Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting of a man last night in the city’s North Side.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, officers were called to an apartment in the 3900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for a report of a person down. When officers entered the apartment they found Antonio Sylvester Spruill, 21, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Spruill lived in the apartment.

Detectives are working to identify a possible suspect and a motive in this homicide.

Anyone with information about the Spruill homicide 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.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bellevue Avenue Pedestrian Fatality

A blind pedestrian struck twice by vehicles on Bellevue Avenue last night later died from his injuries.

Dudley Thomas Mines Jr., 74, was crossing the 1000 block of Bellevue with his guide dog around 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, when a car rounding the corner from Old Brook Road onto Bellevue grazed Mines with the driver’s side mirror. Mines fell from the glancing blow.

The driver of the car stopped to assist Mines but could not reach him before a Ford pickup truck, also traveling from Old Brook onto Bellevue, struck Mines’ guide dog and Mines as he lay in the roadway.

Mines, who lived in the 4100 block of Old Brook Road, was taken to VCU Medical Center, where he later died. His guide dog was taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment of a broken leg.

The Richmond Police Crash Team is investigating both accidents involving Mines. No charges are pending at this time.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Bethel Street Homicide

At approximately 4:47 p.m., Richmond Police were called to the 2500 block of Bethel Street for the call of shots fired. Officers arrived and found a male in a parked vehicle deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Shortly after officers arrived a male surrendered to police.

A homicide investigation has been initiated and continues. While a suspect is in custody and detectives say they are not looking for any other suspects at this time they stress the investigation is still ongoing.

Therefore, investigators are asking anyone with any information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Cops and Doughnuts Cliché Becomes Benefit for Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics

If you’re looking for Richmond Police officers on Saturday, Aug. 27, they’ll be at the Krispy Kreme. But it’s for a good cause.

Richmond Police and Krispy Kreme have joined forces for a fun fundraiser – Cops and Doughnuts – to support the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run®, which benefits Special Olympics.

“We thought we’d use the cops and doughnuts cliché to our advantage,” Captain Harvey Powers said. “We’re inviting the public to come out and help us help Special Olympics.”

The Krispy Kreme at 4910 W. Broad St. will be abuzz with “police activity” from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27. Krispy Kreme patrons will have the chance to “Kreme a Cop” in the dunkv vtank for a small fee to win a dozen doughnuts and purchase $1 icons to “Cover the Cop Cruiser.” A day of family fun is planned, with all proceeds to benefit Special Olympics.

Krispy Kreme’s Cops and Doughnuts program has proven to be a winning combination. This nationwide fundraising program brings together police officers and Krispy Kreme stores across the country to raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and increase awareness of the Special Olympics movement.

Since 1986, the Torch Run has raised more than $13 million for Special Olympics Virginia.

“The Torch Run and Special Olympics are close to our hearts here in Richmond,” Captain Powers said. “We’re just glad to have the opportunity, with Krispy Kreme, to support both in a fun way and get the entire Metropolitan Richmond community involved.”

Faith Leaders Promote Empowerment in Mosby Court


WHO:
Richmond Police Faith Leaders Partnership
Richmond Police Department
Mosby Court Tenant Council
Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Police

WHAT:
Mosby Court Community Day

WHEN:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20

WHERE:
Mosby Court, 1973 Accommodation St.

BACKGROUND:
The Richmond Police Faith Leaders Partnership is working to be one of the Department’s key community policing resources. Chief Bryan T. Norwood established the Faith Leaders Partnership in May 2010.

The Faith Leaders Partnership is taking its message of prayer and empowerment to communities throughout the city. The first community day was held in Hillside Court. The Faith Leaders Partnership is now focusing on Mosby Court. Their focus began with a walk-through on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

On Saturday, Mosby Court residents will have the opportunity to participate in health screenings as well as receive information on parenting resources and education opportunities. School supplies also will be distributed to neighborhood children.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Suspect Sought for Commercial Robberies


Richmond Police investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the man in the below photo who is believed to be connected to recent commercial robberies.

Reps Orlando Jones, 27, with the last known address in the 400 block of West 24th Street, is suspected of twice robbing the BP gas station at 3401 Jefferson Davis Highway.

Anyone with any information about Jones is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. You can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Person of Interest Sought in Hillside Homicide


The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify and locate a person of interest in a January homicide in Hillside Court.

The man detectives are looking for is only identified by the alias “Ugg.” A photo of “Ugg” accompanies this advisory. He is about 6 feet tall and has a thin build. He also is known to frequent the Hillside Court neighborhood.

Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, Richmond Police officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 1800 block of Southlawn Avenue. A woman with gunshot wounds was found there, but she survived her injuries. A short distance away, officers found Regina N. Doctor, 29, of the 1400 block of Harwood Street, shot to death.

Anyone who can provide Richmond Police with the identity of “Ugg” and knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Jay Brissette at 646-3867.

Citizens also may contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or by sending a text to 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.

Faith Leaders Spreading Message in Mosby Court


WHAT:
Faith Leaders Walk-through in Mosby Court

WHEN:
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9

WHERE:
Mosby Court, 1973 Accommodation St.

BACKGROUND:
In June, the Richmond Police Faith Leaders Partnership took its positive message of prayer and empowerment to the Hillside Court community with the promise that they would take that message to other neighborhoods in the city. Tomorrow, they will visit the Mosby Court public housing neighborhood.

Since July 1, Mosby Court has seen a 24 percent reduction in total major crimes, compared to the same period last year, with violent crimes leading the reduction at 50 percent. The idea behind the Faith Leaders’ Walk-through is to maintain this positive inroad in the community with a show of support from the Faith Leaders and Richmond Police. Chief Bryan T. Norwood and members of his Command Staff also will attend.

The Faith Leaders Partnership is quickly becoming one of the Department’s key community policing resources. Chief Norwood established the partnership in May 2010, with the goal of building a core group of faith leaders Richmond Police can meet with quarterly to address policing efforts, issues or concerns in the city.

Monday, August 8, 2011

New Format, New Venue for Richmond Police Awards


WHAT:
Richmond Police Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony

WHEN:
1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9

WHERE:
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, 1000 N. Lombardy St.

BACKGROUND:
The honors for police personnel and members of the community previously presented on a quarterly basis by Richmond Police have now moved to a twice-a-year format.

Along with the new format, more space was needed to accommodate the honorees. The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School has welcomed Richmond Police and this event as their guests.

“The great arrests, the reductions in crime, the police work done behind the scenes – most by our civilian personnel – none of this would be possible without our partnerships. It’s a team effort,” Chief Bryan T. Norwood said. “And it’s important that this work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We also thank the Governor’s School, a new partner, in this effort.”

One of the Department’s highest awards – the Chief’s Citation – will be presented along with honors for life-saving efforts, service to law enforcement, crime reduction, EXILE prosecutions, meritorious and excellent police conduct and department citations.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

McCray Arrested

At approximately 3 p.m. today, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Kevin McCray in the 500 block of Canal Street at the Crowne Plaza Hotel without incident.

McCray, 36, has been charged with attempted murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for shooting at his brother this weekend.

Investigators are currently consulting with the commonwealth’s attorney’s office regarding further charges against him in connection with the shooting, which injured his 101-year-old grandmother.

At approximately 12 a.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a home in the 00 block of East 20th Street for a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found a woman who had been shot in the neck. She was taken to the hospital where she is now in stable, but serious condition.

Investigators have determined that two of the woman’s grandsons were arguing over money and started shooting at each other inside the house.

Steven L. Taggart, 28, who lives at the home, was arrested and charged on an outstanding aggravated assault warrant unrelated to the incident.

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

Fugitives, Firearms Initiative Keeps Crime Down in City

WHAT:
Richmond Police Fugitives and Firearms Initiative Results

WHEN:
10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011

WHERE:
Peter Paul Development Center, 1708 N. 22nd St.

BACKGROUND:
Every summer, the Richmond Police Department targets two crime influences in the city – fugitives and firearms. Known as the Fugitives and Firearms Initiative – FFI – it usually results in a reduction in crime for the area. This year has proven no different.

Since FFI’s start in mid-June through its end date of July 29, the city has seen reductions in violent crimes citywide compared to the same period in 2010, with homicides and individual robberies leading the decline.

“Each year FFI ensures persons wanted for crimes in the city and illegal guns are taken off the streets,” Chief Bryan T. Norwood said. “I want to thank the officers who participated in FFI and for making the city a safer place.”

The officers and officer in charge of this year’s FFI – Lt. Emmett Williams – will discuss its impact and some of the stories behind the fugitives and firearms brought in during the initiative at Thursday’s news conference.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Investigation Continues into Shooting That Injured 101-Year-Old Woman



Richmond Police detectives are still investigating a weekend shooting that injured a 101-year-old woman.

At approximately 12 a.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a home in the 00 block of East 20th Street for a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found a woman who had been shot in the neck. She was taken to the hospital where she is now in stable, but serious condition.

Investigators have determined that two of the woman’s grandsons were arguing over money and started shooting at each other inside the house.

Steven L. Taggart, 28, who lives at the home, was arrested and charged on an outstanding aggravated assault warrant unrelated to the incident.

His brother, Kevin D. McCray, 36, who also lives at the home, is wanted on charges of attempted murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for shooting at his brother.

Investigators are currently consulting with the commonwealth’s attorney’s office regarding further charges against both men.

Anyone with any information on McCray’s whereabouts 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.