Arrest Made in Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Taj I. Conway

The Richmond Police Crash Team made an arrest this afternoon in Tuesday’s fatal hit-and-run on Walmsley Boulevard.

Taj Idrissa Conway, 34, of the 3100 block of Vale Street is charged with felony hit-and-run. Conway turned himself in to Richmond Police around 2:30 p.m. He is being held without bond at the Richmond City Jail.

Around 8:42 p.m. Aug. 28, Richmond Police received a call for a person down in the roadway in the 4500 block of Walmsley Boulevard. Officers found Jeffrey Shawn Smith lying in the westbound lane of Walmsley. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Richmond Police thanks the public for the many calls providing information in this investigation and the media’s continuous coverage, which contributed to the arrest. The investigation is still ongoing.

Back-to-school Traffic Safety Reminders

Richmond Police will have heightened traffic enforcement in all school zones as students begin the new school year Tuesday, Sept. 4. The targeted enforcement will continue through Friday, Sept. 7.


Motorists are reminded that the speed limit in school zones is 25 miles per hour.

Richmond Police offers the following pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety reminders:

Pedestrians
• Pedestrians should always utilize sidewalks.

• Pedestrians should only cross the street at intersections, and be sure to look both ways before crossing the street, even on one-way streets.

• Young children should be supervised by an adult or older child walking to and from school.

Bicyclists
• Always wear a bicycle helmet.

• Ride on the right side of the roadway with the flow of other vehicle traffic.

• Use appropriate hand signals and observe and follow traffic signals and stop signs.

Motorists
• Distracted driving is unsafe driving. Please do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.

• All drivers and passengers should wear a seat belt or be placed in an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.

• Please obey all traffic laws and speed limits.

• Watch for school buses with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm loading and unloading students. State law requires you to stop.

Police Develop Lead on Vehicle in Fatal Hit-and-Run

Richmond Police has developed a lead on a possible suspect vehicle in the fatal hit-and-run of Jeffrey Smith on Tuesday night on Walmsley Boulevard.

The Richmond Police Crash Team is looking for a 1996 to 2002 Mercedes E-320 Class sedan. There may be damage to the windshield and the passenger side of the vehicle. The car also would have factory-installed Bosch fog lights, one of which may be missing from the passenger side of the vehicle.

Around 8:42 p.m. Aug. 28, Richmond Police received a call for a person down in the roadway in the 4500 block of Walmsley Boulevard. Officers found Smith lying in the westbound lane of Walmsley. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police ask that anyone with information about this fatal hit-and-run or the possible suspect vehicle call the Richmond Police Crash Team investigators at 646-1343 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Information may be texted to Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Richmond Police is investigating the fatal hit-and-run of a pedestrian along Walmsley Boulevard last night.


Around 8:42 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, Richmond Police received a call for a person down in the roadway in the 4500 block of Walmsley Boulevard.

Officers found Jeffrey Shawn Smith, 33, of the 3900 block of Dorset Road lying in the westbound lane of Walmsley. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial Richmond Police Crash Team investigation indicates Smith was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle that left the scene of the accident. The vehicle that hit Smith may be a small dark-blue car, possibly a Volkswagen, with damage to its windshield and passenger side front bumper.

Police ask that anyone with information about this fatal hit-and-run call the Richmond Police Crash Team investigators at 646-1343 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Information may be texted to Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Wells Fargo Bank Robbers Sought

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify two men who robbed a bank yesterday morning.

At approximately 9:23 a.m., two men walked into the Wells Fargo Bank at 3501 West Broad St., displayed a weapon and robbed the bank.

The two robbers are described as black males, about 5 feet 10 inches to six feet tall with thin builds. One wore a black hooded shirt and one wore a grey hooded shirt. Both wore black masks.

The suspects left the scene on foot southbound along I-195 (Beltline Expressway).

A surveillance photograph of one of the suspects is attached to this advisory.

Anyone with any information about these suspects or this crime is asked to call 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. 

Scooter Robbers Sought

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man in the attached photos who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint on August 19.

At approximately 3 p.m., an armed man walked into the Patterson Express at 3100 Patterson Ave., robbed the store and left the scene on a scooter. The scooter image is also attached.

Detectives believe the suspect is also connected to a robbery at Cary Street Mini-Mart later that same day, as well as a robbery at Sheppard Market on August 14.

Anyone with information about this person or this crime is asked to call Detective Patrick Ripley at 646-1165 or call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. 

Help Police Identify Suspect in Windsor Farms Car Break-Ins

Richmond Police needs the public’s help to identify a man who has been breaking into vehicles in the Windsor Farms neighborhood.

The suspect was caught on surveillance video, which is available below. He is a black male who appears to be in his mid-30s to early 40s, about 5-feet-8 inches to 6-feet-tall with a slim build.

Anyone with information about this theft from motor vehicle suspect is asked to call Third Precinct Detective A.J. Jones at 646-1067 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.

Moss Side Avenue Homicide

Richmond Police detectives have identified the man found shot to death last night as Quinton E. Conyers, 20, of the 3000 block of Noble Avenue.

Officers were initially called to the alley behind the 3000 block of Moss Side Avenue for a report of a person shot at approximately 10 p.m.

Detectives do not believe this crime was random, and think robbery may have been the motive.

Anyone with any information about 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.

Victim Identified in Belt Boulevard Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has identified the man stabbed to death yesterday in the 300 block of East Belt Boulevard as David J. Burnett, 52, of the 3500 block of Lawson Street.

In less than 20 hours of the crime, detectives arrested Troy McMahan, 34, and Harley McMahan, 32, both of the 300 block of East Belt Boulevard, and charged them each with conspiracy to commit murder. Additional charges are pending.

Their mugshots are below.

Detectives wish to thank the public for their assistance in this case, but still ask anyone with any further information about this case 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.

Harley McMahan

Troy McMahan 

Arrests Made in East Belt Boulevard Homicide

Richmond Police Department
E-mail Advisory            8/15/12
Arrests Made in East Belt Boulevard Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has made two arrests in the case of last night’s fatal stabbing.

Within 20 hours of the crime police arrested Troy McMahan, 34, and Harley McMahan, 32, both of the 300 block of East Belt Boulevard, and charged them each with conspiracy to commit murder. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Additional charges are pending.

Photos will be released when they are available.

Officers were dispatched at 8:39 a.m. for a report of a person down in a parking lot behind a tire store in the 300 block of East Belt Boulevard.

They discovered the body of a white male in his early 50’s who had been stabbed. The victim’s identity is being held so detectives can notify his next of kin.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Detectives wish to thank the public for their assistance in this case.

Anyone with any further information about this case is asked to 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.

Help Sought in Treehaven Drive Homicide

Richmond Police investigators need the public’s help to find the person who killed a man last night on the city’s Southside.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers were called to the 1500 block of Treehaven Drive for a person down. When officers arrived, they found Lorenzo P. Miliam, 37, of the 1700 block of Treehaven Drive, shot to death outside.

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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. De habla española a los ciudadanos también pueden llamar a Tipsline española del Departamento (804) 239-4209.

Shootings Update

Richmond Police investigators have worked around the clock regarding the four shootings in the city yesterday and do NOT believe they are related.

Investigators are following up on several leads and have already made arrests in two incidents, but still need the community’s help in two others. They believe these events are isolated and not random.

• Regarding the life-threatening shooting in the 1400 block of Lenmore Street at approximately 10:11 p.m., Mahki R. Hopkins, 24, of the 3500 block of Skipping Rock Way, was arrested within a short period of time and charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. 

• Regarding the non-life-threatening shooting in the 3800 block of Caulder Court at approximately 12:05 p.m., David D. Tinsley, 24, of Chesterfield, was arrested an charged with attempted murder. 

• Regarding the non-life-threatening shooting in the 3300 block of Midlothian Turnpike at approximately 8:03 p.m., detectives are following up on several leads, but are asking anyone with any information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.
• 
  
• Regarding the non-life-threatening shooting in the 1500 block of Pollock Street at approximately 10:27 p.m., detectives are following up on several leads, but are asking anyone with any information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous. 

David D. Tinsley

 Mahki R. Hopkins

Arrests Made in Whitcomb Street Homicide

Richmond Police investigators have arrested two people and more arrests are pending in the shooting death of a man last week.

At approximately 12:41 a.m. on Aug. 5, officers responded to the 1900 block of Whitcomb Street for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found George E. Clark, 59, of the same block, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Investigators quickly identified the individuals involved in this crime, and do not believe it was a random act.

A day after the shooting, investigators arrested Kaliah K. Gresham, 22, and Tavon R. Ford, 23, both of the 1900 block of Whitcomb Street, and charged them with conspiracy to commit murder.

This investigation remains ongoing.

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

Suspect Sought in Southwood Parkway Homicide

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to find Charles Benjamin Kirby in connection with a Southside homicide last month.

Charles Benjamin Kirby, 24, of no fixed address, is wanted for conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the shooting death of Marcus Williams on July 17 in the 4600 block of Southwood Parkway.

Detectives believe robbery was the motive for this crime.

Kirby is described as a light-brown complected male who weighs about 190 pounds and is approximately 6’1” feet tall. He may have tried to change his appearance by cutting off his long dreadlocks/braids and may now be clean shaven. Please see the photos below. He also has a tattoo on the right side of his neck.

Anyone with any information about Kirby’s whereabouts is asked to call Det. Gary Bailey at (804) 646-6743 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.

Richmond Police Honors Its Best in Community Policing

WHAT:
Richmond Police Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony

WHEN:
1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13

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

BACKGROUND:
Chief Bryan T. Norwood and the Richmond Police Department will honor personnel and community members for their work during the first six months of 2012 to promote and exhibit the Department’s sector-based community policing initiatives.

The Department also will take a moment during the ceremony to remember K-9 Koda and his contributions to Richmond Police. The 6-year-old German Shepherd passed away last month after serving the Department five years with his handler, K-9 Officer Monty Agee. The Richmond Police K-9 Unit also will receive a Unit Citation, with a posthumous award for Koda.

Other Department awards being presented include:
• Police Medal
• Life Saving Bar and
• Quarterly Crime Reduction Recognition.

The public is invited to attend.

Citizen Alert: Fan Assault

At approximately 8 p.m. on Monday, Richmond Police responded to a call for an assault in the 300 block of North Davis Avenue.

A female jogger told officers that a man grabbed her. Police are still looking for the offender, who is described as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s with an athletic build and short hair. He was last seen wearing a navy blue t-shirt and navy blue baseball cap.

There was at least one similar incident that occurred in the Fan neighborhood last year.

Police advise citizens to always pay attention to their surroundings when walking or jogging; not to wear headphones; and to quickly report any suspicious persons or situations they feel are unusual. They can do so by calling the Department’s non-emergency number, 646-5100.

Anyone who has any information about this incident or this offender is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or the Department's non-emergency number, 646-5100. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word "ITip" followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

West Cary Street Vandals Sought

Richmond Police need the public’s help to find and identify the two men responsible for vandalizing a man’s business in the Fan neighborhood.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 26, two men spray painted the tags “REI21” and “2SHORT” on a man’s business in the 2300 block of West Cary Street.

The graffiti tags can be seen below and the vandals can be seen in the two surveillance videos, which are posted on our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/RichmondPolice

Anyone with information about this incident or these individuals 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.

Citizens can report graffiti to police by calling the Department’s non-emergency number, 646-5100. They can request its removal by calling the city’s 311 number.

Were You Stopped By This Man Pretending to Be a Police Officer?

The Richmond Police Department is looking for people who may have been stopped by a man pretending to be a police officer.

Adrian M. Crump, 42, of the 2000 block of Riverside Drive, was arrested for impersonating a police officer and detectives are continuing their investigation as they look for additional victims.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was stopped by Crump and told that he was a police officer or recognizes the below vehicles he may have outfitted with red and blue lights

Citizens may call Det. George Wade at (804) 627-4601 or Crime Stoppers anonymously 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 Jefferson Davis Highway Shooting

This afternoon the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested the man responsible for shooting a store clerk he was trying to rob in the 1300 block of Jefferson Davis Highway on Aug. 1.

Brandy M. Brown, 24, of the 3800 block of Baronet Drive, was taken into custody without incident and charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in connection with a felony.

This investigation remains ongoing.

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

Richmond Police, City Celebrate ‘America’s Night Out’

The Richmond Police Department and the City of Richmond are getting in gear for this year’s National Night Out.

The fun begins with the National Night Out Kickoff from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Target, 7101 Forest Hill Ave. Richmond Police and the Richmond Sheriff’s Office will be there with crime prevention materials and children’s fingerprinting ID kits. Richmond Police also will have some of the Department’s Special Operations Division equipment there for the children to see and explore. The festive atmosphere will include free food.

Then it’s “America’s Night Out” on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Events in more than 80 area neighborhoods are scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Chief Bryan T. Norwood will lead a caravan across the city to visit several of these neighborhoods and join in the celebration.

“Our city is safer because of events like National Night Out,” Mayor Jones said. “When neighbors know neighbors, and know the officers patrolling their streets, it develops mutually beneficial partnerships that inevitably lead to reductions in crime.”

Chief Norwood agrees. “The key to the success of our community policing efforts in Richmond is the members of the community,” the chief said. “Violent crime is down in the city and it’s because of inroads we’ve made with our community partners – the residents in every Richmond neighborhood.”

This year marks the 29th Annual National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.