Suspect Sought in Church Hill Commercial Robberies

July 31, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photo who is believed to be connected to two commercial robberies at Seven Hills Studio in the Church Hill neighborhood.

At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, an unknown male entered the Seven Hills Studio at 501 North 25^th Street and demanded money from the cashier. The cashier complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of money. A weapon was never displayed. The suspect then fled the store and was last seen heading north on 25^th Street.

The second incident occurred on Monday, June 11. Detectives believe the two incidents are related.

The suspect is described as a black male who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with “ASCEND” written on the front.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective J. Mitchell at (804) 646-0569 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

RPD Police Athletic League Welcomes Governor Northam

July 31, 2018

WHAT:                    Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam Visits PAL Summer Camp

WHEN:                    9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018

WHERE:                  Police Athletic League Facility, 1365 Overbrook Road, Richmond, VA

BACKGROUND:     Richmond Police Department Chief Alfred Durham is pleased to welcome Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam to the Police Athletic League Summer Camp.

Approximately 130 children participate in the PAL Summer Camp each year. They engage in a wide variety of sports and educational opportunities such as kickball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse and basketball plus photography and fishing.

                                The PAL Summer Camp encourages its participants to broaden their horizons in other ways, including field trips to the Children’s Museum and Bush Gardens/Water Country USA, along with other destinations. For example, on Thursday, August 2^nd, the PAL campers will take a field trip to the Virginia State Capitol.

                                The governor’s visit will last approximately one hour, which will include a question and answer session with the campers.

The media are encouraged to attend.

Victim Identified in Northside Homicide

July 30, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the person killed in a shooting overnight as Joseph Lewis, III, 19, of the 200 block of E. Gladstone Avenue, Richmond.

At approximately 11:47 p.m., Sunday, July 29th, RPD officers responded to a call for shots fired in the 3100 block of Meadowbridge Road. When they arrived, they located Lewis’ body lying on the sidewalk at the corner of E. Gladstone Ave. and Meadowbridge Road.

He had been shot.

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

Anyone with information about these shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Coates at (804) 646-0729 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.

Victim Identified in Fatal Wreck

July 29, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the person killed in a single vehicle wreck yesterday morning as Rufus J. Whitfield, 59, of the 2200 block of Bywood Lane, Richmond.

 At approximately 9:58 a.m., Saturday, July 28^th, Whitfield was operating a vehicle travelling westbound in 2900 block Broad Rock Boulevard when it crossed the center line, collided with a tree and rolled over.

Whitfield was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 10:42 a.m. A passenger in his vehicle, an adult female, was also transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The RPD Crash Investigation Team responded to conduct an accident reconstruction.

No charges are anticipated due to the death of the driver.

Missing Children Sought & Found

July 28, 2018

Missing Children FOUND

Antwan Riley and Tyrik Whitted have been located safe and sound in Hillside Court.

Prior Release:

July 28, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help to locate two children who went missing overnight in Hillside Court.

Antwan Riley, 9, of the 1600 block of Rosecrest Avenue and Tyrik Whitted, 10, of the 1400 block of Harwood Street were last seen together at approximately 8:30 p.m. last night in Hillside Court. They were reported missing early this morning.

The two boys are friends. They were playing together at the time they disappeared.

At this time, there is no indication that they are in any danger.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call the RPD non-emergency number at (804) 646-5100 or call Detective S. Kendell at (804) 387-5844.

              Antwan Riley

               Tyrik Whitted

Use-of-Force & Crisis Intervention Training Overview Released

July 27, 2018

The Richmond Police Department today released resource material that provides an overview of the Use-of-Force and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training provided to RPD officers. It has been posted on the RPD website: www.richmondgov.com/police

“One of the most important aspects of our training is teaching our officers what to do when faced with a situation where they may need to use force,” said Chief Durham. “We expect this resource material will help citizens better understand what that training involves.”

Earlier this year, the Department started posting use-of-force data on the website that lists the number and type of incidents in which force was used. It is updated regularly.

Richmond Police to Participate in Region-wide DUI Checkpoints

July 27, 2018

WHAT:                     Region-Wide DUI Checkpoints with Richmond, Henrico,   Chesterfield, New Kent, Virginia State Police, Virginia Commonwealth University Police, and Powhatan County

WHEN:                    Friday, July 27 to Saturday, July 28 from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

WHERE:                  Various Locations around the region.

BACKGROUND:     The Richmond Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the region to participate in DUI checkpoints that will occur in multiple areas tonight and through the morning hours. This is the first time a region-wide effort has been conducted on the same evening.

There will also be mobile patrols in areas looking for impaired   drivers.

This is part of an ongoing effort to educate the public and stop drunk driving.

“This is one of many operations the Richmond Police Department conducts as part of our Vision Zero campaign,” said Sgt. Jonathan Nathanson.

Vision Zero is a campaign focusing on eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

So far this year, over 200 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence in the city of Richmond.

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Report Submitted

July 24, 2018

The Richmond Police Department today submitted to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office a report on the investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Marcus-David Peters that occurred May 14, 2018.

The report, prepared by the RPD’s Force Investigation Team, includes witness statements, security camera videos, the officer’s body-worn camera video, and forensic evidence. It will be reviewed by the C. A.’s Office for a determination and finding.

Once the review by the C. A.’s Office has been completed, Chief Durham will host a community discussion about the Department’s training in defensive tactics, use-of-force, and crisis intervention.

“I made a promise to the community that, once this process is finished, I would explain how and why we train our officers,” said Chief Durham. “I invite anyone who wants to learn more about that training to attend.”

Prior to the community meeting, the Department will post resource material on-line; including Basic Recruit Class Curriculum Hours, and General Orders covering Use-of-Force and Crisis Intervention Training.

No date or time has yet been set for the community discussion.

Suspects Sought in Shockoe Bottom Commercial Burglary

July 20, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the two male suspects in the attached photos who are believed to have burglarized a building in Shockoe Bottom.

At approximately 4:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 15, two unknown males entered the building in the 100 block of South 15^th Street with a pellet gun. Surveillance video shows the males entering a suite in the building after shattering the glass doors with a possible pellet gun. A laptop was reported stolen and numerous items were damaged. The suspects are also seen breaking the glass doors inside the lobby.

The first suspect was last seen on surveillance wearing wear a dark hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and dark shoes. The second suspect was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, camouflage pants, and black shoes.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about the identity of the two suspects to call First Precinct Detective T. Wilson at (804) 646-0672 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or online at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Multiple Commercial Robberies

July 17, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photo who is believed to be linked to several commercial robberies at the Family Dollar on East 16^th Street.

At approximately 12:19 a.m., on Sunday, July 15, an unknown male entered the Family Dollar at 7 East 16^th Street. The suspect approached the cashier, handed him a bag with a note demanding money. The suspect then left with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect fled on foot and was last seen walking toward Decatur Street and headed toward Jefferson Davis Highway.

Additional incidents include:

• Around 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 1
• Around 4 p.m. on Monday, July 2
• Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jul

The suspect is described as a black male with a moustache. He was last seen wearing a brown plaid button-down shirt, a Washington Nationals baseball hat, and black pants.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective T. Wilson at (804) 646-0672 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Registration Open for Virginia Rules Camp

July 17, 2018

WHAT:                    Virginia Rules Camp

WHEN:                    August 20-24 from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:                  Henderson Middle School

BACKGROUND:     The Richmond Police Department is partnering with the Office of the Attorney general to host the Virginia Rules Camp next month.

Registration is free and open to the first 100 Richmond Public Schools middle school students who sign up at https://goo.gl/forms/eaeA9ZzUFlp0TVzp1. Parents may also email RPDCares@richmondgov.com

Free transportation, food and school supplies will also be given to camp participants.

The Virginia Rules Camp is designed educate middle school students on Virginia laws and encourages them to become active citizens in their schools and communities. Campers are paired up with members of the Richmond Police Department and those in the Office of the Attorney General.

Victim Identified in Willow Oaks Drive Homicide

July 16, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim who has succumbed to his injuries in a life-threatening shooting that occurred late last month on Willow Oaks Drive.

At approximately 12:43 a.m. on June 29, officers responded to the 5800 block of Willow Oaks Drive to investigate a person down. When officers arrived, they located Andrew K. Hensley, 19, of the 5800 block of Meadowood Court, North Chesterfield suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Hensley was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries Friday evening.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804) 646-3246 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.

National Night Out set for Tuesday, August 7

July 16, 2018

City residents and neighborhood associations are invited to go all out in planning their neighborhood parties for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 7!

This annual celebration in support of crime prevention brings police and neighbors together during an evening full of fun for all ages.

“The community plays a key role in preventing crime,” said Lt. Victor Greene with the Community Care Unit. “We’re encouraging residents to register their events this year – large or small – and come out to engage with us and strengthen the bond between citizens and law enforcement.”

To register your National Night Out event, visit our website, www.richmondgov.com/police, and click on the 2018 National Night Out logo. The deadline to register your event is July 31.

We hope citizens will also join Richmond Police and Target stores for a National Night Out Kickoff Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 4, at the Forest Hill Avenue Target, 7107 Forest Hill Ave. Officers and first responders will be on hand with crime prevention materials and interactive displays. There will also be raffles, giveaways, and 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 raise awareness of crime and drug prevention. 

Homicide Victim Identified in Roseneath Road Homicide, Aggravated Assault x3

July 14, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide on Roseneath Road as Terrance C. Peters, 46, of the 11100 block of Elwyn Court, Fredericksburg.

At approximately 2:07 a.m., officers were called to the 1400 block of Roseneath Road for the report of random gunfire. Officers arrived and found Peters suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Two males, who also suffered gunshot wounds, had been transported to a local hospital in personal vehicles. Their injuries were not considered life threatening. Another male was located nearby in a vehicle who had also suffered from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was not considered life threatening.

Anyone with information about these shootings is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell at (804) 646-5324 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.

Arrests Made in Coalter Street Shootings

July 12, 2018

The U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Richmond Police Department, have arrested two males in connection to yesterday’s shootings on Coalter Street.

Daquan Frazier, 23, of the 1300 block of Coalter Street, and Ikeam T. Frazier, 21, of the 1300 block of Coalter Street, were arrested early this morning without incident. They have both been charged with attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Their photos are attached.

Yesterday at approximately 3:25 p.m., officers were called to the 1300 block of Coalter Street for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found two males who were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening.

Detectives are asking anyone with further information about this incident to contact Major Crimes Detective S. Donald at (804) 646-6456 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.

Postponed: Property and Evidence Building Relocation

July 12, 2018

UPDATE: The relocation of the Richmond Police Property and Evidence Unit is postponed until further notice. Information with an updated time frame will be released when it becomes available. The current location at 501 N. 9^th St. still remains open to the public.

Male Identified in West 24th Street Death Investigation

July 11, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the male found deceased in a vehicle on West 24^th Street on Monday as Robert W. Parmele, Jr., 32, of the 300 block of West 24^th Street.

At approximately 3:52 p.m., officers were called to the 300 block of West 24^th Street for the report of a man unresponsive in a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and found Parmele slumped in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time there are no signs of foul play.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Sergeant A. Jackson at (804) 646-0606 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.

Property and Evidence Building Relocation

July 12, 2018

UPDATE: The relocation of the Richmond Police Property and Evidence Unit is postponed until further notice. Information with an updated timeframe will be released when it becomes available. The current location at 501 N. 9^th St. still remains open to the public.

July 9, 2018

The Richmond Police Department’s Property and Evidence building, located at 501 N. 9^th St., will be closed to the public for two weeks beginning Monday, July 16 until Sunday, July 29 during its relocation. The facility will reopen to the public on Monday, July 30 at its new location, 1451 Commerce Rd.

The facility’s new location, hours of operation and contact information will be:

Property and Evidence
Richmond Police Department
1451 Commerce Road
Richmond, VA. 23224

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 to 3 p.m.

Phone: (804) 646-6727

Suspect Sought in Commercial Robbery

July 9, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photo who is wanted for a commercial robbery of The Family Dollar that occurred last week.

At approximately 4:05 p.m. on Monday, July 2, an unknown male entered the Family Dollar at 7 East 16^th Street. The suspect approached the employee, handed her a bag with a note demanding money, and stated he had a weapon. A weapon was never displayed. The employee complied and the suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect fled on foot and was last seen walking southbound on East 16^th Street toward Decatur Street.

The suspect is described as a black male with a moustache. He was last seen wearing a white towel over his head, a black scarf around his face, a white long sleeve thermal shirt, and dark pants.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective J. Hewitt at (804) 646-0576 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in Fatal Hit and Run Incident

July 8, 2018

The Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team investigators have identified the person killed in a hit and run that occurred yesterday afternoon in the city’s south side.

At approximately 1:58 p.m., yesterday, officers responded to the 5200 block of Hull Street Road for the report of a cyclist hit. The cyclist, Kevin V. Burks, 57, of the 5300 block of Hull Street Road was reportedly traveling east on Hull Street Road toward Warwick Road when a vehicle described as a sedan struck Burks and fled the scene.

Burks was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries several hours later.

Anyone with any information about this incident or this vehicle is asked to call Sergeant J. Nathanson at (804) 646-5100 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect, Information Sought in Fatal Hit and Run Investigation

July 8, 2018

Richmond Police need the public’s help in providing information regarding a fatal hit and run of a cyclist that occurred yesterday afternoon in the city’s south side.

At approximately 1:58 p.m., yesterday, officers responded to the 5200 block of Hull Street Road for the report of a cyclist hit. The cyclist was reportedly traveling east on Hull Street Road toward Warwick Road when a vehicle described as a blue sedan struck the cyclist and fled the scene.

The victim was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries several hours later.

Anyone with any information about this incident or this vehicle is asked to call Sergeant J. Nathanson at (804) 646-5100 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Pedestrian Struck on North Boulevard

July 7, 2018

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Divisions-Traffic Crash Team is investigating an incident that occurred early this morning in which a pedestrian was struck on North Boulevard.

At approximately 3:54 a.m., a Chevrolet Impala was traveling southbound in the 100 block of North Boulevard near Floyd Avenue and struck a pedestrian that was believed to be lying in the roadway. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Investigators with the RPD Crash Team responded to the scene where they took measurements and interviewed the driver. The crash remains under investigation.

Investigators ask anyone with information to call Investigator M. Fecht at 646-6190 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Credit Card Theft and Fraud

July 5, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the three individuals in the photos who are believed to be suspects of credit card fraud in the city’s Southside.

Between 12:30 and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, police received a call for a report of a theft from a building. Police were told the victim’s wallet was taken from the counter of the Virginia Credit Union located inside of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at 2300 W. Broad Street. He was shortly notified by his bank that someone attempted to use to card to make a purchase at clothing store, DTLR, located at 1500 West Broad Street.

A second attempt to use the card at the DTLR clothing store at 4640 E Southside Plaza.

All three suspects are black males in their early-to-mid 20s. Photos of the suspects inside one of the DTLR stores is attached.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this man’s identity to call Fourth Precinct Det. B. Plaskett at (804) 646-6619 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Suspect Identified in Southside Arson

July 2, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified a suspect in an arson which occurred early last week in the city’s Southside.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 24, Richmond Police and Fire responded to the 600 block of Hull Street to investigate an arson which occurred at 10:30 p.m. the night prior. Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the building. As firefighters entered the building, they found the suspect hiding inside of the laundry room holding a large knife.

As firefighters were working the scene, the suspect punched one of the firefighters and fled the building where he soon came in contact with police and taken into custody.

The suspect has been identified as Sean M. Griffin, 29, of the 500 block of Hull Street.  He was charged with arson to an occupied dwelling and assault on a firefighter. A booking photo is attached.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Fire Investigator A. Roberts at (804) 646-6814 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.

Traffic Advisory: Fourth of July Road Closures and No Parking Zones

July 2, 2018

Numerous road closures and “No Parking” zones will be in effect on Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day celebrations across the city.

Road closures for Rocketts Red Glare will be in effect in Rocketts Landing from 3 to 10 p.m. During the event, East Main Street / Old Main Street will be closed between Williamsburg Avenue and Orleans Street. Nicholson Street will also be closed between East Main Street and Williamsburg Road.

No parking zones will also be in effect for the 4^th of July Concert and fireworks show at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Many streets in the Byrd Park and Carillon neighborhoods will have restricted parking including Douglasdale Road to McCloy Street, Pump House Drive and Park Drive. Street closures and no parking zones are available for view on Google Maps.

(Direct URL: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1w43FDZDNNbunINbaZ6Eo802hg8ggnR3X&usp=sharing)

To learn more about the course and potential impacts on roads and specific neighborhoods, visit the Richmond Police Department website.

Celebrate Safely on Independence Day

July 2, 2018

The Richmond Police Department knows the public is excited to celebrate Independence Day. 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.

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.

“We want all citizens to have a safe and happy holiday this Fourth of July and enjoy events around Richmond,” said Special Operations Division Commander John O’Kleasky. “The Department plans to have a strong police presence to ensure safe celebrations.”

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 are planned at the Diamond and Dogwood Dell on Wednesday, July 4.

Legal parking for Dogwood Dell is available at City Stadium on Douglasdale Road. Shuttle buses will be available from the stadium to Dogwood Dell.

• Do not impede the flow of traffic to view fireworks if you are in a vehicle. Please pull over to a safe location.