Richmond Police Honors Personnel, Community Partners

WHAT: Richmond Police Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony

WHEN:1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1

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

BACKGROUND:
Chief Bryan T. Norwood and the Richmond Police Department will honor personnel and community members for their work in 2011 to contribute toward a safer city.

Ruby Turner, a staunch advocate for law enforcement throughout the Metropolitan Richmond region, will be presented a Service to Law Enforcement award for her many years of contributions to Richmond Police. She is just one of the many Service to Law Enforcement award honorees to be recognized.

Also, the Department will present the following prestigious annual awards:
• Precinct of the Year,
• Sector of the Year,
• Rookie of the Year and
• The Dominic O. Tabb Communications Officer of the Year.

The public and members of the media are invited to attend.

Can You Help Us Find This Missing Man?

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to find a man suffering from medical issues who is missing.

Floyd Pendleton Smith, 59, was last seen by his son at 2 a.m. today in the 700 block of Stockton Street. Smith, pictured below, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’10 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds.

He was last seen wearing an orange, hooded sweatshirt, a big puffy dark blue jacket with white trim, a Redskins baseball cap and gloves. He wears glasses and has a bushy mustache.

Family members and detectives are concerned about Smith’s whereabouts because he has medical issues and is unfamiliar with the area.

Anyone who has information about Smith’s whereabouts is asked to call the Department’s Information Desk at (804) 646-0400 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Driver, Passenger in Fatal Chippenham Parkway Crash Identified

The Richmond Police Department has identified the persons who died in yesterday’s accident on Chippenham Parkway.

Around 4:35 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, a vehicle traveling northbound on Chippenham Parkway crossed over the center median into southbound traffic right after the Stony Point exit. The vehicle was immediately struck by a southbound vehicle.

The driver of the northbound vehicle, Toure Lynette Thaniel, 27, and the passenger, Shalina Marie Perry, 22, were pronounced dead at the scene. Thaniel lived in the 6000 block of Lamar Drive. Perry lived in the 3400 block of Meadowdale Boulevard in Chesterfield County.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

The Richmond Police Crash Team’s investigation of this accident is ongoing.

Police Identify Columbia Street Homicide Victim

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in the South Side homicide that occurred late yesterday afternoon.

At 4:20 p.m. officers responded to a shooting in the 3000 block of Columbia Street. When officers arrived, they found Adl Musa Johnson, 22, lying on a sidewalk with an apparent gunshot wound. Johnson, who lived in the 1900 block of Raven Street, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers caught and detained a possible suspect several blocks away from the homicide and he is being held for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has information to help in this homicide investigation 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.

Fatal Accident Closes Chippenham Parkway

The northbound and southbound lanes of Chippenham Parkway at the Stony Point exit are closed because of a fatal traffic accident this evening. The roadway is not expected to reopen before 11 p.m.

Around 4:35 p.m. a vehicle traveling northbound on Chippenham Parkway crossed over the center median into southbound traffic right after the Stony Point exit. The vehicle was immediately struck by a southbound vehicle.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Both the driver and the front-seat passenger in the northbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.

The Richmond Police Crash Team is in the early stages of this accident investigation.

More information will be released when it becomes available.

Police Investigate Homicide on Columbia Street

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a South Richmond homicide that occurred this afternoon.

At 4:20 p.m. officers responded to a shooting in the 3000 block of Columbia Street where they found a male with an apparent gunshot wound lying on a sidewalk. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers caught and detained a possible supsect several blocks away from the homicide and he is being held for questioning.

Anyone who has information to help in this homicide investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key work "ITip" followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.

Police Identify Westover Hills Boulevard Homicide Victim

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in yesterday's homicide.

At 4:18 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, officers responded to reports of shots fired and a man down in the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard. When officers arrived they found Samuel L. Johnson, 38, with gunshot wounds lying next to a car in the parking lot of the Ashton Square Apartments. Johnson, who lived in the 1800 block of Blair Street, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives continue to canvass the Westover Hills neighborhood for information and do have a person interest in the investigation.

Anyone who has information to assist in this homicide investigaiton 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.

Westover Hills Boulevard Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police needs the public's help in the investigation of a homicide that occurred earlier this evening.

At 4:18 p.m. officers responded to reports of shots fired and a man down in the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard. Officers found a male with gunshot wounds lying next to a car in the parking lot of the Ashton Square Apartments. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives received information that another male with an apparent gunshot wound had arrived at a local hospital by car shortly after the male was found at Ashton Square. The man at the hospital is being questioned in connection with the homicide and is currently a person of interest.

Anyone who has information to assist in this homicide investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key work "ITip" followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.

Advisory - Suspect Sought in Bank Robbery

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/19/2012
Suspect Sought in Bank Robbery

Richmond Police investigators need the public’s help to find and identify the man who robbed a Wells Fargo bank yesterday. Surveillance still images are below and attached. A short video clip is below.

At approximately 11:36 a.m., a male, dressed as a woman, presented a note demanding money to a teller at the bank located at 3201 West Cary St.

The suspect is described as a black male, 25 – 45 years of age, six feet two inches tall. The suspect wore a black full-length women’s fur coat and a fur brimmed leopard print hat. He also wore pink lipstick and sunglasses.

He was last seen heading from the bank on foot.

Anyone who has any information about this incident or this suspect 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 methods are anonymous.

Suspects Sought in Shooting

Richmond Police investigators need the public’s help to find and identify a group of teens who shot a mentally-disabled man last week.

The 52-year-old victim was walking to church choir practice at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, when four males in their late teens confronted him near the intersection of Phaup and North 20^th Street near Fairfield Court.

The man, who is known for his participation in the nearby church and for helping people, was shot as he ran from the assailants and sustained a serious injury.

The suspects are described as four males in their late teens who were last seen wearing dark clothing.

Investigators do not believe this shooting is related to the attack on the 69-year-old man on West Broad Street earlier this month.

Anyone who has any information about this incident or these offenders 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 methods are anonymous.

Homicides, Commerical Robberies Lead Decline in Violent Crimes for 2011

Overall, crime was up last year in Richmond­ – by 1 percent – compared to the same statistics for 2010. This slight increase was driven by property crimes, which were up by 2 percent.

However, there was a significant reduction in violent crimes, with homicides and commercial robberies leading the decline, down 10 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Aggravated assaults also were down 3 percent. Rapes generated the only increase, up 16 percent from 43 in 2010 to 50 in 2011.

“Violent crime, and crime in general, is down in Richmond because the residents and police officers have joined forces to combat the criminal element,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The police cannot and have not done it alone. It takes all of us, as stakeholders, working together.”

“I am particularly pleased with the drop in violent crimes, which was even better than last year’s historic low,” said Chief Bryan T. Norwood. “However, despite our success in this area, there’s still work to do – in particular in the area of property crimes.”

The only decline in the property crimes category was under larceny, which includes thefts from buildings and vehicles, as well as shoplifting, pick-pocketing and purse snatching, down 1 percent for 2011. Arson had the largest increase, up 35 percent from 43 in 2010 to 58 in 2011. Burglary and auto theft were both up 7 percent.

“With the help of our residents and community partners, we have a handle on violent crimes,” Chief Norwood said. “Now we’re going to use those same resources to drive down property crimes – from our Neighborhood Watch Associations to business owners to the average man or woman on the street. Our mantra: If you see something, say something.”

Body in Canal Identified as Missing N.C. Man

The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the body found in the canal Saturday as Matthew H. Williams, who’s been missing since last month.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. Saturday, a passerby in the 1900 block of Dock Street spotted the body in the canal and called police.

The Medical Examiner’s Officer will determine the cause and manner of death, but Richmond Police detectives do not suspect foul play and are not actively searching for any suspects at this time.

Williams, 23, had moved to the Richmond area from North Carolina in November and lived in the 1900 block of East Cary Street. He was reported missing to police on Dec. 14.

Woodhaven Drive Homicide

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/8/2012
Woodhaven Drive Homicide

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred last night.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 600 block of Woodhaven Drive and discovered a male lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to VCU Medical Center where he later died.

The victim has been identified as De’Shawn L. Mayo, 21, of the 1400 block of West Leigh Street.

Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anyone who has any information on 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.

Body Discovered in Canal

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/7/2012
Body Discovered in Canal

At approximately 2:10 p.m. a passerby in the 1900 block of Dock Street spotted a body in the canal and called police.

The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department responded and recovered the body of a male from the canal.

Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death and will attempt to identify the male.

The canal was partially drained due to routine maintenance being performed by the Department of Public Utilities but the maintenance was being expedited in order to assist an ongoing missing persons case being conducted by the Major Crimes unit of the Richmond Police Department.

The Department will release more information when it is available.

Anyone who has any information about this discovery 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.

Victim in James River Death Investigation Identified

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/7/2012
Victim in James River Death Investigation Identified

Richmond Police has identified the man whose vehicle was submerged in the James River yesterday.

Freddie Dabney III, 43, of the 2600 block of Quisenberry Street, Midlothian, died after his vehicle entered the James River from Wharf Street at approximately 10:44 a.m. yesterday.

Police and Richmond Fire Department personnel responded and were able to raise the Toyota Corolla from the water at 4:00 p.m.

The investigation continues but foul play is not suspected.

Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anyone who has any 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.

Arrest Made in Shooting of Child

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/6/2012
Arrest Made in Shooting of Child

The Richmond Police Department has arrested two people that are connected to the shooting of a three-year old boy today.

Antwoine Mealey, 21, of the 1500 block of North 20th Street, the father of the victim, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect resulting in injury. His photo is attached.

Tyrell Mealey, 19, of the 1500 block of North 20th Street, the uncle of the victim, was arrested outside the residence where the incident occurred and has been charged with obstruction of justice.

This afternoon at approximately 3:15 p.m., the boy, suffering from a gunshot wound, was driven to VCU Medical Center in a private vehicle. Medical staff alerted police. The wound was considered life threatening but after surgery the victim is now listed in critical but stable condition.

Detectives responded to 1516 N. 20th St. and began the investigation. They soon concluded that the child was shot while inside the residence.

The Department forensics team conducted a search of the residence and removed evidence at the scene.

The vehicle that transported the child to the Medical Center was impounded and will be processed as part of the investigation.

Anyone who has any information on 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.

Recognize This Fas-Mart Robber?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify and find a man who robbed the Valero Fas-Mart at gunpoint on Christmas Eve.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 24, a man walked into the gas station at 2107 Semmes Avenue and robbed the clerk at gunpoint.

He is described as a black male in his late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing between 220 pounds and 240 pounds. He has a brown complexion and a mustache. He was last seen wearing distinctive Rocawear jeans with a red shirt and a brown, hooded Rocawear jacket with white writing on the back and black shoes.

Anyone who has any information about this man or this crime is asked to call Detective Reuben Albright at (804) 646-1007 or 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.

Recognize This McDonald's Robber?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify and find the man pictured below who robbed a McDonald’s on Midlothian Turnpike.

At approximately 5:50 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, a man walked into the McDonald’s at 6808 Midlothian Turnpike and robbed the business at gunpoint. He is described as a black male with a medium build, approximately 6 feet to 6’3 feet tall and between 24 and 30 years of age.

Anyone who has any information about this man or this crime 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.

Can You Help Us Find This Stolen Hebrew Cemetery Statue?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to find a statue that was stolen from the Hebrew Cemetery at the Congregation Beth Ahabah in the past few weeks.

Between 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, and 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, an unknown person(s) stole a bronze, 20^th century statue titled the ‘High Priest’ from the cemetery in the 400 block of Hospital Street.

The statue, pictured below, is approximately 27 inches tall and was created by Lithuanian artist David Aronson.

Anyone who has any information on this theft is asked to call Detective Patrick Mansfield at (804) 646-4996 or 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.