Thursday, March 29, 2018

RPD Invites Community to Town Hall Meetings



March 29, 2018

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Town Hall Meetings

WHEN:                      6 – 8 p.m. each evening (except one that begins at 6:30 p.m.) Thursday, April 12; Tuesday, April 17; Thursday, April 19; Tuesday, April 24

WHERE:                    First, Second, Third and Fourth Precincts

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

“These meetings are a way to further our relationship with the community, “said Chief Durham. “We want to hear from the general public and understand what we can do better to continue to make Richmond a safer city through community policing.”


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

·         Third Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, April 12
First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave.

·         Second Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 17
Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street

·         Fourth Precinct - 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, April 19
Bow Tie Theater, 1301 N Boulevard

·         First Precinct – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 24 (note different start time)
Peter Paul Development Center, 1708 N. 22nd Street

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Arrests Made, Victim Identified in North 29th Street Homicide


March 28, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has made two arrests in the Sunday homicide that occurred in the 1100 block of North 29th Street.

At approximately 7:37 p.m., officers were called to that location for the report of a shooting. Officers found Damon L. Tucker, 48, of the 4600 block of Greatwood Drive, Henrico, down and unresponsive from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force, yesterday arrested Michael C. Robinson, 60, of the 1200 block of West Leigh Street without incident. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Additional charges are pending. His photo is attached.

On Monday, detectives and U. S. Marshals also arrested Brittany L. Garrett, 27, of the 2000 block of Creighton Road and charged her with conspiracy to commit murder. Additional charges are pending. Her photo is attached.

Anyone with further information about this homicide 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. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



UPDATE: Missing Swansboro Woman Found / Missing Swansboro Woman Sought

March 29, 2018

UPDATE: Missing Swansboro Woman Found


“Thank you to all in the community who submitted information. Ms. Johnson has been located and is safe.” – Major Crimes Detective Gerald Brissette 


March 28, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a Swansboro woman, Alicia D. Johnson, who has been missing since last week. Her photo is attached.

Johnson, 49, was last seen in the 4000 block of Jefferson Davis Highway the evening of Friday, March 23. Johnson’s vehicle is described as a 1993 Ford Green Explorer. She is described as a black female with a dark complexion and black hair. She is 5’4” in height, and weighs approximately 180 pounds. She has a scar on her abdomen.

Anyone who sees Alicia D. Johnson or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes G. Brissette at (804) 646-3867 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.



Monday, March 26, 2018

Arrest Made, Victim Identified in Broad Street Homicide


March 25, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest and identified the victim in a homicide that occurred yesterday afternoon on Broad Street.

Brian M. Tyler, 36, of the 4700 block of Bell Road, Powhatan was taken into custody by VCU Police yesterday and has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

“We would like to thank VCU Police for their quick response to the shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon,” said Major Crimes Captain James Laino. “Officers were able to detain Tyler who was later identified as the suspect.”

At approximately 3:15 p.m., yesterday, officers with the VCU Police Department heard a shot fired in the area of Broad and 4th streets.

The officers, with officers from the Richmond Police Department, arrived at the scene and found Brandon W. Ruffin, 29, of the 1900 block of 4th Avenue suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

Detectives believe this was an isolated incident.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Young at (804) 646-3926 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Brian M. Tyler


Sunday, March 25, 2018

North 29th Street Homicide Investigation


March 25, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred tonight on North 29th Street.

At approximately 7:37 p.m., officers were called to the 1100 block of North 29th Street for the report of a shooting.

Officers arrived and found an adult male down and unresponsive in an outside area suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide 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. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Broad Street Homicide Investigation


March 25, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on Broad Street this afternoon.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., officers with the VCU Police Department heard a shot fired in the area of Broad and 4th streets.

The officers, with officers from the Richmond Police Department, arrived at the scene and found an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Detectives believe this was not an isolated incident. The investigation continues.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Young at (804) 646-3926 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Police Still Seeking Information in 2017 Brookland Park Homicide


March 23, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help as they continue to seek information for a homicide which occurred last year in the Brookland Park neighborhood.

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2017, police were called to the 3100 block of Cliff Avenue for what was initially an in-progress burglary. When officers arrived, they found the victim, Karon E. Williams, 57, of the 3100 block of Cliff Avenue, with an apparent gunshot wound.

Police were told when a family member heard several loud noises from the back door, Ms. Williams went to investigate. As she approached the rear of the home, she was struck by a bullet which entered through a window.

Williams was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries later in the afternoon.

“The motive is still unclear as to why Ms. Williams’ home was targeted,” said Det. Joseph Fultz. “We need the community’s assistance with any information to bring closure to Ms. Williams’ family. They wish to find out who is responsible for this terrible crime.”

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Det. J. Fultz at (804) 646-3929 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Times Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Four Arrests Made in Carytown Armed Robbery


March 23, 2018
Four individuals have been arrested and charged in connection to an armed robbery which occurred Wednesday morning in Carytown.

At approximately 3 a.m., Wednesday, Anthony R. Wilson Jr., 19, of the 4000 block of Hiddenwell Lane, Chester entered the 7-Eleven in the 3600 block of West Cary Street and pointed a firearm at the clerk. Wilson Jr. demanded money from the registers.


Wilson Jr. then grabbed money from both registers and also stole merchandise from the store. He fled on foot heading east toward Thompson Street.


Officers in the area observed a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee leaving a parking lot around the time of when the call came in. Officers followed the vehicle and stopped the car.


Four passengers were identified inside the vehicle and have been charged with the following:


Anthony R. Wilson Jr., 19, of the 4000 block of Hiddenwell Lane, Chester has been charged with robbery and use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Rashaun L. Smith, 18, of the 1000 block of Elliot Drive, Petersburg, Yolanda E. Hobbs, 20, of the 1000 block of 6th Street, Petersburg, and Devin I. Van Gundy, 24, of the 1000 block of 6th Street, Petersburg have all been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Detectives believe the individuals arrested are also connected to robberies in Chesterfield County.

 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Arrest Made in East End Hit and Run


March 21, 2018

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, has arrested a Henrico man in connection to a hit and run collision that occurred last week.

Andre W. Howard, 29, of the 1900 block of Springdale Road, Henrico,
was arrested today without incident and has been charged with felony hit and run. His photo is attached.


At approximately 9:13 p.m. on Friday, March 16, Howard was operating a vehicle traveling southbound on North 23rd Street when it collided with a vehicle in the intersection of W Street.


The driver of the other vehicle is still suffering injuries that are considered life threatening.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Crash Team Investigator R. Rose at (804) 646-1665 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
The P3 Times Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



RPD Seeking to Locate Missing Daughter and Father


March 21, 2018
The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing two year old, Te’Myah Plummer, and her father, Travis Plummer.

RPD detectives do not believe the two are in danger, however they are missing.
“We would like to hear from whomever may be caring for Te’Myah Plummer, probably a family member,” said Major Crimes Sergeant Frank Scarpa. “We need to confirm that she is safe.”
Te’Myah is described as a two-year-old black female with a light complexion. She was last seen by Richmond-based family members in August, 2017. Her father, Travis L. Plummer, 37, is described as a black male, 5’8 tall, with a medium complexion, weighing approximately 250 pounds.
It is believed they may have relocated to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C. area or, perhaps, Jersey City, N.J.

Anyone who could share information as to their whereabouts is asked to Major Crimes Sergeant F. Scarpa at 804-646-6772.
 
 

Arrests Made in Chamberlayne Avenue Shooting


March 21, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has charged two persons in connection to a shooting that occurred last night.

At approximately 9:15 p.m., a Fourth Precinct officer observed an altercation among a group of people in a parking lot of a business in the 2000 block of Chamberlayne Avenue and investigated. The officer learned a female had been struck by gunfire and had already left the scene in a personal vehicle. During the incident another female was shot at but not struck.


Moments later a local hospital reported a female who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound had arrived from Chamberlayne Avenue via a personal vehicle. Her injury was not considered life threatening.


The investigation led to the arrest of a male for shooting the injured victim. Jermon D. Brooks, 39, of the 6800 block of Cluck Lane, Henrico, has been charged with attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.


Also charged was Janice C. Bailey, 48, of the 7700 block of Stand Circle, Mechanicsville. She was charged with attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for shooting at but not striking the other female victim.


Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Larry at (804) 646-5896 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at
www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Saturday, March 17, 2018

Suspect Sought in Hit and Run Investigation


March 17, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a crash that occurred Friday night in the city’s east end.

At approximately 9:15 p.m., yesterday, a 2015 Gold Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on North 23rd Street at a high rate of speed. A second vehicle was traveling east on W Street and entered the intersection and was struck by the Toyota Camry. Both vehicles remained at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota Camry was identified as Andre W. Howard, 29, of Richmond. Howard fled the scene on foot leaving three injured passengers in his vehicle at the crash site. Howard’s photo is attached. A photo of a Toyota Camry is also attached. However, it is not the actual vehicle Howard was driving.

The driver of the second vehicle was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was the only occupant in the second vehicle.

Anyone with information about the suspect and this hit and run crash is asked to call RPD Crash Team Investigator R. Rose at 804-646-1665 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

The P3 Times Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Thursday, March 15, 2018

Second Arrest Made in Raven Street Homicide


March 15, 2018

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, have made a second arrest in connection to last week’s homicide on Raven Street.

Deemoni L. Parson, 17, of the 1900 block of Redd Street
was arrested Thursday without incident by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. Parson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (x3). His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, RPD officers were called to the 1900 block of Raven Street for the report of a shooting. When police arrived, they located two 17-year-old juvenile males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

The juvenile suffering from life-threatening injuries was pronounced dead on Friday evening. The other victim has injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

De-Jore L. Cook, 17, of the 2100 block of Willis Road
was arrested Monday evening by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. Cook has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (x3).

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app
for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.

                                                         Deemoni L. Parson

Officer Identified in Forest Hill Avenue Officer-Involved Shooting


March 15, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is continuing to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday evening in the Granite Hill Shopping Center parking lot

The officer has been identified as Officer Khaia Jones.

At approximately 6:44 p.m., Tuesday, RPD officers were assisting the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to stop a robbery suspect in a vehicle. Officers approached the suspect’s vehicle after it was parked in the 6800 block of Forest Hill Avenue in the Granite Hill Shopping Center parking lot. The officers gave the suspect commands and Officer Jones discharged her firearm. The suspect was struck. The suspect and the vehicle he exited were searched and no weapon was found. 

The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Officer Jones is a three year veteran of the force. She remains on administrative leave while the investigation is being conducted.

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


Once completed, the final FIT report will be presented to Chief Durham and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

UPDATE: Missing Southside Woman Found

March 15, 2018



“Thank you to all in the community who submitted information. Ms. Carter has been located and is safe.” – Major Crimes Detective Gerald Brissette 


March 15, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman, Luritha R. Carter, who has been missing since March 10. Her photo is attached.

Carter, 59, was last seen at her home in the 700 block of St. Johns Woods Drive. It is unknown what clothing she was wearing when she left. Carter suffers from a medical condition and has not taken her medication.

She is described as a black woman with a medium complexion, 5’5” tall, with brown eyes and gray hair with a maroon streak in the front. She weighs approximately 216 pounds.

Anyone who sees Luritha R. Carter or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Brissette at (804) 646-3867 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.



Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Victim Identified in Hull Street Road Homicide, Persons of Interest Sought


March 14, 2018
  
The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in this morning’s homicide as Timothy Vest, 33, of the 5300 block of Blue Ridge Avenue.

At approximately 1:09 a.m., officers were called to a business in the 3900 block of Hull Street Road for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found two males in the parking lot who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. Both males were transported to local hospitals. Vest succumbed to his injury at the hospital. The other male’s injury was not considered life threatening.

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to identify two persons of interest in this case. Photos of the two males are attached and a video of the persons of interest will be sent separately.

Anyone with information about this homicide or these persons of interest is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Baynes at (804) 646-3617 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Arrest Made in Raven Street Homicide


March 13, 2018

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, have made an arrest in connection to last week’s homicide on Raven Street.

De-Jore L. Cook, 17, of the 2100 block of Willis Road
was arrested Monday evening by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. Cook has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (x3).

At approximately 10:25 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, RPD officers were called to the 1900 block of Raven Street for the report of a shooting. When police arrived, they located two 17-year-old juvenile males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

The juvenile suffering from life-threatening injuries was pronounced dead on Friday evening. The other victim has injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.

De-Jore L. Cook


RPD Project H.O.P.E. TV to Address Topics Related to Ex-Offenders Transitioning Back into Society


March 13, 2018

WHAT:                             RPD Project H.O.P.E. TV


WHEN:                            
Each Wednesday beginning March 14 – April 11 from 9 to 10 p.m.

WHERE:                          Comcast Channel 95

BACKGROUND:          Welcome to RPD Project H.O.P.E. TV. The mission of Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) is to discuss the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals who are transitioning back into mainstream society. A successful transition includes necessities such as housing, education, and employment.

Project H.O.P.E. TV was created to highlight Richmond Police programs and partners who are working to elevate Project H.O.P.E. in Richmond, Va. Within the next five weeks, the department will showcase various partners who are making a difference in the lives of those re-entering back into society on Comcast cable channel 95 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

While the discussion of criminal justice policy often takes place at the federal level, the vast majority of people who are locked up in the United States are incarcerated by state authorities. At the end of 2016, states had about 1,316,205 incarcerated individuals, while the federal system had a total of 189,192. Virginia has the 37th lowest incarceration rate in the country, with a rate of 448 per 100,000 people sentenced to a year or more behind bars in 2016.
The shows will air each Wednesday beginning March 14 through April 11 from 9 – 10 p.m., there will be time allotted for call in questions or suggestions. Please tune in to learn and help us do more to help others pursue excellence.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Raven Street Homicide


March 12, 2018

One of the victims of a double shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in Mosby Court has died.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, RPD officers were called the 1900 block of Raven Street for the report of a shooting. When police arrived, they located two 17-year-old juvenile males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

The juvenile suffering from life-threatening injuries was pronounced dead on Friday evening. The other victim has injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Suspects Sought in Motor Vehicle Thefts


March 9, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the individuals in the photos who are believed to be responsible for two motor vehicle thefts in Shockoe Bottom.

At approximately 6:42 p.m., on Thursday, March 1, officers responded to the 0 block of South 25th Street for the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim stated that earlier in the day her vehicle was stolen while parked. The victim said the keys were inside the vehicle while it was running. Surveillance video shows two unknown males getting inside the vehicle then driving off.

Later that day, the victim’s husband’s vehicle was also stolen. It was determined both sets of keys were attached to the first initial vehicle that was stolen.

The first suspect is described as a black male with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a black zip up jacket with khaki colored pants. The second suspect is described as a black male who was last seen wearing a colored puffy jacket with dark pants.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this man’s identity to call First Precinct Detective T. Wilson at (804) 646-0672 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.



Thursday, March 8, 2018

Raven Street Shooting


March 8, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred last night in Mosby Court.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., yesterday, RPD officers were called the 1900 block of Raven Street for the report of a shooting. When police arrived, they located two 17-year-old juveniles suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims are in critical condition. One is considered to have life-threatening injuries.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital to be treated.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.
The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.


Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Body Found on Lumkin Avenue Identified, Arrests Made in Two Connected Homicides


March 7, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the body found yesterday in the wooded area of the 2100 block of Lumkin Avenue as Jon W. Alston, 42, of the 7800 block of Winding Ash Place, Chesterfield. Alston had been reported missing out of Chesterfield County and was known by Richmond Police detectives to have been a suspect in the murder of Garry Harrison, Jr. on Warwick Avenue on January 7 of this year.

Detectives have charged Harry E. Braxton, III, 26, of the 2300 block of Oakland Place, with conspiracy to commit murder in the homicide of Alston. Additional charges are being considered.

Detectives have also charged four individuals in connection to the Warwick Avenue homicide of Garry Harrison, Jr.:

·         Crystal R. Braxton, 45, of the 2300 block of Oakland Place;
·         Jaqwail V. Braxton, 20, of the 2300 block of Oakland Place (subject of the February 16 arrest advisory from the Richmond Police Department);
·         Joleal E. Burno, 19, of the 1700 block of Decatur Street, and;
·         Calvin C. Cooper, 39, of the 2300 block of Oakland Place.

All photos are attached.

Burno has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Cooper, C. Braxton and J. Braxton have been charged with first degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (x2) and aggravated malicious wounding. Cooper and J. Braxton have also been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.


Anyone with further information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com


Upgraded Charge in Powhite Parkway Homicide


March 7, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has upgraded a charge in a homicide that occurred on the Powhite Parkway last December.

Rodrigo Martinez-Mendoza, 41, of the 1600 block of Lincoln Avenue, Petersburg
has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Luis G. Gomez-Flores, 35, of the 2100 block of County Drive, Petersburg.

In December, Martinez-Mendoza was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, but has now been charged with murder. Javier Rodriguez-Zavala, 22, of the 6800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway, North Chesterfield was also previously arrested and charged with malicious wounding.

At approximately 2:16 a.m., on Monday, December 4, 2017, officers received a call for a fight in progress in the 6300 block of Powhite Parkway just before Chippenham Parkway.

When police arrived, they located a vehicle parked in a parking lot adjacent to the toll booth and discovered Gomez-Flores lying outside the vehicle unconscious. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. It was determined an altercation broke out inside the vehicle causing the driver to pull over.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Bridges at (804) 646-4494 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.

Rodrigo Martinez-Mendoza




Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Missing Richmond Man Sought


March 6, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man, Philip C. Branch, who has been missing since last week. His photo is attached.

Branch, 37, of the 700 block of Mosby Street, was last seen on foot in the area of Semmes Avenue early last week. Branch suffers from a medical ailment and detectives believe he might be a danger to himself. He is described as a black male, 5’ 11” tall, with tattoos on his neck, chest and arms. He weighs approximately 135 pounds.

Anyone who sees Philip C. Branch or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Brissette at (804) 646-3867 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000, or www.7801000.com.



Suspect Sought in Media Road Burglary


March 6, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify the man in the photo who is a suspect in a burglary that occurred last week in the city’s Westover neighborhood.

At approximately 6:14 p.m. on Friday, March 2, officers responded to the 5200 block of Media Road for the report of a break-in. The victim stated the door to his garage appeared to be kicked in. He also determined several of his items had been stolen.

The morning prior, surveillance video shows an unknown male arriving at the residence in a blue pick-up truck. The suspect is seen going into the garage, taking items, and placing them in his pick-up truck.

The suspect is described as a white male with dark hair and a short beard. He is approximately 6 feet tall and was last seen wearing black pants, a grey jacket with a white undershirt, and a dark-colored baseball cap.

Anyone with any information about this individual or the vehicle is asked to call Third Precinct Detective M. Sacksteder at (804) 646-1068 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or submit a tip online at
www.7801000.com. . The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.



Lumkin Avenue Death Investigation


March 6, 2018
The Richmond Police Department is in the early stages of a death investigation after the body of an adult male was found on the city’s south side.
At approximately 6:36 a.m., RPD officers were called to the 2100 block of Lumkin Avenue for a report of a person down. A work crew clearing brush along power lines that flank the roadway had discovered the body.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at
www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.