Arrests Made in Mechanicsville Turnpike Homicide

September 28, 2018

Richmond Police detectives have made two arrests in connection with a homicide that occurred last week on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Tyshawn T. Andrews, 15, of the 1300 block of Coalter Street and Demeco T. Pressey-Robertson, 17, of the 2400 block of North 23^rd Street were arrested earlier this week. Both have been charged with murder, attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Their booking photos are attached.

At approximately 1:36 p.m., on Monday, September 17, officers were called to a convenience store at the intersection of Mechanicsville Turnpike and Carver Street for the report of a person down.

Officers arrived and found Joshua A. Grey, 23, of the 7200 block of Riverside Drive in the store down and unresponsive. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe the shooting occurred near the intersection and that Joshua Grey, after being injured, ran into the store where he succumbed to his injury.

  

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

Anyone with information about this man’s identity or the homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective T. 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Richmond Police to Partner with Faith Leaders for “Day of Service”

September 28, 2018

WHAT:                     “Day of Service” in coalition with churches and faith leaders who  formed “The TEAM” (Together Everyone Achieves More)

WHEN:                    Sunday, September 30 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:                  5^th Street Baptist Church – Grace Center at 3301 Victor Street

BACKGROUND:     The Richmond Police Department is teaming up with various faith leaders who have created “The TEAM” to participate in a day of service in the city’s Northside. Officers and members of the community will be assisting elderly citizens with various chores and projects around their homes.

                                Others will also be canvassing the neighborhood looking for volunteers for community watch programs.

“We are taking this opportunity to engage with members of the community,” said Sector 411 Lt. Richard Edwards. “We want to be of service to those in need and also ask the citizens to help us keep the streets safe through better communication and cooperation with us.”
“The TEAM” movement was launched by faith leaders and organizations in the Richmond area. The organization focuses on building relationships between the churches and community members in the Highland Park area.

                                “We want community members to know that we are here for them, and                                   we want to keep in contact with them to see what needs they may                                           have,” said Jo White, organizer of the “Day of Service”.

Suspect Arrested in P Street Homicide

September 27, 2018

The Richmond Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force, have made an arrest in a homicide that occurred last month in the city’s Church Hill neighborhood.

Keith L. Epps, 40, of the 1100 block of North 34^th Street was arrested Wednesday night by First Precinct officers and the U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force after receiving information from Henrico County Police. Epps is charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 5:19 p.m., on Sunday, August 26, RPD officers were called to the 3000 block of P Street for the report of a shooting. After they arrived, they located Michael Allen, 41, of the 3000 block of P Street lying in the grass between two apartment buildings. He’d been shot.

Allen was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case 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.

Detectives Still Seeking Information in Disappearance of Keeshae Jacobs

September 26, 2018

Wednesday marks two years since the disappearance of 23-year-old Keeshae Jacobs and detectives are still seeking information to locate her.

Family and friends have not heard from Keeshae Jacobs since Monday September 26, 2016 when she told a family member she would see them the next day. When she did not return to her residence in the Westover neighborhood they immediately contacted police. After working the case for two years with no sign of Keeshae, police suspect foul play in her disappearance. 

“Keeshae’s disappearance remains an active investigation within the Richmond Police Department,” said Chief Alfred Durham “The detectives have made good progress in this case, but we are still hoping to get more information to get the family the answers they need.”

She is described as a black female, age 23, 5’3” tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black basketball shorts, pink and black Nike basketball shoes and a pink scarf. She has a tattoo of a leaf on her right calf area, two paw print tattoos on her right thigh, a flower tattoo on her right shoulder, and one tattoo on her right hand.

Anyone who has knowledge or information concerning the disappearance of Ms. Jacobs or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Thompson at (804) 646-3925 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Community Walk in the Rosedale Neighborhood

September 25, 2018

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                      5:30 p.m. TODAY, September 25, 2018

WHERE:                    3600 block of Rosedale Avenue  

BACKGROUND:     Chief Alfred Durham, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Rosedale neighborhood. During the walk, 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 412 Lt. Robert Fleming said the area, like many in Richmond, has recently seen an increase in property crimes.

“During this community walk, we will go door-to-door and speak with residents and remind them to keep their vehicles locked at all times and remove any items from plain view,” said Lt. Fleming. “We are also looking forward to getting to know the residents who live in the Rosedale neighborhood.”

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.

Suspect Sought in Mechanicsville Turnpike Homicide

September 24, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the attached photos who is wanted in connection to last week’s homicide in the city’s east end.

At approximately 1:36 p.m., on Monday, September 17, officers were called to a convenience store at the intersection of Mechanicsville Turnpike and Carver Street for the report of a person down.

Officers arrived and found Joshua A. Grey, 23, of the 7200 block of Riverside Drive in the store down and unresponsive. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe the shooting occurred near the intersection and that Joshua Grey, after being injured, ran into the store where he succumbed to his injury.

Minutes before the shooting occurred, surveillance video shows the suspect walking in the 1700 block of Carver Street. 

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

Anyone with information about this man’s identity or the homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective T. 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made for Westover Hills Boulevard Shooting

September 21, 2018

Richmond Police Department detectives, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force, have made an arrest for a shooting that occurred on Westover Hills Boulevard this week. Mekyle D. Purnell, 27, of the 400 block of Westover Hills Boulevard, was arrested this morning and charged with attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His photo is attached.

At approximately 5:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, officers were called to the 400 block of Westover Hills Boulevard for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was not considered life threatening.

“Major Crimes detectives did an outstanding job on this investigation,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Don Davenport. “They worked tirelessly all week on this case and the resulting arrest shows their dedication and drive paid off yet again.”

Detectives are asking anyone with further information about this incident to contact Major Crimes Detective E. Livengood at (804) 646-3185 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.

Sign up for the 27th Citizens Police Academy

September 20, 2018

Are you interested in learning more about the operations of the Richmond Police Department?

The Department is now accepting applications for the 27^th Citizens Police Academy as a way to improve relationships with RPD, develop stronger advocates, and promote safety in the community.

The Citizens Police Academy begins October 9 and runs through November 8. The sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richmond Police Headquarters, 200 West Grace Street and various locations throughout the city.

Sessions will include, but are not limited to: RPD patrol functions, crime prevention through environmental design, personal safety, hands-on exercises, tours within the Richmond Police Department and much more.

Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will become official “Volunteers in Police Services” (VIPS). Members of VIPS are notified of volunteer opportunities, events, special programs, and services with RPD.

Anyone who has interest in the Department is welcome to attend the academy. This is also a perfect opportunity for someone who is interested in law enforcement or wants to learn more about the law enforcement profession.

To apply, please complete the application and return it before the start of the Academy.

Applications are also available at richmondgov.com/police. For additional information email RPDCares@richmondgov.com.

Victim Identified in Mechanicsville Turnpike Homicide

September 18, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide as Joshua A. Grey, 23, of the 7200 block of Riverside Drive.

At approximately 1:36 p.m., officers were called to a convenience store at the intersection of Mechanicsville Turnpike and Carver Street for the report of a person down.

Officers arrived and found Grey in the store down and unresponsive. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Detectives believe the shooting occurred near the intersection and that Grey, after being injured, ran into the store where he succumbed to his injury.

Since Mechanicsville Turnpike is a busy stretch of roadway in the East End during the afternoon hours, detectives believe several persons were in the area and near the store when the shooting occurred. Detectives are asking those present at the scene or anyone with any information about this homicide to call Major Crimes Detective T. 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspects Sought in Credit Card Fraud

September 18, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify two suspects in the attached photos who are believed to be using stolen credit card information in several stores across the Richmond metro area.

On July 5, a local financial institution called detectives to report five separate credit card frauds that occurred to three separate card holders. The fraudulent charges occurred sometime between May 31 and July 2 at two separate Kroger locations in the 3500 block of West Cary Street and the 900 block of North Lombardy Street.

Two male suspects were also caught on surveillance footage on Thursday, September 6 in two separate Walmart locations in the 5000 block of Nine Mile Road and 2400 block of Sheila Lane where they made purchases with the stolen credit card information. Detectives believe the two are also responsible for the fraudulent purchases that occurred at the two Kroger locations.

Detectives have determined that the suspects are involved in a breach with a local financial institution. Over 200 victims have been impacted and approximately $75,000 in fraudulent purchases have been made by the two suspects.

Detectives ask anyone with any information to call Third Precinct Detective M. Williams at (804) 646-1007 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip or submit a tip online at www.7801000.com. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Mechanicsville Turnpike Homicide Investigation

September 17, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred this afternoon on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

At approximately 1:36 p.m., officers were called to the 1600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike for the report of a person down.

Officers arrived and found an adult male in a convenience store down and unresponsive. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Detectives do not believe the shooting occurred in the convenience store but are instead working on the belief that the victim was shot nearby.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective T. 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Victim and Offender Identified in Domestic-Related Homicide, Suicide

September 17, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim and offender in the domestic-related homicide and suicide that began with a shooting on Northside Avenue last week.

At approximately 2:25 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, officers were called to the 700 block of Northside Avenue for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and found Tanya P. Washington, 47, of the 700 block of Northside Avenue, down and unresponsive in the roadway near the intersection of Meadowbridge Road. She had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Later that same day at approximately 12:55 p.m., detectives working the investigation went to a home in the 3100 block of Letcher Avenue and found Leon E. Willis, 57, of that same address, down and unresponsive from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives believe Washington and Willis were in a relationship.

Anyone with further information about this homicide and suicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective D. Cuffley at (804) 646-6795 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.

Northside Avenue Homicide Investigation

September 13, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred this morning on Northside Avenue.

At approximately 2:25 a.m., officers were called to the 700 block of Northside Avenue for the report of a person down.

Officers arrived and found an adult female down and unresponsive in the roadway near the intersection of Meadowbridge Road suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She 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 D. Cuffley at (804) 646-6795 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.

Community Walk in the Church Hill Neighborhood

September 11, 2018

WHAT:                     Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                    5:30 p.m. TODAY, September 11, 2018

WHERE:                 3000 block of M Street 

BACKGROUND:     Chief Alfred Durham, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Church Hill neighborhood. During the walk, 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 111 Lt. Ken Roane said the area, like many in Richmond, has seen incidents of property crimes, specifically theft from motor vehicles and motor vehicle thefts.

“During this community walk, we will go door-to-door and speak with residents and discuss ways to help prevent these types of property crimes,” said Lt. Roane. “This is also a good opportunity for our sector officers to meet more community members so we can share ideas for an even safer Church Hill neighborhood.”

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.

Victim Identified in Mansion Avenue Homicide

September 9, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the person killed in a shooting that occurred yesterday evening on Mansion Avenue as Norbert D. Laury, 30, of the 1400 block of Treehaven Drive.

At approximately 9:10 p.m. yesterday, officers responded to the 2000 block of Mansion Avenue for the report of a person shot. When police arrived, they located Norbert D. Laury suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Laury was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

Suspect Sought for Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run

September 7, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the male in the photo who stole a vehicle and was involved in a hit and run last week.

At 8:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, the suspect stole an idling car from a parking lot of a laundromat in the 1300 block of North 25^th Street. The suspect drove the stolen vehicle for several blocks before colliding with three parked cars in the 1200 block of North 26^th Street. He fled the area on foot westbound on R Street towards N. 25^th St.

The video shows the shirtless suspect walking through the laundromat and then entering the vehicle and driving away.

Detectives ask anyone who can identify this person to call Crash Team Detective G. Drago at (804) 646-1369 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, online at www.7801000.com or by downloading and using the P3 Tips app on Apple and Android devices. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspects Sought in Theft from Motor Vehicle and Credit Card Fraud

September 7, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the individuals in the photos who are believed to be suspects in a theft from a motor vehicle and credit card fraud.

On Thursday, August 23, a victim reported her vehicle was broken into in the 1700 block of Hampton Street. The victim reported that cash and several credit cards were stolen. Later that day, surveillance video shows four suspects purchasing a handbag with the stolen credit card at the Dillard’s at Short Pump Town Center. Shortly after, two additional suspects are seen on surveillance purchasing another handbag with a stolen card.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about these individual’s identifies to call Third Precinct Detective H. Truong at (804) 646-1067 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 P Street Homicide

September 4, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in last week’s homicide in the city’s Church Hill neighborhood.

Keith L. Epps, 40, of the 1100 block of North 34^th Street is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Michael Allen that occurred on Sunday, August 26 in the 3000 block of P Street.

Epps is approximately 5’8” tall and weighs 230 lbs. with a muscular build. He has tattoo on his left arm that says “K Boogie” and a tattoo on his right arm that says “Lil Keith.” His photo is attached.

At approximately 5:19 p.m., on Sunday, August 26, RPD officers were called to the 3000 block of P Street for the report of a shooting. After they arrived, they located Michael Allen, 41, of the 3000 block of P Street lying in the grass between two apartment buildings. He’d been shot.

Allen was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Epps 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.

Keith Epps

RPD Obtains Indictments in Five City Homicides

September 4, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has obtained indictments from the Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury in five homicides in the city:

Homicide #14 – 04/20/2018

o   Suspect: Aaron Johnson, 28, 4400 block of Angus Road – in custody

o   Charges: 1^st Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

o   Victim: Malcolm Alexander, 35, 300 block of Melmark Court

o   Scene: Shooting in the 300 block of Melmark Court

Homicide #27 – 06/29/2018

o   Suspect: Rameen Spruill, 21, 8700 block of Forest Hill Avenue

o   Charges: 1^st Degree Murder & Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

o   Victim: Andrew Hensley, 19, 5800 block of Meadowood Court, Chesterfield

o   Scene: Shooting in the 5800 block of Willow Oaks Drive

·         Homicide #30 – 08/10/2018

o   Suspect: Jimmie Smith, 25, 4800 block of Jacobs Glenn, Chesterfield – in custody

o   Charges: 1^st Degree Murder & Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

o   Victim: Sherece Cook, 21, 100 block of Pine Ridge Drive, Louisa

o   Scene: Shooting in the 3900 block of Peyton Avenue

·         Homicide #33

o   Suspect: Janis Tyler, 59, 3000 block of Peyton Avenue – in custody

o   Charges: 1^st Degree Murder & Use of a Knife in the Commission of a Felony

o   Victim: Shirley Washington, 78, mother of Tyler, same home address

o   Scene: Stabbing in Washington’s residence

·         Homicide #34

o   Suspect: Keith Epps, 40, 1100 block of N. 34^th Street – AT LARGE

o   Charges: 1^st Degree Murder & Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

o   Victim: Michael Allen, 41, 3000 block of P. Street

o   Scene: Shooting in the 3000 block of P. Street

“These indictments were the result of lots of hard work by the detectives who, in many cases, were helped by valuable eyewitness accounts or tips,” said Captain James Laino. “But, we’d still like to hear from anyone else who may be willing to help us by telling us what they saw or heard.”

The above indictments were sought at the Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury, which met last Wednesday, August 29th.

Anyone with additional information about these crimes is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at (804) 646-6741 or 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.

Booking photos are attached.

There will be a separate release sent out regarding Homicide #34 and the search for suspect Keith Epps.

For additional details, please refer to earlier media advisories about each homicide.

Suspect Sought in Motel Assault and Robbery

September 4, 2018

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the male in the photo who is suspected of an assault and robbery in a motel this morning.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., a male and a female at a motel in the 3600 block of Jefferson Davis Highway reported an unknown male had followed them as the victims were entering their motel room and forced his way into the room. They reported the suspect assaulted the male victim and robbed them of several items. The injuries are not considered life threatening.

The suspect left the room and fled on foot southbound on Jefferson Davis Highway.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the identity of this suspect to call Second Precinct Detective M. Hatchett at (804) 646-8167 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.

Suspect Sought for Stolen Credit Card

September 4, 2018

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the male in the photo who is suspected of stealing a credit card last month and using it to make fraudulent purchases.

Detectives believe the suspect stole a credit card from an unsuspecting person’s purse on Sunday, August 12, while in a shop in the 3100 block of West Cary Street. The suspect used the card to fraudulently purchase items at stores in the area which were valued at several hundred dollars.

Detectives ask anyone who can identify this person to call Third Precinct Detective G. Sullivan at (804) 646-1950 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000, online at www.7801000.com or by downloading and using the P3 Tips app on Apple and Android devices. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.