November 19, 2015
The Richmond Police Department has charged a 36-year-old Richmond man with four felonies in connection with an abduction and robbery that occurred last Monday.
Frank E. Reid, 36, of the 1100 block of Williamsburg Road,
has been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of use of a
firearm in the commission of a felony. Charges were not brought immediately
due to Reid’s medical condition and so detectives could consult with other
jurisdictions about crimes of a similar nature. At this point, Reid has not
been directly linked to other on-going investigations. A booking photo is not
available at this time.
Around 12:30 p.m. on November 16, two men were abducted by
an armed suspect at a gas station in the 2600 block of E. Main Street in Shockoe
Bottom. The suspect held the two victims at gunpoint, demanding money, then
forced them to drive to the Bank of America at 1111 E. Main Street. One victim
entered the bank to withdraw money. No funds were withdrawn, and the
authorities were notified of the situation. The first victim remained inside
the bank.
Officers responded to the bank and found the suspect vehicle
driving away with the second victim still inside. At approximately 12:52 p.m.
officers initiated a pursuit, following the SUV through numerous city
neighborhoods, into Henrico County and back into the Church Hill area.
As the SUV approached the intersection of Magnolia Street and Mechanicsville Turnpike in Henrico County, Henrico Police deployed spike strips, which punctured the SUV’s tires. The vehicle was unable to make the turn from 25th Street onto R Street and collided with a parked car before it came to a stop. The pursuit lasted about 30 minutes and never exceeded a speed of 35 mph.
Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers. Both
the victim and suspect were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening
injuries, but are currently in stable condition.
Anyone with information that may be helpful to the
investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Thompson at
804-646-3925 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime
Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both
Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
