The remains of a Richmond woman, Jill L. Edmonds, 40, missing since Jan. 25, have been found in the James River in Charles City County.

A fisherman discovered the remains in the water in the Guns Run area of Charles City County on Saturday, April 3. A positive identification was made through dental records today by the medical examiner. Investigators immediately informed her family.

No foul play is suspected by the Richmond Police Department or the Office of the Medical Examiner.

The department has been investigating Edmonds’ disappearance after her vehicle was found abandoned Jan. 25 on the shoulder of the northbound lanes of the Powhite Parkway as it crosses the James River.

Several searches of the river and the riverbanks by Richmond police officers, firefighters and her family with the assistance of the Virginia State Police helicopter and the Metro Aviation Unit turned up no trace of her.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Commerce Road Robber Sought


The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help in identifying the man in the attached photo.

At 9:24 a.m. Sunday, he entered Bruce’s Supermarket, at 1641 Commerce Road, and robbed the business at knifepoint.

The suspect is a white male, 35 to 45 years of age, 6’2”, with a medium build. He is seen wearing a dark hoodie under a black and gray flannel jacket.

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

Monday, April 5, 2010

Robber of Students Charged


Richmond Police investigators have arrested and charged a man with robbing four John Marshall High School students at gunpoint on Friday.

Travon C. Williams, 18, of the 200 block of Minor Street, has been charged with multiple counts of robbery, attempted robbery and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He surrendered to police today.

Williams is charged with robbing two juvenile males and an adult male at gunpoint and attempting to rob a juvenile female at 6:45 a.m. on Friday as they waited to catch the school bus in the 2500 block of North Avenue.

Violent Domestic Barricade

The Richmond Police Department was involved in a violent domestic barricade event over the weekend.

Officers responded at 7:49 p.m., April 3rd to a call for service in the 5600 block of Limestone Drive. A second call for service came in shortly after that as “shots fired” at the same address. A victim was located outside the residence with a non-life threatening stab wound. He was transported to VCU Medical Center.

Officers determined the suspect, the brother of the victim, was still inside the residence. He refused commands to come out. A perimeter was established and the SWAT team was activated.
The SWAT team made entry at 12:10 a.m., April 4th and arrested the suspect, Samuel Lydell Morton, 42, 5600 block of Limestone Drive, without incident. He was charged with malicious wounding and served with three outstanding warrants. Other charges are pending.

Morton was treated for a laceration he received during the fight with his brother.

Churchill Homicide-Suicide

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide-suicide that occurred about 5:30 p.m., April 2nd in the Churchill section of the city.

Alvin Pleasants, 45, 917 North 26th Street, Richmond; wanted by police for questioning in a homicide on Lakeview Avenue earlier in the day; was spotted by an officer on patrol in Churchill.
Pleasants fled on foot but was stopped by officers at the corner of North 29th and S Streets. Moments later, in front of the officers and several other witnesses, Pleasants committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Prompted by a another gunshot heard moments earlier, officers followed Pleasants’ route of flight about 50 yards into a yard in the 1200 block of North 30th Street. There they discovered the body of Charles Jackson, 56, 1204 North 30th Street, dead of a single gunshot wound.

Police are investigating the case as a homicide-suicide.

They are investigating the Lakeview Avenue homicide as domestic-related - involving Pleasants.
No Richmond Police officer discharged a weapon during the encounter with Pleasants.

Anyone with any information about these crimes is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Lakeview Ave. Homicide

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on Friday, April 2nd in the city’s Randolph Neighborhood.

The victim, Tarchelle Nicole Daniel, 36, of 1212 Lakeview Ave. was shot as she sat in a car parked behind her residence. She was transported to VCUMC where she was pronounced dead at 11:35 a.m.

Police have developed a strong suspect and do not believe this was a random shooting.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Creighton Road Homicide Victim Identified

The Richmond Police Department has identified Devin L. Morse, 26, of the 1900 block of Accommodation Street, as the man who was shot to death on Thursday, April 1st in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Creighton Road.
Police responded to the Creighton area for a report of a shooting at 11:41 a.m. and found Morse with a gunshot wound. He was taken to VCU Medical Center where he died at 12:20 p.m.

Detectives do not believe this homicide is related to the one at Oakwood Cemetery earlier that morning..

Anyone with any information about either of these crimes is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Oakwood Cemetery Homicide Update

The Richmond Police Department has identified the man found shot to death this morning in the Oakwood Cemetery as Tyree Jerard Jefferson Jr., 39, of the 400 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard.

Officers received a call at 9:50 a.m. for a report of a person down in the cemetery, 3001 Nine Mile Road. When they arrived, they found Jefferson dead at the scene.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.