Recognize This Belle Isle Shooter Sketch?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man in the attached sketch who is suspected of shooting a man on Belle Isle.

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, two men were approached on the south side of the island by two white males. One of the suspects demanded money, and in the following moments, one male suspect shot and severely wounded one of the victims. Both male suspects then ran away down the bike path that leads to the BMX park.

The victim remains in critical condition.

A sketch of the male shooting suspect is below. He is described as a white male, 18 to 25 years old, approximately 6’0” feet tall with a skinny build and shaved hair. He was last seen wearing a clean white t-shirt over top of blue jeans. He was in the company of an older white male in his 40’s, approximately 6’1” tall, with a skinny but muscular build.  The older male was last seen wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved cotton t-shirt, faded blue jeans and a plain blue baseball cap.  These men should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with any information about these men or this crime is asked to call Major Crimes Det. Ed Aeschlimann at (804) 646-3351 or the Richmond Police Department Tip Line at (804) 514-TIPS (8477). 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.

Pedal 2 the Metal 4 PAL event

Pedal 2 the Metal 4 PAL
    
June 28, 2012

WHO:     Richmond Police Athletic League

WHAT:    Pedal 2 the Metal 4 PAL fundraising event

WHEN:    9 a.m. – noon Saturday, June 30

WHERE:    Richmond International Raceway
      600 East Laburnum Avenue

BACKGROUND: Have you ever wanted to ride your bike on the famous Richmond International Raceway? Well now’s your chance!

 The Richmond Police Athletic League is holding a fundraiser for PAL at RIR, “Pedal 2 the Metal 4 PAL”. Families, kids and individuals can grab their bikes and helmets and join PAL for a fun morning ride on the straight-aways and turns of RIR.

 There will also be music, food and fun on the infield. Specialized units of area law enforcement, fire departments and members of the armed forces will be on hand to display equipment and answer questions.

 The cost for families to ride the track is $25, individuals $10 and kids 12 and under can ride for $5. Infield fun is free. Register at www.RichmondPAL.com or by calling (804) 646-1832.

 Go to www.tinyurl.com/Pedal2theMetal4PAL to see a video promo of the event.

 Media is encouraged to attend.

Recognize This SunTrust Bank Robber?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man in the below photos who is suspected of robbing a SunTrust Bank this morning.

At approximately 11:46 a.m. today, a man walked into the SunTrust Bank at 1518 Hull St. and passed a teller a note demanding money. He did not display a weapon, and was last seen leaving the scene on foot heading East on Hull Street.

The robber is described as a black male with a stocky build, between 5’6 feet and 5’9 feet tall with a trim beard and goatee.

Anyone with any information about the man is asked to call First Precinct Det. Kevin Hughes at (804) 646-0675 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.

Got Info About This Weekend's Shooting?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help as they investigate a weekend shooting.

At approximately 2:40 a.m. yesterday, a man and a woman were shot outside the Sky Lounge at 4 W. Broad St. as they were waiting to go inside the club. The 26-year-old woman suffered a graze wound while the 21-year-old male was shot in the hand. Both are not life-threatening injuries.

The shooter was involved in an altercation inside the club and asked to leave earlier that evening. However, he later returned armed with a gun and shot the pair outside who were not involved in the earlier altercation. 

The shooter then ran away and as last seen heading north toward Marshall Street before police arrived.

The shooter is a black male in his mid 20’s, approximately 6 feet to 6 feet 3” tall, with a lean build and close-cut hair. He also had a mustache and some chin hair.  He was last seen wearing a long, torn white t-shirt (possibly with blood stains) and red shorts (possibly basketball shorts). 

Anyone with information on the shooter or the shooting is asked to call Det. Jon Bridges at (804) 646-4494 or Crime Stoppers anonymously 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.

All Eyes on Annual Neighborhood Watch Conference

WHO:

Richmond Neighborhood Watch Groups

Community Emergency Response Team – CERT

Richmond Police Department

WHAT:

Annual Neighborhood Watch Conference

WHEN:

6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 20

WHERE:

Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road

BACKGROUND:

Richmond Neighborhood Watch groups meet on a quarterly basis under the direction of Community Care Officer Sarah Powell. But they also have an annual conference to discuss community policing efforts to strengthen their partnership with Richmond Police and other City of Richmond agencies.

This year’s conference will focus on emergency preparedness in the event of a disaster or traumatic event in the community, with a presentation by a CERT representative and a member of the city’s staff to discuss our emergency preparedness plan.

All Neighborhood Watch groups also are gearing up for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Registration is available online at www.richmondgov.com/police.

The conference is open to the public.

Robbery/Shooting Update

At approximately 2:16 a.m. today, Richmond Police officers responded for a shooting call in the 00 block of East Broad Street.

When officers arrived, they found a 19-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

After further investigation, officers learned the shooting victim had tried to rob a pizza delivery man with a stun gun. The 33-year-old pizza delivery man was not injured and shot the would-be robber in self defense.

The 19-year-old—Michael T. Caballero, of no fixed address—has been charged with robbery and two counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. His mugshot will be released when it’s available.

Detectives still ask that anyone with any information about this crime is asked 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.

Seen This Missing Woman With Alzheimer's?

Richmond Police investigators need the public’s help to locate a missing woman with Alzheimer’s.

Edna R. Rodriguez, 64, moved to the area on Monday and is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. She is pictured below.

She was last seen wearing a garnet-colored class ring on her right hand, a cream-colored lace top, a black paisley printed skirt, black tennis shoes and a black jacket. She wears glasses, but does not have them so she may squint in order to see. She is missing her front teeth (top and bottom) and has long black and gray hair that she wears in a bun. She is approximately 4’10” feet tall, weighs about 140 pounds and has a scar/burn on her shoulder.

Rodriguez is known to frequent churches in the area and was last seen walking in the area of Six Points in the 700 block of Bancroft Avenue around 11 p.m. last night.

Anyone who has any information about Rodriguez’s whereabouts is asked to call the Richmond Police Department’s non-emergency number at (804) 646-5100.

Police Looking for Suspect in Gateway Bank Robbery

Richmond Police needs the public’s help to identify a man who robbed a West End bank this morning.


Around 10 a.m., a man walked into the Gateway Bank at 5300 Patterson Ave. and demanded money from tellers. He did not display a weapon. The man walked away from the bank toward Dunbar Street.

The suspect is a white male, age 55 to 60, who was last seen wearing glasses, a bucket hat, a khaki shirt and blue jeans. He is about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.

Anyone with any information about this robbery suspect is asked to call Detective William Cutshall at 646-1068 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Information also may be provided by text to Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Downtown Incident Update

Richmond Police investigators have charged a man in connection with this morning’s incident downtown.

At approximately 5:20 a.m., officers received a call of suspicious persons breaking into vehicles in the parking deck of the Crown Plaza Hotel at 5^th and Canal streets. Officers investigated and found a male and a female inside a vehicle and attempted to interview them.

But the male acted as if he had a weapon in a bag and as if he were taking the woman hostage.

Out of an abundance of caution, officers requested SWAT and negotiator assistance. The man surrendered without incident to police at 7:24 a.m.

That man, Jessie I. Whitaker, 28, of the 2300 block of Mill Road, was charged with tampering with a vehicle, obstruction of justice without force and an outstanding warrant.

Though officers initially believed the female was the victim of abduction, the initial investigation revealed the two were acquaintances. The extent of her role in the incident as a whole remains ongoing.

Creighton Road Homicide

Richmond Police investigators are following up on several leads in reference to this weekend’s homicide.

At approximately 12:27 a.m. on Saturday, officers received several calls of shots fired in the 2100 block of Creighton Road. When they arrived, they found Herman H. Braxton, 28, of the 4900 block of Old Brook Road, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was transported to VCU Medical Center where he later died of his injuries.

Investigators would like to thank the community for the numerous tips they have received, but they would still like to encourage anyone with any information about this crime 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.

Arrest Made, Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory            6/5/12
Arrest Made, Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide on Chamberlayne Avenue and has made an arrest.

Detectives have identified the victim as Jerome L. Harris, 38, of the 1500 block of North 35th Street.

Police arrested Curtis R. Lee, Jr., 47, of the 3800 block of Chamberlayne Avenue. His photo is attached and below.

Lee has been charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Other charges are pending.

Detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with additional information about this incident can 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.

Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide - Advisory

At approximately 4:54 p.m., the Richmond Police Department received calls of an argument in the 3800 block of Chamberlayne Avenue. Two minutes later they received a call of a shot fired at the same location. Officers arrived one minute later and found a deceased male in a parking lot.

The victim is described as a black male in his 30’s. He appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Detectives have been interviewing residents of the nearby apartment complexes in search of information that can assist the investigation.

At this time detectives believe this is an isolated incident and do not believe this was a random act.

Two blocks of Chamberlayne Avenue north of Laburnum Avenue were closed for just under three hours to accommodate 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.

Recognize This Forest Hill BB&T Bank Robber?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man in the attached photos who is suspected of robbing a bank this morning.

At approximately 10:56 a.m. Monday, a man walked into the BB&T Bank at 6980 Forest Hill Ave. and passed a teller a note demanding money. He did not display a weapon, and was last seen leaving the scene in a red vehicle, possibly a Ford or Mercury sedan.

He is described as a black male, approximately 30 years old, 6’0” feet tall, weighing about 165 pounds and he had a mustache.

Anyone with any information about the man is asked to call Third Precinct Det. William Cutshall at (804) 646-1068 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.

Cherokee and Old Westham Roads Traffic Fatality

The Richmond Police Crash Team is investigating a fatal traffic accident that happened in the city’s South Side this morning.

Richmond Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Cherokee and Old Westham roads at 10:33 a.m. The accident resulted in the death of Antonio Shands Jr., 18, of the 600 block of Yorkshire Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the initial investigation, the vehicle in which Shands was a passenger was traveling west on Old Westham Road. The Chevrolet Malibu did not stop as it approached the intersection with Cherokee. There is a stop sign for motorists traveling on Westham to obey.

The Chevrolet Malibu entered the intersection and was struck on the passenger side by a Ford pickup truck that was traveling north on Cherokee.

In addition to Shands, there were four other persons in the Chevrolet Malibu. The only person in the Ford pickup was the driver. The other occupants in the Malibu and the driver of the pickup did not have life-threatening injuries.

The Richmond Police Crash Team will continue to investigate this accident. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Quick Arrests Made in Bonmark Drive Homicide

Richmond Police has made arrests in the fatal shooting of a man yesterday in South Side.

Around 5:39 p.m. Thursday, May 31, Richmond Police received a call for a person with a gun in the 3700 block of Bonmark Drive. A subsequent call at 5:43 p.m. reported a person had been shot on Bonmark Drive.

Richmond Police officers from Second Precinct arrived within a minute of the call and found three persons with gunshot wounds. They were taken to VCU Medical Center, where one of them, Orlando J. Shaw, 19, later died. The other two persons’ injuries are not life threatening.

The initial investigation indicates the shooting resulted from a confrontation and argument among four people, including Shaw, who lived on Bonmark Drive.

Three people are charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Shaw. They are: Jewel Wiggins, 19; Maria Y. Wiggins, 41; and Antonio A. Fountain, 32, of the 5900 block of Warwick Road.

Richmond Police commends the great work of the officers’ immediate response and information from the Vial Heights community that resulted in the rapid closure of this homicide investigation.

Jewel Wiggins

Maria Wiggins

Antonio Fountain