Richmond Police, Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Partner to Raise Domestic Violence Awareness

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police. The Richmond Police Department and the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are working together to change that.

“We want women – and men – to report all incidents of domestic violence to prevent an assault from becoming a homicide,” Chief Bryan T. Norwood said. “Most victims are in denial. They believe that the aggressor will eventually stop. The problem with that is these incidents, historically, only escalate.”

Richmond Police responded to more than 11,000 domestic violence calls for service in 2010 and are on track for the same number for 2011.

“We will continue to prioritize domestic violence cases,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring said. “The scope and depth of the damage caused by domestic violence is far greater than most people realize. We see the impact years later through the actions of children who witness it.”

Richmond Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will kick off the 4th Annual Domestic Violence “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” Campaign with a free 5K walk Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boat Lake in Byrd Park.

Police vehicles representing area law enforcement jurisdictions will lead off the walk. Verizon also will make a donation to a local domestic violence shelter through funds raised from its HopeLine program. Used cell phone donations and clothing donations for women and children housed in area shelters also will be accepted at the event.

The annual campaign also will include a free Domestic Violence Awareness Forum, scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St. Panelists and resources will be available to those in need of assistance or those who wish to help area victims of domestic violence.

The 5K walk and the forum are open to the public. For more information, please contact Sgt. Carol Adams at 646-4069.

Arrest Made in Ambler Street Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest in the city’s latest homicide.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force today arrested William Christian Nelson, 36, no fixed address, and charged him with murder for stabbing to death Ramoan Cody Tolliver, 24, no fixed address, in the 100 block of Ambler Street early Sunday morning.

Nelson was taken into custody without incident this morning in Powhatan County. He had attempted to alter his appearance by shaving his beard, but when questioned by officers, admitted his identity.

Nelson stabbed Tolliver during an argument between the two men.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrests Made in 2 Murders

Richmond Police made arrests today in two recent murders in the city.

Demario Lafayette Stokes, 32, is charged with murder in the fatal Aug. 23 shooting of Antonio Spruill inside a Chamberlayne Avenue apartment.

Kareem Montrell Tillar, 21, is charged with murder in the death of Jamel Cobb, who was gunned down Sept. 18 in the 2100 block of Newbourne Street.

Both suspects are in custody at the Richmond City Jail.

The Richmond Police Department would like to thank the many members of the community who came forward with information to assist the detectives in both investigations and the members of the media for continuing coverage of these shootings, which aided in the arrests.

To date, 19 of the city’s 26 murders in 2011 have been cleared by arrest.







Demario Stokes



Kareem Tillar

Newbourne Street Shooting Update

The victim of tonight’s shooting in the 2100 block of Newbourne Street has died and detectives are investigating the case as a homicide.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., Richmond Police received a call for a shot fired. Officers responded to Newbourne St. and found a black male in his early 20’s outside of a residence suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to VCU Medical Center where he died. The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Detectives have not yet released the victim’s identity. Detectives have not released a suspect description but they have several leads in this case and do not believe this shooting was a random act.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.

Richmond Police Welcomes SWAT Conference to City

About 1,000 SWAT Team members from across the country and around the world will converge on Richmond in a few days. But don’t be alarmed.

Richmond Police will be a first-time host to the National Tactical Operations Conference at the Greater Richmond Convention Center next week, Sept. 18 through 23. The week will include training for law enforcement officers in SWAT tactical operations and crisis negotiations.

“Events like this generate positive economic activity for our city,” stated Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Bringing visitors to our city for conferences and conventions or just as tourists is a high priority and we are honored to have the opportunity to host this conference for the first time.”

“We are proud to host this annual conference in Richmond and to have the chance for our officers to demonstrate their expertise in SWAT operations,” Chief Bryan T. Norwood said. “A SWAT Team can be an advantageous resource in community policing and we plan to offer our efforts and successes as a paradigm for other agencies.”

Along with seminars at the Convention Center, the entire Metropolitan Richmond area will serve as the training ground for the conference, with attendees participating in various live scenarios at secured locations throughout the city and in the surrounding counties. The public will not be affected by any of the training operations.

The SWAT – Special Weapons and Tactics – Team concept originated in the late 1960s as a result of several sniper incidents against civilians and police officers across the country. The first formal SWAT team was established by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1968.

Richmond Police followed suit five years later in 1973 with a team of six officers. Today, Richmond’s SWAT Team boasts more than 20 officers and 11 negotiators. Richmond Police also made history as it welcomed its first female SWAT Team member, one of an elite group in the country, in January of this year.

Come Out to "Cops and Doughnuts" Festival Saturday

The Cops and Doughnuts festival canceled because of Hurricane Irene is on again.

Join Richmond Police and Krispy Kreme for Cops and Doughnuts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at 4910 W. Broad St.

Krispy Kreme patrons will have the chance to “Kreme a Cop” in a dunk tank for a small fee to win a dozen doughnuts. Those who stop by also may purchase $1 icons to “Cover the Cop Cruiser.”

A day of family fun is planned, with proceeds going toward the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics.

Weatherford Road Homicide Update and Arrest

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in this morning’s Weatherford Road homicide and have made an arrest in the case.

The victim, Richard L. Goode Jr., 39, of 5225 Weatherford Road, was found in his home dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Detectives have arrested Justin L. Winston, 37, of the 2200 block of McKesson Drive. Winston is considered a person of interest in relation to the homicide. His photo is attached.

At approximately 2:43 a.m., Richmond Police were called to 5225 Weatherford Road for a report of a shot fired. Officers arrived and found Goode inside the home. Detectives are still working to determine a motive at this time.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.