Richmond Police Promotes Safety for Places of Worship

WHAT:
Safety and Awareness Forum for Places of Worship

WHEN:
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 10

WHERE:
Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road

BACKGROUND:
Churches, synagogues, mosques and temples should be places of sanctuary and solace. However, as with all buildings, the protection of people and property should be paramount.

“Thankfully, we have not experienced crimes other than thefts at our local places of worship. But we want congregations to be prepared and vigilant in maintaining the safety of their sanctuaries,” said Captain John Hall, who leads the Community, Youth and Intervention Division.

The forum will include a variety of topics to promote safety awareness for religious gathering places. Officers will be on hand to discuss everything from building lighting and locks to the handling of money.

Congregations are invited to send no more than four representatives to the forum. The forum is free, but registration is required to accommodate all attendees.

Persons interested in attending or those with questions should contact Officer Kimberly Cheatham-McClarin at 646-6754 to register by Wednesday, March 7.

Richmond Police Welcome 17 New Officers Tomorrow

It's about family. Whether it’s by blood or by badge, several of the new officers being sworn into the Richmond Police Department tomorrow already have a special family connection to the Department.

Roger Griffith’s sister is a Major Crimes detective. Matthew Segal’s father is a retired RPD captain. Joseph MacKnight’s father is a retired RPD lieutenant.

Jermaine Powell and Jerry Scott are previous RPD officers returning to the fold.

“There’s no better place to work than the Richmond Police Department,” Powell said.

Segal grew up at the Department, learning and watching his father.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Richmond Police officer,” he said. “I just had to wait until I was old enough to join.”

Chief Bryan T. Norwood and the Richmond Police Department are proud to welcome the new officers and invite the public to their swearing-in ceremony at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Cheek Theater in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard. The keynote speaker for the graduation will be Mr. Michael Herring, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney.

After 28 weeks of training at the Department’s Academy, the recruits will immediately begin patrols with a field training officer for the next eight weeks.

Chief Norwood and the entire Richmond Police Department would like to congratulate and welcome:

• Tanner Braaten
• Louis Burrell
• Stephen Butler
• Kimberly Carter
• Roger Griffith
• Erica Hall
• Joseph MacKnight
• Rebekah Moore
• Jermaine Powell
• Richard Redford
• Keith Robinson
• Jerry Scott
• Matthew Segal
• Nicholas Stirrett
• Justin Sumpter
• Brian Vessel
• Princess Washington

Fatal DUI Crash

Richmond Police investigators have arrested and charged a man with driving under the influence in connection with a fatal crash this morning.

At approximately 12:37 a.m. today, an officer witnessed a crash at the intersection of 2nd and Canal streets. Based on the Department’s Crash Team investigation, they determined that Varinder Chahal, 23, of Springfield, was driving a 2004 Mazda 6 westbound on Canal Street when he ran a red light.

His vehicle T-boned a 2007 Toyota Yaris traveling northbound on 2nd Street. The Yaris then spun around and struck a nearby building. A back seat passenger in the Yaris, Carolina Perez, 19, of Virginia Beach, was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and died a few hours later.

The 19-year-old driver of the Yaris and 20-year-old front seat passenger were also admitted to VCU Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Chahal has been charged with driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a blood or breath test and felony manslaughter. Four other passengers in his vehicle were not injured.

Homicide Charges Dropped

Richmond Police investigators, in consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, have dismissed charges in a January homicide case.

On Jan. 20, Samuel L. Johnson, 38, of the 1800 block of Blair Street, was found shot to death in the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard.

Four days later, officers arrested Robert J. Wilks, 19, of the 2700 block of Hanes Avenue, in connection with the crime.

After a thorough and complete investigation and in consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, this crime was ruled a justifiable homicide and not a murder.

Wilks will be released from custody today.

Further inquiries about this should be directed to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Pony Pasture Homicide Arrests

After an in-depth investigation, Richmond Police investigators have arrested two people in connection with the homicide of a 16-year-old boy at the Pony Pasture last fall.

On July 24, 2011, at approximately 4:26 a.m., officers found Osbin Noel Hernandez-Gonzales dead the 8200 block of Riverside Drive. He had been shot several times.

This past Friday, Feb. 17, Richmond Police detectives arrested two juvenile males, both 16 years old, in connection with this homicide.

The teens have been charged with first degree murder along with numerous other felonies and are currently being held in Richmond Juvenile Detention. Detectives are still actively investigating this case.

Law enforcement agencies from Richmond, Chesterfield and the FBI worked together to make these arrests.

Fas Mart Shotgun Robbery

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to find and identify the man pictured in this surveillance video who robbed the Fas Mart on Semmes Avenue on Tuesday.

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, a man walked in to the gas station at 2107 Semmes Ave., displayed a shotgun and robbed the business of cash and cigarettes.

The robber is described as a medium-complected black male, approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black printed jacket, black hoodie and dark blue jeans.

Anyone who has any information about the identify of this man is asked to call Detective William Cutshall at (804) 646- 1068 or 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 Bank Robber?

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to find and identify the man pictured in surveillance video who robbed the Union First Market Bank this morning.

At approximately 10:54 a.m., a man walked into the bank at 111 Virginia St., passed the teller a note demanding money, but did not display a handgun. He left on foot.

Anyone who has any information about the identify of this man is asked to call Detective Kevin Hughes at (804) 646- 0675 or 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.

Museum District Walk Through

Chief Bryan T. Norwood and the Department’s Command Staff will join Sector 311 Lt. Michael Stith in a neighborhood walk through this afternoon in the Museum District.

Officers will start the walk at 5 p.m. today at 3330 Grove Avenue in the parking lot of Temple Beth El and fan out around that area.

They will be talking with residents about their public safety concerns as well as informing them about recent crimes in the area. Residential burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles are the two most problem crimes in the neighborhood.

The media is encouraged to attend.

Gilpin Court Homicide Victim Identified

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory 2/13/12
Gilpin Court Homicide Victim Identified

The victim in last night’s Gilpin Court homicide has been identified.

At approximately 8 p.m., the Richmond Police Department received a call of a shot fired in the 1300 block of St. John Street. Officers arrived and found Antwon D. Freeman, 19, of the 1900 block of Whitcomb Street dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Detectives are continuing the investigation.

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.

Gilpin Court Homicide

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory 2/12/12
Gilpin Court Homicide

At approximately 8 p.m., the Richmond Police Department received a call of a shot fired in Gilpin Court. Officers arrived and found a deceased male between housing units in the 1300 block of St. John Street.

The victim is described as a black male in his early 20’s. He appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

The area is a dense housing community and detectives have been asking the many neighbors and those in the area at the time for any information that can assist the investigation.

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

Update - Three Vehicle Collision

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory 2/11/12
Update - Three Vehicle Collision

The driver who died in yesterday’s three vehicle collision on the Downtown Expressway has been identified.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Harry A. Fuller, Jr., 65, of the 13600 block of Cartwright Lane, was operating the vehicle that crossed from the eastbound lanes across the grassy median into the westbound lanes. His vehicle collided with two vehicles that were traveling westbound. He died at the scene.

All three vehicles had a single occupant.

A driver in one of the involved vehicles was transported to VCU Medical Center with injuries that are not considered life threatening. The other driver was able to leave the scene without significant injury.

The westbound lanes of the Downtown Expressway were closed for several hours.

Three Vehicle Collision

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory 2/10/12
Three Vehicle Collision

A three vehicle collision occurred on the Downtown Expressway this afternoon, resulting in one fatality.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., just east of the Belvidere Street overpass, a vehicle traveling eastbound crossed the grassy median and entered the westbound traffic lanes. It collided with two vehicles that were traveling westbound on the Expressway.

The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department responded to the scene, along with the State Police.

All three vehicles had a single occupant.

One driver was transported to VCU Medical Center with injuries that are not considered life threatening. One driver was able to leave the scene without significant injury, and one driver died at the scene.

Westbound lanes of the Expressway were closed for several hours as emergency crews worked the scene. Traffic was routed onto East Canal Street and allowed to return to the Expressway after passing west of the wrecks.

Eastbound traffic was limited to one lane to slow drivers down and aid in the safety of emergency workers.

The Richmond Police Department Crash Team is investigating. The identity of the person who died at the scene and the information about each vehicle involved will be released as soon as the Crash Team makes it available.

Recognize This McDonalds/7-Eleven Robber?

Richmond Police investigators need the public’s help to find and identify the man who robbed both a 7-Eleven early this morning and a nearby McDonald’s.

Just after midnight today, a man walked into the 7-Eleven at 2922 Jefferson Davis Highway, acted as if he had a gun and robbed the clerk. Based on the man’s description, investigators believe he’s the same person who robbed the McDonald’s at 821 Hull St. around 9:30 p.m. last night. Though an employee initially didn’t think anything was stolen at McDonald’s, when investigators watched the surveillance video, they discovered the man stole money.

The robber fled the scene in a blue, mid-size truck, possibly a Ford ranger or similar style truck with ladder racks on the back and there were ladders on the racks.

The man is pictured in the attached surveillance photos.

Anyone who has information about this man is asked to call Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-8171 or Detective Kevin Hughes at (804) 646-0675. Citizens may also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Recognize These Graffiti Vandals?

Richmond Police and Capitol Police investigators need the public’s help to find and identify the people, pictured at right, who were involved in several graffiti incidents recently.

During the late night hours on Friday, Jan. 27, and morning on Saturday, Jan. 28, two males were seen spray painting the words “Five” and “Five-O” on several city business facades downtown. The graffiti was also spray painted on the Robert E. Lee monument in the Fan.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the men as well as a woman with a dog who was with the men.

Citizens are asked to call Richmond Police Detective Patrick Mansfield at (804) 646-4996 or Capitol Police Cpl. Jamie Cosby at (804) 786-0386. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.