National Night Out and Kickoff Event

July 31, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is giving crime a going away party next week, and all city residents are invited to participate in National Night Out.

The annual party, held Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, brings police and neighbors together in support of crime prevention during an evening full of fun for all ages. A strong partnership between the citizens and law enforcement is a powerful tool in fighting crime, and that begins with building a sense of community. 

Numerous National Night Out events will be hosted throughout the Richmond area. To find an event near your neighborhood, visit tinyurl.com/NNOEvents2015RVA.

We hope citizens will also join Richmond Police and Target stores for a National Night Out Kickoff Event from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 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 kickoff party will also include free food.

National Night Out is a night designed to forge strong relationships between neighborhoods and police. The annual event also helps police officers and citizens work together to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention. For more information about National Night Out, please visit www.natw.org/

Community Walk in South Garden

July 29, 2015

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                      5:30 p.m. today, July 29, 2015

WHERE:                    Southside Baptist Church,  5515 Bryce Lane

BACKGROUND:     Chief Alfred Durham will lead his Command Staff and other officers on a walk this evening through South Garden. During the walk the officers will speak with members of the community about safety concerns they may have and what they’d like to see more of from the Richmond Police Department.

According to Sector 212 Lieutenant William Phibbs, violent crime in the area is down 67% and property crime has dropped by 29%, but “we cannot rest on past achievements” in our efforts to increase community safety.

“Warm weather entices people to enjoy the outdoors during the summer, but, unfortunately, those outings can leave homes vulnerable to crimes of opportunity, such as burglary.” said Lt. Phibbs.  “We’re sharing tips, like lock doors and windows and keep valuables that are easily carried away out of sight, with neighbors in hopes that they’ll feel more secure as they head out for vacation.”

This event is the latest in a series of walks conducted on a monthly basis by the Richmond Police Department in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Suspect Sought in Ellwood Avenue Assault and Purse Snatching

July 29, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photos who used a credit card soon after it had been stolen from a woman, who was assaulted and robbed on July 17.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., a woman was walking in the 3200 block of Ellwood Avenue when she was approached by a female who attempted to grab her purse. The suspect assaulted the victim and stole the purse.

Detectives investigating the case discovered the suspect had used a credit card from the robbery soon afterwards at a convenience store located at 1701 East Broad Street.

The suspect is described as a black female, approximately 5-foot 7-inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, who wore a white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black hat. She fled the scene on foot.

There were no injuries.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective William Cutshall at (804) 646-1068 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 Belle Isle Vandalism

July 29, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify a suspect who is wanted for vandalism at Belle Isle.

At approximately 6:44 p.m., Thursday, May 7th, the suspect was photographed at the old hydropower station throwing rocks at a surveillance camera. The camera was recently recovered from the James River.

The suspect is described as a thin, white male with curly brown hair who was wearing a blue, sleeveless shirt and red shorts at the time of the incident.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call First Precinct Lieutenant Dan Minton at (804) 240-9158 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.

 

 

Arrest Made in Gay Street Homicide

July 28, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a Richmond man in connection with a homicide that occurred last Friday in Mosby Court.

John J. James, Jr., 29, of the 600 block of East Gladstone Avenue, was arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of Davie L. Young, 26, of Hopewell, which occurred in the 1600 block of Gay Street. James is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

At approximately 7:17 p.m. on July 24, RPD officers responded to a report of an accident near the intersection of Coalter and Redd streets. As they were responding, additional 911 calls were received about a shooting at the same location.

Officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He succumbed to his injuries later that night at a local hospital.

Investigation revealed the victim was reportedly involved in an altercation with several black males, who began shooting at him. Young took cover in his SUV, which he crashed a few blocks away.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Christopher Foultz at (804) 646-6996 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.

                      John J. James

 

Suspects Sought in Lynhaven Avenue Assault and Robbery

Suspects Sought in Lynhaven Avenue Assault and Robbery

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man and woman in the photos who are suspects in an assault and robbery last month.

At approximately 3:10 a.m. June 20, a man and a woman were walking in the 3500 block of Lynhaven Avenue when they were approached by the suspects who assaulted and robbed the victims.

Detectives believe the two persons in the attached photos from a nearby convenience store are the suspects.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about these persons to call Second Precinct Detective Derrick Longoria at (804) 646-8171 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.

Hillside Court Homicide

July 15, 2015

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

At approximately 4:50 p.m., RPD officers were called to the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue for a report of a shooting. They immediately located the body of Benjamin Alston, 29, of the 2400 block of Harwood Street lying on the sidewalk outside one of the apartment buildings. He had been shot.

Detectives are making good progress in their investigation due to several tips that were provided by residents of Hillside Court. They believe the shooting occurred as the result of an altercation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Jamie Baynes at (804) 646-3617 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.

Suspects Sought in Semmes Avenue Robbery

July 14, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspects in the attached photos who are persons of interest in a robbery that occurred early this morning.

At 1:17 a.m. this morning, officers responded to the 2100 block of Semmes Avenue for a report of a robbery.  Two armed black male suspects whose faces were partially covered entered the store and demanded money. One suspect had a handgun and the other was armed with a knife. 

The pair took cash from the business and robbed the only customer inside the store. They then fled on foot. No one was injured.

The first suspect is described as a 6-foot tall light-skinned black male with a skinny build, approximately 30 years old, who was wearing a black T-shirt, black jeans and a black baseball cap at the time of the incident. The second suspect is described as a 5-foot, 8-inch tall dark-skinned black male, age 24-25, with a medium build wearing black shorts and no shirt.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about these persons to call Third Precinct Detective William Cutshall at (804) 646-1068 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.

Individuals Struck by Train Identified

The Richmond Police Department has identified the two individuals who died after being struck by a train last night.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., officers were called to the 1800 block of Broad Rock Boulevard for the report of two men struck by a train at the railroad crossing.

Officers arrived and found Darrel L. Page, 50, of the 2000 block of South Kinsley Avenue dead from his injuries near the crossing. Officers also found Clarence L. Alexander, 40, of the 2400 block of Cersley Street, injured near the crossing. Despite medical treatment he also died at the scene.

Witnesses reported the two men attempted to cross the tracks despite the railroad safety gates being down and operational as the train approached. The two men were struck by the train in the crossing.

Suspect Sought in Residential Burglary

July 10, 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 last month.

On June 19, the suspect is believed to have entered a home in the 2400 block of West Main Street and stole several computers.

The suspect is seen in the video walking a dog on a leash which might help a member of the public identify the suspect.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Gregory Sullivan at (804) 646-1950 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 Armed Robbery and Robbery Attempt

July 8, 2015

 

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photos who is a suspect in a recent robbery and an attempted robbery.

At approximately 11:42 a.m. Friday, July 3, the suspect entered a Metro PCS store, located at 5061 Forest Hill Avenue, brandished a handgun and stole cash. The suspect fled on foot.

Yesterday at approximately 10:35 p.m., the suspect entered the Forest Hill Market, located at 7500 Forest Hill Avenue, and attempted to rob the employee. The suspect fled on foot without taking anything.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’ 7” tall and weighing approximately 310 pounds. He has a full beard and wore a white tank top, camouflage shorts, cap and sneakers. He fled the scene on foot.

There were no injuries.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective William Cutshall at (804) 646-1068 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 Commercial Attempted Robbery and Shooting

July 8, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photo who shot an employee of a convenience store during a robbery yesterday.

At approximately 5 p.m., officers were called to the One Stop Food Mart, located at 3701 Meadowbridge Road, for the report of an attempted robbery and shooting.

Officers arrived and found a male employee of the store suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that is considered life threatening.

The suspect is believed to have approached the store from the direction of Pensacola Avenue, entered the store, brandished a handgun and demanded money. During the robbery attempt the suspect shot the employee and fled the store on foot.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’ 10” tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds. He was wearing a black cap, black material which covered his neck and head, a black mask, a white t-shirt under a button-down striped shirt, black gloves and black low-top shoes.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at (804) 646-6734 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.

National Night Out set for Tuesday, August 4

July 7, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is inviting all residents and neighborhood associations to go all out in planning their neighborhood parties on Tuesday, Aug. 4!

National Night Out brings police and neighbors together in support of crime prevention during an evening full of fun for all ages.

“Building a sense of community during National Night Out helps to strengthen the partnership between citizens and law enforcement,” said Community, Youth and Intervention Services Captain Angela Greene. “That fellowship becomes a powerful crime fighting weapon, motivating people to help and look out for one another.”

Richmond has historically been ranked in the top 10 among cities its size across the country for National Night Out participation. Registered participants are the key to that ranking. To register your National Night Out event, visit our website, www.richmondgov.com/police, and click on the 2015 National Night Out logo.

We hope citizens will also join Richmond Police and Target stores for a National Night Out Kickoff Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 1, 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 forge strong relationships between neighborhoods and police. The annual party also helps police officers and citizens work together to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention. For more information about National Night Out, please visit http://www.natw.org/

Suspect Sought in Rite Aid Robbery

July 6, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photos who robbed a drug store on Friday.

At approximately 11:40 a.m. July 3, the suspect entered the Rite Aid, located at 6335 Jahnke Road, brandished a handgun and stole prescription medicine.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’ 7” tall and weighing 210 pounds, who wore a white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black hat. He fled the scene on foot.

There were no injuries.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective William Cutshall at (804) 646-1068 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.

 

 

Celebrate Safely on Independence Day

July 1, 2015

Food, family, friends, and fun are all part of an Independence Day celebration. As many people are pulling out the grill to celebrate, some are thinking about shooting fireworks or firearms into the air – Both are illegal in the city.

“Our wish is for all citizens to have a safe and happy holiday this Fourth of July and enjoy events around Richmond,” said Chief Alfred Durham of the Richmond Police Department. “We urge people to leave fireworks to the experts and remember that random gunfire is against the law.”

In 2014, Brendon’s Law (§ 18.2-56.1) was enacted to implement harsher penalties for reckless handling of a firearm, including celebratory gunfire, resulting in serious injury.

The Richmond Police Department would like to remind citizens of the following:

• Randomly firing a weapon in the city is illegal.
• Firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles are prohibited. 
• Legal fireworks displays planned at Brown’s Island on Friday, July 3 and Dogwood Dell on Saturday, July 4. On Friday, legal parking is available for a fee at 5^th and Byrd streets in the parking deck. Illegal parking will be strictly enforced.
• Do not impede the flow of traffic to view fireworks if you are in a vehicle. Please pull over to a safe location.

Road Closures

The Lee Bridge on Belvidere Street will be closed to north- and southbound traffic to provide a viewing area for the VA Fireworks on the James show on the evening of Friday, July 3. Police ask citizens planning to view fireworks from the bridge to avoid parking on the Lee Bridge or within the Oregon Hill neighborhood.  Residential traffic only is permitted.

The Manchester Bridge will remain open as an alternate route for drivers.

No parking on either bridge.

Specific road closures are listed below.

5 P.M.  –  Laurel Street & Idlewood Avenue; Belvidere Street & Holly Street; Laurel Street & Holly Street; Pine Street & Holly Street; 900 block of Idlewood Avenue at South Cherry Street

7 P.M. –  Belvidere Street and Spring Street

The Department plans to have a strong police presence this weekend to ensure safe celebrations. To report random gunfire or illegal fireworks, call the Richmond Police Department’s non-emergency number at 804-646-5100.