Friday, June 28, 2013

Drowning Victim Identified

The Richmond Police Department has identified the drowning victim recovered from the James River yesterday by the Richmond Fire Department.

Emerson-Josue Zelaya-Aguilera, 15, of the 1000 block of Turner Road in Chesterfield was recreating in the James River on Tuesday afternoon when he became distressed. He was the subject of a search by the Richmond Police and Richmond Fire departments through that evening and the following day.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

No foul play is suspected.

Joint Operation Arrest

This morning the Richmond Police and Henrico Police departments were involved in a joint operation that resulted in an arrest.

At approximately 8:17 p.m. last night, a man broke into the residence of his estranged wife in the 2600 block of Houston Street in Richmond. He brandished a gun and made contact with his young adult son prior to leaving the residence. He then left the area in his vehicle.

Richmond detectives contacted Henrico officers who located the man's vehicle at his residence in the 3700 block of Bedford Street in Henrico.

Henrico officers attempted to serve the Richmond warrant. Upon making contact, the suspect would not surrender. Officers then discovered the suspect’s young child was inside the residence.

Henrico SWAT officers attempted to peacefully resolve the situation for several hours before entering the home at approximately 4 a.m. this morning.

The child was unharmed and the suspect was arrested without incident.

Emanuel V. Key, 41, of the 3700 block of Bedford Street in Henrico has been charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony and violation of a protective order. His photo is below.



Anyone with further 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 methods are anonymous.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Victim Identified in Saturday's Homicide

June 17, 2013

Victim Identified in Saturday's Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has identified the man found shot to death early Saturday morning as Darvis M. McLaughlin, 22, of the 1700 block of Clarkson Road.

At approximately 5 a.m., officers heard gunshots in the 1200 block of St. Peters Street. Within seconds, officers arrived on scene and found McLaughlin shot to death.

An arrest of a suspect was quickly made. Curtis L. Finley has been charged with murder and use of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Anyone with further information about this crime 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.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Arrest Made in Morning Homicide

June 15, 2013

Arrest Made in Morning Homicide



This morning at approximately 5 a.m., Richmond Police Department officers on patrol in the Gilpin Court Housing Community heard shots fired nearby.

Within a minute they located a victim unresponsive in the 1200 block of St. Peters Street. The victim, a black male in his early twenties, was dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

A suspect description was quickly obtained and broadcast. Minutes later other officers stopped a male who matched the suspect description in the 400 block of West Broad Street.

This individual, Curtis L. Finley, 30, of the 1000 block of Connecticut Avenue in Henrico, was later identified as the suspect. Finley has been charged with murder and use of a firearm by a convicted felon. His photo is attached and below.

Detectives do not believe this was a random act and they are not searching for additional suspects at this time.

The victim will be identified after next of kin has been notified.

Anyone with additional information about this incident 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. 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Storm Death Investigation


The Richmond Police Department has identified the child killed during yesterday’s storm as Shawn T. Wills, 4, of Chesterfield.



At approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, police and firefighters were called to 1700 Hampton Drive at Maymont Park for a report of a tree that had fallen on a male, 43, and a child.



When officers arrived, the child was found deceased at the scene. His father, who was also struck by the tree, suffered non-life threatening injuries.



Detectives have ruled the death an accident that occurred during a storm that brought heavy rain and gusty winds throughout the city.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Missing Persons Sought

June 13, 2013

Missing Persons Sought

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to locate a missing mother and child.

The mother is believed to be dealing with medical issues. No foul play is suspected.

Detectives are searching for Tiffany S. Pugh, 27, of the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike and Israel U. Pugh, 5, of the same address. Tiffany Pugh is approximately five feet seven inches tall while Israel Pugh is approximately 2 feet, 8 inches in height. Their photos are below and attached.
 

 

Anyone with any information about these individuals is asked to call Detective Steve Kendell at (804) 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. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Police Impersonator/Robbery Suspect Sought

June 12, 2013

Police Impersonator/Robbery Suspect Sought

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for impersonating an officer and robbing the two victims.

Last night at approximately 9:15 p.m., in the 4600 block of Jefferson Davis Highway, a white Ford pick-up truck illuminated flashing white lights and pulled behind a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle stopped and the suspect driver of the pickup approached and stated he was a police officer. The suspect wore no uniform and did not display a badge or gun.

The scenario occurred again a few minutes later at 9:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway.

No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately five feet nine inches tall and wearing khaki shorts and a white shirt. He was driving a four-door white Ford F-250 or F-350 pickup truck. The vehicle has two white 'emergency lights' on the front bumper and one on the windshield.

The Department would like to remind the community that all law enforcement uses blue emergency lights, including the Richmond Police Department and other local law enforcement. Should you believe you are being pulled over by unauthorized personnel, the Department suggests you use a mobile phone to call 911 and follow the instructions of the dispatcher. If no phone is available, drive to a busy, well-lit public place.

Anyone with any information about this individual or this vehicle 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. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Torch Run for Special Olympics

Torch Run For Special Olympics
                              
June 5, 2013
WHO:                         Chief Ray J. Tarasovic
                                    108th Basic Recruit Class
                                    Richmond Police personnel
          
WHAT:                       
Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run – Capitol Leg
          
WHEN:                      
10 a.m. Friday, June 7
          
WHERE:                    
Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower, Ninth and Franklin streets
          
BACKGROUND:     
Members of the Department’s 108th Basic Recruit Class, Richmond Police personnel and members of other area law enforcement agencies will participate in the Torch Run’s Capitol Leg, a 7-mile stretch west from the State Capitol to the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad in Henrico.

Richmond Police also will participate in the Torch Run’s Final Leg, starting 7:30 p.m., Friday, at the Rescue Squad and ending at the University of Richmond Robins Center for the start of the Special Olympics games, which the Torch Run benefits.

“It is an honor to run the course following the Special Olympic torch,” said Captain Harvey Powers, the Department’s Torch Run coordinator. “That torch is a burning symbol of the courage, determination and effort of Special Olympic athletes everywhere.”

This year law enforcement agencies in Virginia have raised a record-breaking sum of over one million dollars to fund the important missions of Special Olympics.
                                   
In the event of rain, participants will continue the Torch Run as a reflection of the determination shown by the athletes of the Special Olympics. In the event of lightning, the run will be suspended for safety. Suspension or cancelation of the event will be immediately posted to the Department's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/RichmondPolice.

RPD Mourns the Loss of Chief Frank S. Duling, Jr.

RPD Mourns the Loss of Chief Frank Duling

June 5, 2013

The Richmond Police Department is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Frank S. Duling Jr.

Chief Duling, who died last night, was the Department’s longest serving police chief, leading the Department from 1967 to 1989.

“Chief Duling’s legacy with the Department cannot be overstated,” Chief Ray J. Tarasovic said. “His years of work, not only as chief but for 44 years of dedicated service, paved the way for years of success for the Richmond Police.”

Duling grew up surrounded by blue: His father, two uncles and brother were also Richmond Police officers.

He first started hanging around police Headquarters when he was 9 years old and never left. He volunteered and served as an auxiliary officer for several years before being sworn in to the Department on Dec. 29, 1944, as a patrol officer.

In 1950, he was promoted to sergeant, and then, three years later, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. In 1957, he was promoted to the rank of captain and then major in 1960.

Just one day after his 23rd anniversary as a Richmond Police officer, Duling was promoted to Chief on Dec. 30, 1967. He would serve in that position for 21 years and 7 months until July 29, 1989, when he retired. Overall, he worked as a Richmond Police officer for 44 years and 7 months.

He worked in patrol, juvenile division, Training Academy, Inspector’s Office and was the Commander of Investigative Operations before being promoted to Chief.

He served on many boards and groups through the years. Duling served as President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and he was a proud member of the John Marshall Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Central Virginia Crime Clinic, and the Virginia State Crime Clinic. He also served seven years as a member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also had more than 250 commendations and awards.

“As a 35-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department, I was fortunate to have served alongside Chief Duling in a number of capacities and assignments,” Captain Paul Kiniry said. “Law enforcement technology and tactics changed dramatically during his tenure, and Chief Duling provided remarkable leadership during this time. He had the tenacity to hold officers to the highest standards while also being fair. It was a hallmark of his approach.”