UPDATE Walmsley Hit and Run Suspect Sought

The Richmond Police Department has obtained more information about a vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Walmsley Road and left the scene.

Crash Team investigators are looking for a full-size, possibly red, pickup truck that may have a ladder rack on it. The vehicle may be missing the right outside mirror. It was last seen driving west on Walmsley Boulevard toward Broad Rock Road.

The color of the vehicle has changed from earlier descriptions based on new information. 

The crash occurred at approximately 1:11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Chesco Road. The adult female victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but is now in stable condition.

The Department’s Crash Team is investigating, and asks anyone with any information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

No tip is too small and any information may be helpful in solving this case.

You’re Invited: Join Richmond Police for a ‘Night Out’ Aug. 6

In preparation for the 30^th anniversary of National Night Out, the Richmond Police Department is inviting all residents and neighborhood associations to be creative in their neighborhood parties on Tuesday, Aug. 6!

"National Night Out is a perfect time to underscore our community policing model by strengthening bonds between our police officers and residents," Mayor Dwight C. Jones said.  "Our city is safer because of events like this and I'm encouraging all neighborhoods to join us in recognizing the 30th anniversary celebration."

Community Youth and Intervention Services Captain John Hall said the annual event is one that is the perfect time for neighbors to get to know one another.

“They can organize small block parties, host simple backyard barbecues or fellowship at one of the larger community events,” he said. “And if they’re unable to attend an event, they can participate by simply turning on their porch lights.”

Richmond has previously ranked in the top 10 among cities its size across the country for National Night Out participation. The goal for 2013 is the top five. “We want groups – large and small – to join with us on Aug. 6,” Captain Hall said. “The more the merrier.”

The key to our ranking is registered participants. To register your National Night Out event, visit our website, www.richmondgov.com/police and click on the 2013 National Night Out Online Registration.

We hope citizens will also join Richmond Police and Target stores for a National Night Out kickoff event from noon to 4 p.m. this, Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Forest Hill Avenue Target, 7107 Forest Hill Ave. Officers will be on hand with crime prevention materials and children’s fingerprinting ID kits. The festive atmosphere also will include free food.

National Night Out is a night designed to strengthen neighborhoods and the police-community partnership. The annual party also helps police officers and citizens work together to support anti-crime programs and heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness. For more information about National Night Out, please visit http://www.natw.org/

Richmond Police, YMCA Team Up for Shop with a Cop!

July 29, 2013

The Richmond Police Department is proud to partner with the YMCA to help kids get ready for school by taking them to “Shop with a Cop” at Target tomorrow!

Richmond Police partners every year with the YMCA of Greater Richmond’s Bright Beginnings program to provide volunteers to take young people back-to-school shopping at a local Target store. Hundreds of volunteers across Metropolitan Richmond participate in YMCA Bright Beginnings, but the pairing of officers with children for the annual shopping trip is known as “Shop with a Cop.”

Chief Ray J. Tarasovic, members of his Command Staff and patrol officers will shop with about 30 children tomorrow at Target. The children are pre-selected from the city, picked up and taken to the store to shop with officers.

VCU Police will be joining the officers this year as well!

Altria is the lead sponsor of YMCA Bright Beginnings. Other major sponsors are Saxon Shoes, Target, Wells Fargo and the Junior League of Richmond.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend the Shop with a Cop event and to contact the Richmond Police at 646-0607 to schedule interviews.

The event is not open to the public. Also, photograph and video guidelines will be given at the store in the interest of the privacy of the children participating.

Walmsley Hit and Run Suspect Sought

 The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help for information about a vehicle that struck a pedestrian and left the scene early this morning.

At approximately 1:11 a.m. today, officers were called to the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Chesco Road for a report of an adult female who had been struck by a vehicle.

The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The Department’s Crash Team is investigating, and detectives believe the suspect vehicle may be a full-sized pickup truck that is missing its right, outside mirror. The vehicle may possibly be gray in color.

No tip is too small and any information may be helpful in solving this case.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Chamberlayne Avenue Crash Update

The Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team is investigating a crash between a truck and two pedestrians and determined no charges will be filed against the driver.

At approximately 9:46 a.m. today, officers were called to the 4900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue near the intersection of Watkins Street for a report of two juveniles who had been struck by a vehicle.

When officers arrived, they found two 10-year-old boys who had been injured. They were taken VCU Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

After further investigation, detectives determined the boys had been riding a single bicycle that pulled into the path of the truck and was struck. No charges will be filed against the truck driver in connection with the crash.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Detectives still ask anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. 

Arrests Made in William Byrd Apartments Homicide

The Richmond Police Department has arrested two people and identified the man who was shot to death on Sunday.

At approximately 3:40 a.m. on July 21, Richmond Police received a call of a person in medical distress in the William Byrd Apartments located at 2501 W. Broad Street.

Officers arrived within minutes and found Joel S. Heatley, 46, of the 3300 block of Cutshaw Avenue, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

Detectives quickly identified suspects in the crime, for which they believe robbery was the motive between known individuals.

They have arrested Melvin C. Bolling Jr., 42, of the 1900 block of Claiborne Street, and Michael A. Wilson, 47, of the 7700 block of Ardendale Road, and charged both men with conspiracy to commit robbery. Additional charges are expected after consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Both men are being held without bond.

Detectives still ask anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. 

Person of Interest Sought in Triple Shooting

 The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify the man in the below composite sketch in connection to a triple shooting earlier this month.

The person of interest is described as a light- to medium-skinned black male between 18 and 24 years old, weighing between 140 and 160 pounds and approximately 5’6” to 5’8” tall. This person may frequent the 300 block of Broad Street and the Gilpin Court areas.

Detectives would like to speak to this male in connection with the July 6 shooting of two males and one female inside a residence in the 300 block of East Broad Street.

Anyone with any information about who this male may be is asked to Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or Detective C. Kenney at 646-0744.  Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Wharf Street Death Investigation

The Richmond Police Department has identified the man who died in Tuesday’s vehicle crash into the river as Barry L. Scott, 27, of the 1600 block of East Laburnum Avenue.

Detectives do not suspect foul play.

At approximately 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, witnesses called police to report a vehicle that appeared to have intentionally driven into the river from the 3100 block of Wharf Street.

The Fire Department attempted to rescue the victim and recover the vehicle, but the poor visibility and strong currents forced them to suspend their operations until Wednesday, when the victim and the vehicle were recovered.

North Avenue Drug Arrest

Richmond Police received a tip about marijuana being grown at a residence in the 2100 block of North Avenue.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers investigated the residence, seized a marijuana plant and charged Demetrius Muhammed, 42, of the 2100 block of North Avenue, with one felony count of manufacturing marijuana.

William Byrd Apartments Homicide

July 21, 2013




At approximately 3:40 a.m., Richmond Police received a call of a person in medical distress in the William Byrd Apartments located at 2501 W. Broad Street.
Officers arrived and found a white male, in his 40’s, unresponsive in a 10th floor apartment. Upon investigation it was discovered the victim had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives canvassed residents and forensics staff processed the scene for evidence. Preliminary investigation has led detectives to believe known parties were involved in a robbery inside the apartment.

Anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Home Improvement Door to Door Sales Tactic Alert

The Richmond Police Department would like to caution city residents that it’s that time of year again when individuals sometimes go door to door offering unsolicited home- and yard-work repairs.

Though this isn't illegal, officers would encourage homeowners to check out individuals or businesses before giving them any money. Homeowners can often pay more than they need to or pay for work they don’t need at all as a result of these high-pressure solicitation tactics.

Residents in the Stonewall Court and Westhampton neighborhoods have reported at least one incident of individuals offering roof repairs when none were needed.

Individuals offering such work may be very clever in their presentation, knowing just what to say without breaking the law.

The Department urges citizens not to give anyone any money without verifying that the individuals are a valid business with proper licenses. Anyone with any questions about a business’s credentials should contact the Better Business Bureau.

Home Improvement Door to Door Sales Tactic Alert

The Richmond Police Department would like to caution city residents that it’s that time of year again when individuals sometimes go door to door offering unsolicited home- and yard-work repairs.

Though this isn’t illegal, officers would encourage homeowners to check out individuals or businesses before giving them any money. Homeowners can often pay more than they need to or pay for work they don’t need at all as a result of these high-pressure solicitation tactics.

Residents in the Stonewall Court and Westhampton neighborhoods have reported at least one incident of individuals offering roof repairs when none were needed.

Individuals offering such work may be very clever in their presentation, knowing just what to say without breaking the law.

The Department urges citizens not to give anyone any money without verifying that the individuals are a valid business with proper licenses. Anyone with any questions about a business’s credentials should contact the Better Business Bureau.

Attempted Abduction Investigation Update

After vigorous investigation, the Richmond Police Department has identified a person of interest in the attempted abduction investigation of a girl Tuesday and detectives are no longer looking for anyone else in this case.

At approximately 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, a 10-year-old girl walking in the 1100 block of Apperson Street to the Powhatan Community pool reported that a man in a vehicle attempted to persuade her to enter his vehicle.

Thanks to tremendous community support and information, detectives were able to identify this person within 24 hours. Detectives are currently consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine possible charges.

They still ask anyone with any information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. 

Woman in North 30th Street Fire Dies

July 15, 2013

Woman in North 30th Street Fire Dies

The female who sustained injuries in last month's North 30th Street fire has died.

Ava Marcus, 36, of 1221 N. 30th St., was home with her son at the time of the June 25 fire, which occurred at the same address.

The son, 18-month-old Atrell Marcus, succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire several days after the blaze. Ava Marcus died yesterday at VCU Medical Center.

Richmond Police Department detectives worked with fire investigators with the Richmond Fire Department for this investigation and were in consultation with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Two charges of threaten to burn were pending against Ava Marcus but now the case has been cleared with her death.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with further information about this incident 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.

Suspect Sought in Attempted Robbery

July 12, 2013

Suspect Sought in Attempted Robbery

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify the man in the attached photos who is wanted in connection to an attempted robbery this week.

Wednesday, at approximately 10 a.m., the man entered the CVS Pharmacy at 6807 Forest Hill Avenue and presented employees with a note announcing the robbery. Employees did not give the suspect anything and the suspect left the store.

The suspect is described as a black male, mid to late 20's to early 30's, approximately five feet eight inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green Oakland A's baseball cap, an orange shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone with information about this suspect or about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Ginter Park Neighborhood Walk Through

Chief Ray J. Tarasovic and the Department’s Command Staff will join Fourth Precinct Sector 412 Lt. Chris Gleason for a walk through the Ginter Park neighborhood this evening.

Officers will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at St. Paul's Church, located at 919 Rennie Avenue in the parking lot off Chamberlayne Avenue, and spread out through the neighborhood from there.

Officers will talk with residents and offer tips for securing their property against thefts from motor vehicles and breaking and entering. Command staff and officers will also ask what residents would like to see more of from Richmond Police.

The media is encouraged to attend.

To learn more about Sector 412’s neighborhoods, please visit our website and check out Lt. Gleason's monthly newsletters:

http://www.richmondgov.com/Police/Precinct4Sector412.aspx

Train Victim Identified

Train Victim Identified

Richmond Police have identified the man struck and killed by a train Saturday as James Coutlakis, 51, of the 00 block of South Boulevard.

At approximately 10:36 a.m., officers received a call for a man struck by a train on the railroad tracks under the Powhite Parkway. When officers arrived, they found Coutlakis deceased at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. No foul play is suspected.

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.

Edwards Avenue Barricaded Subject

Richmond Police detectives have safely arrested an armed individual from an overnight incident.



At approximately 12:45 a.m. today, officers received a call for an armed man inside a residence in the 1600 block of Edwards Avenue who had brandished a firearm at a woman earlier that evening.



When officers attempted to speak with the man he went inside his residence and refused to come out or speak with police.



At approximately 5:20 a.m., officers entered the residence and arrested Edwin W. Coleman Jr., 43, (mugshot below) without incident and charged him with felony possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, misdemeanor brandishing a firearm and misdemeanor domestic assault.



There were no injuries during the incident.

Death Investigation

Richmond Police detectives are in the early stages of a death investigation this morning.



At approximately 10:36 a.m., officers received a call for a man struck by a train on the railroad tracks under the Powhite Parkway. When officers arrived, they found an adult male deceased at the scene.



Detectives are currently working to identify the man and notify next of kin.



This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it’s available.



Anyone with any 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.

East Broad Street Shooting

Richmond Police detectives are in the early stages of a shooting investigation in the 300 block of East Broad Street this morning.


At approximately 2:30 a.m. today, officers received a call of shots fired and a person down inside a residence in the 300 block of East Broad Street.



Officers arrived within minutes and found two adult males suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. They also found an adult female suffering from life threatening gunshot wounds. All have been taken to VCU Medical Center for treatment.

The shooting stemmed from an altercation that occurred inside a residence in the building, and detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area for evidence.

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 North 30th Street Fire, Charges Pending

Victim Identified in North 30th Street Fire, Charges Pending

The Richmond Police Department has identified the 18-month-old child who died from injuries sustained in last week's N. 30th St. fire as Atrell Marcus, of 1221 N. 30th Street.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Charges are pending against the victim's mother, Ava Marcus, 36, of the above address, who remains at VCU Medical Center in critical condition. The charges are two counts of threaten to burn.

Department Major Crimes detectives are working with arson investigators with the Richmond Fire Department in this ongoing investigation.

As the investigation continues, Major Crimes detectives will continue to consult with the Commonwealth's Attorney as additional charges are considered.

They are asking anyone with any further information about this incident 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.