Suspect in Attempted Abduction Arrested

Suspect in Attempted Abduction Arrested

The Richmond Police Department has identified, located and arrested the suspect in last week’s attempted abduction.

Jovon S. Brown, 23, of the 300 block of West Roanoke Street, was arrested by detectives without incident. He has been charged with assault and abduction.

Detectives wish to thank media outlets for broadcasting the surveillance video of the suspect and also thank citizens for their tips that helped the investigation.

On Thursday, at approximately 11 a.m., in the 2500 block of Semmes Avenue, police believe Brown approached a teenaged girl and attempted to force her to accompany him down the street. The girl was able to run away to safety.

Anyone with additional information about this crime is asked to call Detective Steve Kendell at 646-3378 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.

Suspect Sought in Attempted Abduction

Suspect Sought in Attempted Abduction

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify and find the man in the attached video who attempted to abduct a teenaged girl yesterday.

The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. in the 2500 block of Semmes Avenue.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male in his 30’s with green eyes standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build. He is bald with no facial hair. He was wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt and was carrying a white construction-type helmet. He was wearing a backpack.

Detectives believe the suspect may work or reside in the area.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Detective Steve Kendell at 646-3378 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.

Citizens Academy Offers Behind-the-Scenes of Policing

April 18, 2013

CSI. Law and Order. Cold Case. Castle. As anyone who clicks through an average week of network television can tell you – our culture is fascinated with police work. For those so enthralled - a great opportunity to learn about the operations of the Richmond Police Department is at hand.

The Department will offer a free four-week Citizen Police Academy for those interested in learning about Richmond Police community policing strategies and law enforcement-related topics. There will be eight, two-and-a-half hour classes held twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning June 4 through July 2. Classes will be 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road. The academy will culminate the ninth session with a graduation ceremony. This will be the Department’s 16th Citizen Police Academy.

“The Department has specialized units, varied disciplines and passionate professionals working every day to protect and enhance the quality of life in Richmond,” Citizen Police Academy coordinator GiTonya Parker said. “With a quick phone call a citizen can register to be immersed in the exciting world of police work. So put down the remote and pick up the phone!”

The Citizen Police Academy sessions are diverse and range from the Department’s organizational structure to forensics, criminal investigation, narcotics and firearms. Anyone who lives or works in Richmond can attend the academy. You must be at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed and considered by Chief Ray J. Tarasovic.

Those interested can register by calling the Community Care Unit at 646-7648.  The deadline to register is May 24. Space is limited.

Covert Operation Helps Catch Copper Thieves Cold

Covert Operation Helps Catch Copper Thieves Cold

April 17, 2013

Often police work involves taking reports of crimes after they occur. Last night it was a little different.

After several incidents of copper thefts in Ginter Park and nearby neighborhoods this year, Fourth Precinct officers decided to show their mettle by staging a covert surveillance operation on possible targets.

Soon after staging, a patrol officer was alerted to a suspicious person in the area of the Children’s Hospital at 2924 Brook Road. Just three blocks away – the officers on the operation were able to immediately assist the patrol officer and engage in the rapid developments of the investigation that soon resulted in two arrests and the recovery of stolen property. 

“We saw an established pattern, planned the operation and put resources in place. We hope this covert operation’s success will go a long way towards stopping these thefts in this area,” Sector Lieutenant Chris Gleason said. “This is a reminder to those thinking of criminal activity. You may see officers in Outdoor Roll Calls, in vehicles, on bicycle or walking patrols – but you also might not notice us at all. That doesn’t mean we’re not there.”

Arrested and charged with larceny are (top photo) Ebon J. Fife, 25, of the 300 block of Hibiscus Drive in Henrico, and Lamont A. Phillips, 31, of the 17100 block of Pryor Lane in Montpelier.



Anyone with any information about this or similar crimes 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.

Pursuit Suspect Sought

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to find a man who fled a police traffic stop on Sunday morning.



At approximately 5:43 a.m. Sunday, an officer attempted to stop a blue Ford Mustang for a traffic violation in the 2700 block of West Broad Street. Though the vehicle initially stopped, it took off as the officer approached on foot.



Officers terminated the pursuit when it entered Henrico County. Richmond Police was later notified by Henrico County Police that the driver had crashed into a house and ran from the scene there.



After determining the driver’s identity, officers obtained warrants for his arrest. The Department needs the public’s assistance to find Uanas R. Elmawri, 27, whose last known address is the 3400 block of Danrett Lane. He is wanted on charges of reckless driving, felony eluding police and hit and run.



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.

Street Closings, Parking Restrictions for Monument 10K

The Richmond Police Department asks motorists to be mindful of runners, street closings and parking restrictions for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K this Saturday. The events begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, with the Virginia 529 Kids Run. The first wave of the 10K steps off 8:30 a.m. near Broad and Harrison streets. The 10K’s finish line is on Franklin Street next to Monroe Park.



Logistics of the 10K will require numerous street closings and traffic pattern changes throughout the city beginning with parking restrictions starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 12. Restrictions and closures will continue until 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.



Richmond Police reminds all 10K event participants and attendees to take advantage of parking in the decks near the start and finish lines and to not leave any items that may tempt would-be thieves in plain view in your vehicle, regardless of where you park.



Following are the Richmond Police closings and changes scheduled from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday:



• Broad Street from Belvidere Street to Lombardy Street will be closed from 4 a.m. to noon. The recommended detour for westbound traffic on Broad is right on Belvidere, left on Leigh Street and left on Allen Avenue. The recommended detour for eastbound traffic on Broad is left on Allen, right on Leigh and right on Belvidere.

• Kent will be closed from Wythe to Monument Avenue from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Laurel Street will be closed from Main to Broad streets from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Cathedral Place will be closed from Laurel to Shafer Ct from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Harrison will be closed from Park to Marshall from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Franklin Street will be closed from Laurel to Stuart Circle from 4 a.m. to

2:30 p.m. and from Lombardy to Harrison from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Lombardy Street will be closed from Broad to Hanover Avenue from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Chantilly will be closed from Monumental to Monument from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Canal Street will be closed from Belvidere to 2nd Street from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Park Avenue will be closed from Shafer to Lombardy from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Exit ramp from Westbound I-195 to Belvidere will be closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Hanover will be closed from Plum to Lombardy from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Grace Street will be closed from Belvidere to Allen from 7 a.m. to noon.

• Monument Avenue will be closed from Staples Mill Road to Stuart Circle (Lombardy Street) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The recommended detour for eastbound traffic is left on Staples Mill, right on Broad, left on Allen, right on Leigh and right on Belvidere. The recommended detour for westbound traffic is right on Belvidere, left on Leigh, left on Allen and right on Broad.

• The Boulevard will be closed at Monument Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The recommended detour for northbound traffic is left on Park Avenue, right on Thompson Street to I-195. The recommended detour for southbound traffic is right on Grace Street, right on Thompson Street, left on Broad Street, left on Hamilton Street to I-195.



There will be many street closings for all north and south streets intersecting Monument Avenue and Franklin Street from Staples Mill Road to Belvidere Street. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use I-95 and I-195 to travel around the city.



In addition to the street closings, parking will be prohibited prior to and during the 10K on the following streets:



1 p.m. Friday, April 12, to 3 p.m. Saturday

• Both sides of Franklin Street from Laurel to Belvidere



3 p.m. Friday, April 12, to noon Saturday

• Both sides of Broad Street from Belvidere to Lombardy

• Both sides of Franklin Street from Belvidere to Shafer

• Both sides of Laurel Street from Grace to Cathedral

• Southbound lanes of Belvidere from Broad to Main Street



4 a.m. to noon Saturday

• Both sides of Monument Avenue from Stuart Circle to Staples Mill

• Both sides of Franklin Street from Stuart Circle to Shafer

• Both sides of Laurel Street from Cathedral to Main

• Both sides of Park Avenue from Harrison to Linden

• Both sides of Lombardy from Park to Monument



4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

• Both sides of Chantilly Street from Monument to Monumental

• Both sides of Kent Street from Wythe to Monument



5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

• Both sides of Blacker from Monument to Monumental



In addition, parking will be prohibited on both sides of Lombardy from Broad to Stuart Circle from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday and both sides of Grace from Belvidere to Allen from 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Jefferson Davis Highway Fatal Crash

The Richmond Police Department is in the early stages of investigating a fatal vehicle crash involving a stolen police car this afternoon.



Just after 12:30 p.m. today, officers received a call for a wanted, armed individual in the 4700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway near the 7-Eleven. When officers arrived, the individual was gone, but the officer spotted him around the corner walking on Castlewood Drive.



The officer parked his car, but when he attempted to speak with the man, he brandished a firearm at the officer. The officer then took cover behind his police car and the man then stole the marked police cruiser.



The man then drove through a business gate and crashed into a building in the 4700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway where the vehicle caught fire and the single occupant, a white male in his early 30s, died at the scene.



There were no other injuries. The building suffered minor damage.



Officers are in the process of confirming the victim’s identity and notifying next of kin. More information will be released when it’s available.

Birch Street Robbery Suspects Sought

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify two men who are persons of interest in the armed robbery of two people Friday night.



Just after 2 a.m. on March 29, two men were walking in the 400 block of Birch Street when they were approached and robbed at gunpoint by two unknown men.



The first suspect is described as a black male with short hair and a thin build. He is approximately 17 to 21 years old and between 5’10” to 5’11” tall.



The second suspect is described as a black male with a thin build, approximately 17 to 21 years old and between 5’7” and 5’8” tall.



Both men were last seen wearing all dark clothing.



Anyone with any information about these men or this crime is asked to call Detective William Cutshall at 646-1028 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.