Arrest Made in South Sheppard Street Shooting

April 28, 2017

The Richmond Police Department yesterday charged Montez Ellis, 27, of the 3000 block of Grayland Avenue, with Attempted Murder and Use of a Firearm by a Felon in a shooting that occurred earlier this week. He was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force without incident.

At approximately 1:41 a.m., April 25, RPD officers were called to the 300 block of South Sheppard Street for a report of random gunfire.

Shortly before 2:00 a.m., officers were notified of a shooting victim, a black juvenile male, who had just arrived at a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. They were able to determine he had been wounded in the 300 block of South Sheppard Street.

The victim's condition is now stable and non-life threatening.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Harry Brown at (804) 646-1109 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword "GUN250" followed by your tip. You will remain anonymous.

                 Montez Ellis

Richmond Missing Persons Day

April 26, 2017

WHAT:                    Inaugural Richmond Missing Persons Day Event

WHEN:                    Noon to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29

WHERE:                  New Life Deliverance Tabernacle, 900 Decatur St.

BACKGROUND:     The Richmond Police Department is partnering with Toni Jacobs, mother of Keeshae and Deavon Jacobs, to hold a Richmond Missing Persons Day event – a first for the city.

This event is in response to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proclamation designating April 29 Virginia Missing Persons Day establishing the Commonwealth’s commitment to “ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.”

“This is not only about my son and daughter, but all the families who are missing a loved one,” said Ms. Jacobs.

Her daughter, Keeshae, was last seen on Sept. 26, 2016 and her son, Deavon, was the victim of a homicide on Jan. 8

“We are here to support Ms. Jacobs and others who are missing loved ones,” said Major Sydney Collier. “As a Department, we want to provide guidance and assistance to anyone whose friends or family members go missing. In turn, this helps our officers get the information they need to bring those loved ones home.”

Richmond Police officers will also be present and will provide educational materials addressing concerns and information to help keep loved ones safe.

The general public is invited to participate and wear yellow to honor those who are missing. Several speakers are scheduled to appear. There will be food, music, and activities including fingerprinting and identification cards for children.

Suspect Sought in Multiple Commercial Burglaries in Fan District

April 25, 2017

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photos who is believed to be linked to several burglaries in the Fan neighborhood.

The pictured individual is suspected of committing five burglaries in the Fan and West Broad Street area.

These incidents include:

1. Around 6 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2 in the 2600 block of West Cary Street.
2. Around 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 26 in the 300 block of North Robinson Street.
3. Between 10:15 p.m. on Monday, April 10 and 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11 in the 400 block of Strawberry Street.
4. Between 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 and 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 16 in the 300 block of Libbie Avenue.
5. Between 4:45 and 5:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 in the 2000 block of West Broad Street.

The suspect is described as a black male with a light complexion and a stocky build. He is bald, has a dark beard, is approximately 30 to 50 years old, and 5’9” to 5’11 tall. In surveillance videos, he is seen wearing dark clothing consisting of a knit cap, T-shirt, jacket, gloves and blue jeans. He typically forces entry into restaurants and takes money from cash registers in the Fan district between 3 to 5 a.m.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this man’s identity to call Third Precinct Detective Alexandra Davila at (804) 646-1069 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.

Suspect Sought in Carytown Commercial Robbery

April 25, 2017

The Richmond Police Department is seeking information about a commercial robbery that occurred this afternoon in the Carytown shopping district. 

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. today, a man entered the Petco store at the intersection of Cary and Nansemond Streets and gave the cashier a note demanding money from the cash drawer. No weapon was displayed.

The suspect fled store on foot, got into a vehicle and drove off eastbound on Floyd Ave.

Witnesses describe the vehicle as a green, late model Honda van with an inactive license plate. (Photo attached.)

The suspect is described as a white male, six feet tall, between 25 and 30 years of age, wearing a camouflage hat, dark-colored jacket and jeans. (Photo attached.)

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Property Crimes Detective Ryan Nixon at (804) 646-1165 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. Both Crime Stoppers contacts are anonymous.

 

 

Driver Identified in Fatal Powhite Parkway Collision

April 25, 2017

 The Richmond Police Department has identified the driver who died as a result of a two-vehicle collision on the bridge of the Powhite Parkway yesterday as Charles L. Foster, 61, of the 9700 block of Paragon Drive in Richmond.

At approximately 4:50 p.m., Foster, the sole occupant of a Chevrolet van, was driving northbound in the right lane of the bridge when the van struck a vehicle in front of it in the right lane. The vehicle that was struck, a Ford truck, with no occupants but the driver, sustained minor damage. The motorist drove the vehicle a short distance and pulled off the roadway.

Foster’s van veered to the right after the collision and struck the concrete barrier at the right edge of the bridge.

The Richmond Fire Department extricated Foster from the van. Foster was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.

The RPD Crash Team responded to the scene, took measurements and interviewed witnesses. No charges are expected.

The two northbound lanes on the right-side of the roadway were closed to accommodate the investigation.

Armfield Road Voluntary Manslaughter

April 24, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified the woman who was found dead yesterday in her apartment as Alejandra P. Estrada, 29, of the 6500 block of Armfield Road. Estrada's boyfriend, A. Ayala Guido, 30, of the same address, has been charged with Voluntary Manslaughter for her death. That charge was brought in consultation with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and additional charges are expected.

At approximately 4:52 a.m., RPD officers were called to their residence at the Town & Country Apartment Complex in the 6500 block of Armfield Road.

This was in response to a call placed from that location by Guido, who told the dispatcher he had strangled Estrada and was threatening suicide; claiming he was holding a gun to his head.

Guido was taken into custody by RPD officers after a brief standoff at the front door of the residence during which he threatened them with a knife.

After a Taser deployment proved ineffective, an officer fired his service weapon one time, striking Guido. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Officers entered the residence and discovered Estrada's body in an upstairs bedroom. The medical examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The Department's Force Investigation Team (FIT) is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting by interviewing all the officers who were present at the time and any other witnesses who can be located.

Per the Department's policy, the officer who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Armfield Road Homicide - Officer-Involved Shooting

April 23, 2017

At approximately 4:52 a.m., RPD officers were called to a residence at the Town & Country Apartment Complex in the 6500 block of Armfield Road.

This was in response to a call placed from that location by an adult male, who told the dispatcher he had strangled his wife and was holding a gun to his head.

A group of RPD officers encountered the male at the front door of the residence.

A Taser was deployed by an officer which proved ineffective.

The male threatened the officers with a knife.

An officer fired his service weapon one time, striking the male. He was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Officers entered the residence and discovered the body of an adult female.

The medical examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of her death.

The female's name will be released once a positive identification has been made and next of kin notified.

The Department's Major Crimes detectives will investigate the female's death.

The Department's Force Investigation Team (FIT) will conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting by interviewing all the officers who were present at the time and any other witnesses who can be located.

Per the Department's policy, the officer who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Suspects Sought in Second Precinct Breaking and Entering

April 20, 2017

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the female and male in the attached photos who are suspects in a breaking and entering in Second Precinct earlier this month.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about the identity of the two suspects to call Second Precinct Detective Mark Hatchet at (804) 646-8167 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, online at www.7801000.com or by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the keyword “ITip” followed by your tip.

RPD Promotes Safety for Places of Worship

April 19, 2017

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 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 21. A variety of topics will be discussed, including general safety, preparing for an emergency, firearms in places of worship and pastoral protection.

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 Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. For further questions please contact Officer Kimberly Cheatham-McClarin at 646-6754.

Suspect Identified in Bowe Street Shooting

April 18, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified the suspect in a shooting which occurred Friday morning near the Fan district.

Shortly after 5 a.m. Friday, April 14, Richmond Police officers heard a gunshot while in the area of the 1300 block of West Clay Street. They immediately responded to the 1000 block of Bowe Street and came upon two adult males struggling over a firearm in the roadway. One of the men was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

While rendering aid, officers were told the gunshot was fired during an attempted robbery which struck the victim. Police quickly took the suspect into custody without incident. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect has been identified as Michael Q. Fleming, 23, of the 1200 block of West Graham Road. He has been charged with attempted robbery (x2) and use of a firearm in commission of a felony (x2). His booking photo is attached.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Cool Lane Express Breaking and Entering

April 17, 2017

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the man in the photo who broke into a convenience store earlier this month.

At approximately 3:36 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, a male forced open the glass on the front door of Cool Lane Express, located at 2001 Mechanicsville Turnpike, entered the store and stole several items.

The man left through the front door and fled on foot.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective Michael Kirby at (804) 646-0675 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

Suspects Sought in West Grace Street Home Invasion

April 13, 2017

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspects in the attached photos who participated in a home invasion and robbery yesterday.

At approximately 2:33 a.m., four or five male individuals forced their way through a rear door and into an apartment in the 1100 block of West Grace Street.

The suspects, one with a long gun and all but one in ski masks, bound the occupants with duct tape and robbed them of several items, including cash, mobile phones and a computer.

The suspects left through the back door and exited down the rear stairs.

There were no injuries.

Detectives were able to determine the two males captured on images from a nearby surveillance camera were two of the suspects involved. Those photos are attached.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about the identity of these suspects (or any involved) to call Third Precinct Detective Jack Larry at (804) 646-1647 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, online at www.7801000.com or by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the keyword “ITip” followed by your tip. Submit tips about persons in possession of illegally-held guns by using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

 

 

RPD Invites Community to Town Hall Meetings

RPD Invites Community to Town Hall Meetings

April 13, 2017

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Town Hall Meetings

WHEN:                      6 – 8 p.m. each evening: Tuesday, April 18; Wednesday, April 19;

Tuesday, April 25; Thursday, April 27

WHERE:                    First, Second, Third and Fourth Precincts

BACKGROUND:     RPD Chief Alfred Durham will hold four town hall meetings within the next two weeks as part of his ongoing effort to inform the public about his vision for policing in Richmond.

“These meetings are a reflection of our mission: We make Richmond a safer city through community policing and engagement,” said Chief Durham. “The purpose of these town hall meetings is for the Department to get input from the general public. Our strategy depends on understanding what we can do better and communicating with the public how they can help in our mission.”

There will be one town hall meeting in each of the Department’s four precincts:

·         Second Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 18

Southside Plaza Community Center, 4100 Hull Street Road

·         Fourth Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 19

Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road

·         Third Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 25

First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave.

·         First Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, April 27

St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad St.

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in Death Investigation on West Moore Street

April 13, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in a shooting which occurred this morning inside of a residence on West Moore Street.

At approximately 12:29 a.m., police responded to the 1200 block of West Moore Street for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound on the front porch of a residence. The victim, Samuel O. Kwarteng, 20, of the 1700 block of Jacqulin St. was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, Emmanuel E. Jordan, 20, of the 1200 block of West Moore Street, was arrested shortly afterward. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter. His booking photo is attached.

Detectives were told the shooting occurred after a brief altercation between the two individuals and is an isolated incident.

This is currently a death investigation and police are continuing to gather information. No additional details are available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 646-3871 or (804) 814-7123 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

Second Victim Identified in Midlothian Village Homicide

April 10, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified the second victim as Kejuan L. Goode, 18, of the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike in the homicide which occurred on Saturday in the Midlothian Village apartment complex.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, police responded to the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a report of a person down. Shortly afterward, the call was upgraded to two persons shot.

When officers arrived, they located two adult males inside of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Goode and Terrell D. Thomas, 20, also of the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike, have been identified as the two victims of the Saturday’s double homicide.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Division are continuing to gather additional information.

“The most important resources we have are those in the community,” said Major Crimes Det. K. Hughes. “Many people were in the area when this shooting occurred. If you know or heard of any anything, please speak with us. Even the smallest piece of information may make the difference of taking a suspect into custody and getting justice for these two men and their families.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes at (804) 646-3917 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in East End Robbery

April 10, 2017

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in providing information related to a robbery which occurred in the East End early last week.

At approximately 11 p.m. on Monday, April 3, an elderly man in his 90s was in the backyard of his home when he was approached by an unknown male in the 1700 block of North 22^nd Street. The suspect grabbed the victim who then attempted to defend himself. The suspect then pushed the victim to the ground, went through his pockets and took his billfold which contained cash and a credit card. The suspect then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a black male with a dark complexion, short dark hair and a stocky build. He is in this late-20s to early-30s and stands approximately 6’6” tall. He may go by the name of “Mike” and is possibly staying in the Fairfield area.

Anyone who can identify this suspect or who has any information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective Gaetano Drago at (804) 646-3395 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Victim Identified in Midlothian Village Homicide

April 9, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified a victim in the homicide which occurred yesterday in the Midlothian Village apartment complex and is asking for the public’s help as they investigate.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. yesterday, police responded to the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a report of a person down. Shortly afterward, the call was upgraded to two persons shot.

When officers arrived, they located two adult males inside of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the victims has been identified as Terrell D. Thomas, 20, of the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike. The identification of the second victim will be released as it becomes available.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Division are continuing to gather additional information.

“There were many individuals in the area when this incident occurred,” said Major Crimes Lt. Cynthia Hayes. “We urge anyone who has information to reach out to us. Any tip can help us make an arrest and possibly prevent this individual from taking another life. We want the person responsible for taking the lives of these two men off the street as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes at (804) 646-3917 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

RPD Seeking Fugitive from the Northside

April 7, 2017

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating fugitive, Ronald R. Broadnax, who currently wanted on 10 active warrants. His photo is attached.

Broadnax (also known as “Skee”), 35, who has no known address, has 10 warrants on file beginning Sept. 9, 2016. Six of those warrants were accrued last month. These include:

• Assault and battery (4x)
• Breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony (2x)
• Felony assault
• Probation violation
• Failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge
• Possession and transport of a firearm by a convicted felon

He is described as a black male with a medium complexion, brown eyes, short black hair, and tattoos on both of his arms and the name “Brenda” tattooed on the left side of his neck. He is approximately 5’7” tall and weighs 144 pounds.

Broadnax is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone who sees him is asked to call police immediately.

Anyone who sees Ronald R. Broadnax or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Bernard “Mac” Adams at (804) 646-3930  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.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Community Walk in the Gilpin Neighborhood

April 4, 2017

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                      5:30 p.m. Today, April 4, 2017

WHERE:                    1202 N. First St. – Fay Towers

BACKGROUND:     Chief Alfred Durham, Fourth Precinct Sector 411 Lieutenant Rick Edwards and other Richmond Police Department officers will participate in a walkthrough of Richmond’s Gilpin neighborhood at 5:30 p.m. today. During the walk, RPD officers will speak with community members about safety concerns they may have and what they would like to see from the Richmond Police Department.

Sector 411 Lt. Edwards said that the Gilpin area has seen a slight increase in property crimes such as residential burglaries, thefts from building and thefts from motor vehicles. Lt. Edwards has just recently been assigned to Sector 411 as the sector lieutenant.

“Property crime issues have been occurring in the Gilpin neighborhood at various times of the day,” Lt. Edwards said. “We will discuss ways to help prevent these types of property crimes as we go door-to-door – and we’ll inform the public of the adjustments we’ve made in our patrols to combat these incidents. This walkthrough will also give me the opportunity to introduce myself to folks in that neighborhood and ask how we can better serve them as a Department.”

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

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Shooting Victim Identified - Friend Arrested

April 2, 2017

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal shooting yesterday as Nygel E. Williams, 22, of the 400 block of Vevadel Drive and arrested his good friend for shooting him.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 1, Williams was shot while visiting Darell N. Meredith, 22, of the 5000 block of Nutmeg Circle.

Meredith and several other friends transported Williams to Chippenham Hospital in a private vehicle. Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, Williams was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

After conducting a thorough investigation, RPD detectives have determined Williams' death resulted from the careless handling of a firearm by Meredith.

Meredith has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter.

                Darell Meredith