Black Bear Sighting in Mosby Court

June 30, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is advising residents and visitors in the area of Mosby Court to use caution as an adult black bear was spotted there early Tuesday morning.

The bear was initially sighted by a citizen at 11 p.m. June 29 in the 1800 block of Rogers Street. It was last seen just after midnight in a wooded area near the intersection of Coalter and Redd streets.

Police are asking citizens to keep their distance from the bear and stress not to approach it for any reason. Animal Control and the Game Warden have been notified.

Anyone who has a sighting of the bear is encouraged to call the Richmond Police non-emergency line at 804-646-5100.

Victim Identified in 1st Avenue Homicide

June 29, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of a homicide that occurred last week on the city’s north side. Investigators are also requesting the public’s help to establish a timeline of the hours leading up to the incident.

At approximately 10:20 a.m. on Saturday, RPD officers were called to a school playground on 1^st Avenue for a report of a person down. Kempton D. Moore, 22, of the 3500 block of 1^st Avenue, was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy, conducted today by the Medical Examiner’s Office, determined the cause of death was a fatal gunshot wound. Investigation revealed that the homicide likely took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 27.

Detectives are pursuing available leads in the case, and encourage anyone with information on the whereabouts of the victim earlier that night to contact police. A portrait photo of Moore and one taken prior to the incident are attached.

“That photo was taken shortly before Mr. Moore’s death and shows what he was wearing that night,” said Sgt. Rick Edwards with the Major Crimes Unit. “We are looking for any information that could help us to reconstruct the hours and events leading up to the shooting.”

Anyone with information or who was in the area between midnight and 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27 is asked to call Detective Marshall Young at (804) 646-3926 or 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.

 

 

Arrests Made in Three Homicide Investigations

The Richmond Police Department has made arrests in three homicide investigations. Photos attached. 

Keeshawn T. Branch

East Brookland Park Boulevard Homicide

           

Keeshawn T. Branch, 26, of the 3100 block of E. Marshall Street, was arrested on June 26 and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Just after midnight on April 19, 2015, RPD officers were called to the 600 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard for a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Rolan Angaroo, 29, of the 600 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard, inside a residence dead from a gunshot wound.

Christina M. Mabry

Grove Avenue Homicide

           

Christina M. Mabry, 37, of the 4600 block of Grove Avenue, was arrested on June 26 and charged with 2^nd degree murder and using a weapon to stab or cut.

At 1:45 a.m. on May 31, 2015, officers responded to an apartment in the 4600 block of Grove Avenue for a report of a domestic dispute between a man and a woman. They arrived to find Woodrow E. Anstead, 38 of the 00 block of South Stafford Avenue inside the apartment suffering from a knife wound.

Anstead was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

           

St. John Street Homicide

Lamont A. Coleman

Richmond Police have arrested a person of interest in a homicide that occurred on the afternoon of June 24, 2015 in Gilpin Court.

Lamont A. Coleman, 42, of the 5500 block of Midlothian Turnpike, was arrested on June 26 and charged with robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additional charges are anticipated.

Around 1:40 p.m. that day, RPD officers responded to the 1100 block of St. John Street for a report of a shooting. Dante L. Suber, 34, of the 2300 block of Ambrose Street, was found to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries that afternoon.

Anyone with information about this case 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.

Arrest Made for Vandalism of Jefferson Davis Monument

June 27, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a Richmond man for vandalizing the Jefferson Davis monument.

Joseph Weindl, 39, of the 1700 block of Blair Street has been charged with Destruction of City Property, a misdemeanor. The charge will be upgraded to a felony once the cost of cleaning up the damage is shown to exceed $1,000.

At approximately 10:34 p.m. on June 26, 2015 RPD officers were called to the 2500 block of Monument Avenue for a report of vandalism in progress at the Jefferson Davis Monument. By the time they arrived, the vandal had left the scene. An “L” had been spray-painted to the granite base of the monument.

Working with descriptions of the suspect and suspect vehicle provided by a witness and evidence obtained at the scene, detectives were able to identify Weindl.

During an interview, Weindl confessed to the vandalism. But, he has denied vandalizing the monument the previous night when the phrase “Black Lives Matter” was spray-painted on the granite base of the monument. That investigation remains open.

Anyone with information about either case is asked to call Property Crimes Detective 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.

 

          Joseph Weindl

 

Suspect in Jahnke Road Fatal Collision Charged

June 26, 2015

The suspect in a fatal collision in the 6000 block of Jahnke Road earlier this week turned himself in to police Friday at the Richmond Justice Center.

Ronald D. Jeffers, 28, of the 5900 block of Westower Drive, is charged with felony hit and run and driving on a suspended operator’s license. Photo not available at this time. 

“We appreciate the community’s help in this case,” said Lt. Thomas Nolan with the Traffic Unit. “As a result of its assistance and the information provided, this individual turned himself in to law enforcement.”

At approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, a gold 2000 Chrysler 300, driven by Jeffers, was traveling northbound on Newell Road when it struck the side of a 2005 Suzuki XL7 headed east on Jahnke Road. Jeffers continued driving north on Newell Road without stopping.

The Suzuki collided with a 1992 Toyota Paseo traveling west on Jahnke Road before it swerved left and overturned. The SUV subsequently struck a fourth vehicle that was parked and unoccupied.

The driver of the Suzuki, Della L. Fields, 74, of the 100 block of East 36^th Street, was pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers in the Suzuki and the driver of the Toyota were transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Detectives ask anyone with any information to call Crash Team Sergeant Robert Jones at 646-1718 or 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.

Victim Identified in Fatal Collision on Jahnke Road

June 25, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday evening in the 6000 block of Jahnke Road.

At approximately 8 p.m., a vehicle traveling northbound on Newell Road struck the side of a 2005 Suzuki XL7 that was headed east on Jahnke Road. The first vehicle continued driving north on Newell Road without stopping.

The Suzuki collided with a 1992 Toyota Paseo traveling west on Jahnke Road before it swerved left and overturned. It subsequently struck a fourth vehicle that was parked and unoccupied.

The driver of the Suzuki, Della L. Fields, 74, of the 100 block of East 36^th Street, was pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers in the Suzuki and the driver of the Toyota were transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle has been recovered and is being processed by RPD investigators.

Detectives ask anyone with any information to call Crash Team Sergeant Robert Jones at 646-1718 or 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.

St. John Street Homicide

June 25, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday afternoon in Gilpin Court.

Around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, RPD officers responded to the 1100 block of St. John Street for a report of a shooting. On arrival, they found Dante L. Suber, 34, of the 2300 block of Ambrose Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Anthony Coates at 804-646-0729 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.

Ambrose Street Homicide

June 23, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday in Whitcomb Court.

At approximately 6:35 p.m., RPD officers were called to the 2300 block of Ambrose Street for a report of a shooting. They immediately located the body of Ricky Miles, 48, of the 3300 block of Nine Mile Road lying on the ground outside one of the apartment buildings. He had been shot multiple times.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Sergeant Richard Edwards at 804 646-0606 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.

Victims Identified in Vehicle Fire

June 18, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has identified the persons who were discovered last night in a burning vehicle on the city’s south side.

They are a male, Hector E. Gonzalez-Carabantes, 20, of the 4100 block of Jefferson Davis Highway and a female, Leny Monroy-Membreno, 17, of the 4200 block of Lamplighter Court.

 At approximately 10:47 p.m., a passerby in the 3000 block of East Belt Boulevard observed a vehicle on fire in the parking lot of the Hickory Hill Community Center. The Richmond Fire Department and the Richmond Police Department responded. After the fire was extinguished, officers found the bodies of Gonzalez-Carabantes and Monroy-Membreno inside the vehicle.

Autopsies, conducted today by the Medical Examiner’s Office, showed no signs of trauma to either person. A determination of the cause and manner of each of their deaths may be made once toxicology tests are completed.

At this point in the investigation, RPD detectives have found no evidence of foul play. Arson investigators will determine the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Christopher Foultz at (804) 646-6996 or 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.

RPD Promotes Safety for Places of Worship

June 18, 2015

Mosques, churches, synagogues and all places of worship should be havens from the chaos of life. Safety is paramount and adopting a few simple procedures can dramatically increase the security of these sanctuaries and help to protect the people within and the surrounding property.

The Richmond Police Department will be hosting a safety and awareness forum for religious gathering places. The forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. A variety of topics will be discussed, including general safety, preparing for an emergency and staffing for special events that will draw large crowds.

The forum is free, but registration is required to accommodate all attendees. Registration will take place on-site before the event from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Early registration is also available online. Congregations are invited to send no more than four representatives.

The forum will be held at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road. For further questions please contact Officer Kimberly Cheatham-McClarin at 646-6754.

Arrests Made in Roanoke Street Homicide

June 16, 2015

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a homicide that occurred last Thursday on West Roanoke Street. 

Regshawn L. Ward, 19, of the 3900 block of Laurelwood Road, Chesterfield, was picked up yesterday by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Brandon R. Townsend, 20, of the 6400 block of Cosmic Road, Richmond, was arrested last Friday with the task force’s assistance. Both men have been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder and further charges are pending. Their photos are attached.

At 1:48 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, officers responded to the 200 block of West Roanoke Street for a report of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived they found Diego S. Brown, 35, of the 3300 block of Meadowdale Boulevard, with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced at the scene.

Anyone with information about this case 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.

 

                                         Regshawn L. Ward

 

 

                                      Brandon R. Townsend

 

Missing Woman Found Murdered

June 16, 2015

 

The Richmond Police Department has identified a body found last week in the city as that of Katasha Johnson, a woman who went missing earlier this month. She had been murdered.

At approximately 9:22 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2015 RPD officers were called to a wooded area in the 2200 block of Jennie Sher Road by construction workers who discovered what was later determined to be human remains.

An autopsy conducted yesterday positively identified the body as that of Johnson. The cause of death is homicide.

Johnson, 26, of the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road was last seen the morning of June 3, 2015 when she dropped off her daughter at a day care center on the city’s north side. She then failed to show up for work.

Detectives have developed a person of interest in the case, David L. Rios, an acquaintance of Johnson’s. Rios, 38, of the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road has been held in the Richmond Justice Center since June 8, 2015 on three counts of simple assault and battery. Those counts are unrelated to Johnson’s disappearance and murder.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Brereton at (804) 317-3889 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.

                                                                David Rios

 

RPD Update on Two Homicide Investigations

June 16, 2015

 

WHAT:                     Mayor Jones and Chief Durham Address Crime in Richmond

WHEN:                     4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2015

WHERE:                  Richmond Police Headquarters, 200 W. Grace Street

BACKGROUND:    Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Chief Alfred Durham will update city residents on the progress being made by RPD detectives investigating two homicides that occurred earlier this month.

They will speak to the disappearance and homicide of Katasha Johnson, who was reported missing June 4, 2015, as well as the shooting that occurred last Thursday on West Roanoke Street in which one man was fatally shot in the head.

A review of the most recent statistics for violent crimes and property crimes in the city in 2015, which continue to show a downward trend, will also be provided.

The media and the general public are encouraged to attend.

RPD to Promote Five Officers from within its Ranks

June 15, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is pleased to announce the promotions of five officers to the ranks of captain, lieutenant and sergeant at 10 a.m. tomorrow, June 16 at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

The City’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Ms.Selena Cuffee-Glenn. will join Chief Alfred Durham for the promotion of one new captain, one new lieutenant and three new sergeants.

Being promoted to the rank of captain is:

1.    James Laino

Being promoted to the rank of lieutenant are:

1.    Victor Greene , Jr.

Being promoted to the rank of sergeant are:

1.    James Louden, Jr.

    2.    Brian Rogers
    3.    William Travers

The public and media are encouraged to attend.

Captain James Laino has 22 years of experience with the Department. As he has risen through the ranks, Laino has had numerous and varied assignments but First Precinct has been a constant. Each previous promotion has connected him in a new way with the precinct where he was first assigned and given him an in-depth knowledge of community.

Lieutenant Victor Greene, Jr. has 23 years of experience with the Department. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he returned home to Virginia to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Richmond Police Department. He saw becoming an officer as a unique opportunity to help others and make a difference in the lives of Richmond’s youth.

Sergeant James Louden, Jr. has a decade of experience with the Department. Friends and family members guided Louden into his career as a police officer, and it was a natural fit. Self-described as a “patrol man,” he has focused on community policing and values feedback from citizens more than any award.

Sergeant Brian Rogers has eight years of experience with the Department. Family ties – his father who is a police officer in New York state and his brother who is an RPD officer – drew him to law enforcement. Rogers always wanted to be a law enforcement officer and still feels it’s the best job ever.

Sergeant William Travers has 13 years of experience with the Department. At an early age, he knew he would pursue a career as a police officer, taking after his grandfather who served with the Boston Police Department. His assignments have included working as a patrol officer, community bike officer, property crimes detective, and major crimes detective.

Torch Run For Special Olympics

June 10, 2015

WHO:                         Chief Alfred Durham

                                   111th Basic Recruit Class
                                   Richmond Police personnel

WHAT:                       Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run – Capitol Leg

WHEN:                      10 a.m. Friday, June 12

WHERE:                    Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower, Ninth and Franklin streets

BACKGROUND:     Members of the Department’s 111th Basic Recruit Class, Richmond Police personnel and members of other area law enforcement agencies will participate in the Torch Run’s Capitol Leg, a 4.5-mile stretch west from the State Capitol to Fountain Lake in Byrd Park.

Richmond Police also will participate in the Torch Run’s Final Leg, starting 8 p.m., Friday, at the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad and ending at the University of Richmond Robins Center for the start of the Special Olympics games, which the Torch Run benefits.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is now in its 30^th year and we are incredibly proud to run the course following the Special Olympic torch,” said Captain Harvey Powers, the Department’s Torch Run coordinator. “That torch symbolizes the courage, determination and effort of Special Olympic athletes everywhere.”

This year’s course and destination will again take the participants through Carytown before turning south on Boulevard to conclude at Fountain Lake. “This route brought the spirit the torch represents to many people last year,” Captain Powers said. “The vivid display showcases the resolve and inspiration of the athletes and the Games.”

This year law enforcement agencies in Virginia have raised over one million dollars to fund the important missions of Special Olympics.

Missing Woman Sought

June 8, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman, Katasha Johnson. Detectives believe Johnson did not disappear of her own accord and she may be in danger.

Johnson, 26, of the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road was last seen the morning of June 3, 2015 when he dropped off her daughter at a day care center on the city’s north side. She then failed to show up for work.

Johnson is a black female, five feet one inch tall, 120 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. On her right arm is a tattoo: MYA. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and tan slacks.

Her personal vehicle; a gold-colored, four-door 2001 Volvo, has been located.

Anyone with information about Katasha Johnson’s disappearance is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Brereton at (804) 317-3889 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.

                                                            Katasha Johnson

Suspect Sought for Using Stolen Credit Card

June 5, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify a person of interest who used a credit card taken during a robbery last month in the 700 block of North Meadow Street. Photos of the suspect are attached.

At approximately 1:35 a.m. Monday, May 25, a man was assaulted and robbed of his wallet. About 15 minutes later, the stolen credit cards were used at nearby 7-Eleven store on West Grace Street.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Jack Larry at (804) 646-1647or 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.

 

Petoskey Avenue Homicide Victim Identified

June 4, 2015

The victim of a homicide on Sunday, May 31 has been identified as Kim M. Dodson, 24, of the 9000 block of Lyric Court, Chesterfield.

On Sunday, at approximately 7:36 p.m., officers were called to a parking lot in the 5600 block of Petoskey Avenue for the report of shots fired. Before officers could arrive a male was driven in a personal vehicle to a local hospital where he died.

Another male from the incident was driven in a personal vehicle to a business parking lot at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Covington Avenue where an ambulance was called. He was suffering from a gunshot wound.

Investigation into the case continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Amira Sleem at (804) 814-7123 or 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.

Suspect Sought in Pizza Hut Burglary

June 4, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photo who is a person of interest in a burglary that occurred two weeks ago.

At approximately 6:12 a.m. Thursday, May 21, the suspect is believed to have entered a Pizza Hut restaurant through a window and stole cash. The restaurant is located at 5817 Midlothian Turnpike.

The suspect is described as a black male who wore a dark polo shirt and light-colored striped shorts.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Harry Brown at (804) 646-1109 or 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.

Suspects Sought in Pizza Place Robbery

June 3, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the males in the photos who are suspects in a commercial robbery that occurred this week.

On Sunday, at approximately 5 p.m., the two male suspects entered the Pizza Place restaurant located at 1731 E. Main St., brandished a firearm and robbed the business. There were no injuries.

The suspects fled on foot towards East Cary Street.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call First Precinct Detective Gaetano Drago at (804) 646-3395 or First Precinct Detective Clyde Lindsey at (804) 646-0671 or 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.

 

 

Suspect Sought in Trailer Theft

Third Precinct detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photo and video who is a person of interest in a recent theft of a cargo trailer.

The incident occurred around 8 a.m. Thursday, May 28 in an alley in the 2300 block of West Main Street. An employee noticed a black cargo trailer that had been secured at the back of the business was missing and reviewed security footage. The video shows a black male walk up to the trailer, leave the camera frame briefly to manipulate the trailer, then grab the tongue of the trailer and walk away.

The person of interest is described as a black male wearing a black hoodie-style jacket, jeans and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Eric Sandlin at (804) 646-1010 or 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.

 

RPD, VSP Join Forces to Kick Off Summer Initiative

June 2, 2015

WHO:                         Major Michael Shamus

                                   Lt. Don Davenport

                                   Virginia State Police

 

WHAT:                       Summer Fugitives and Firearms Initiative Kickoff

WHEN:                      5 p.m., Wednesday, June 3

WHERE:                    Richmond Police Second Precinct, 177 E. Belt Blvd.

BACKGROUND:     Each summer, the Richmond Police Department partners with the Virginia State Police to target two crime influences in the city – fugitives and firearms. Known as the Fugitives and Firearms Initiative – FFI – it is part of the police department’s strategy to reduce violent crime, specifically gun violence, in the city.

This summer, the initiative is ramping up its efforts to find and seize illegal firearms and they’re directly asking for the community’s help to do so.

“Our goal is to eradicate gun violence throughout the city. With this joint operation with Virginia State Police we will target illegal firearms, violent offenders and fugitives,” Area 2 Major Michael Shamus said.

“The officers in FFI will be engaging with the community throughout the Initiative to foster even more growth in our relationship with the citizens. The public plays an important role in this process. We encourage anyone with knowledge of illegal firearms to call Richmond Police at (804) 646-5100 or Crime Stoppers, which is anonymous, at 780-1000.”

Virginia State Police Richmond Division Commander Capt. Steve Chumley, Major Shamus and Lt. Don Davenport - who’s in charge of this summer’s initiative - will join FFI officers to discuss the kickoff of this operation and how the public can help at Wednesday’s news conference.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.