Richmond Police Graduates 118th Basic Recruit Class

January 30, 2019

WHAT:                      Richmond Police 118^th Basic Recruit Class Graduation

WHEN:                    10 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2019

WHERE:                  Cheek Theater, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard

BACKGROUND:     Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, RPD Interim Chief William Smith, and the Richmond Police Department are proud to welcome 19 new officers to the force and invite the public to their graduation and swearing-in ceremony tomorrow.

The class includes recruits from across the globe such as The Netherlands, Macedonia, and South Africa, as well as many from right here in the Richmond metro area.

The 32 week training schedule consists of an expanded curriculum that includes community engagement in public housing communities, city schools, and homeless shelters. The recruits will also graduate as certified bicycle officers.

As newly sworn officers, they will begin eight weeks of field training this Saturday; each paired with an experienced officer.

The entire Richmond Police Department would like to congratulate and welcome:

·         Dario Buraliev

·         Ileana Calderon

·         Devin Conyers

·         Mitchell Cooper

·         Marvin Gomez

·         Wayne Hartley

·         Kayla Isaac

·         Audrey Jackson

·         Kevin Jensen

·         Ryan Kroetch

·         Meagan Lucas

·         Anthony Morrison

·         Christian Nocera

·         Erich Oosthuizen

·         Stephen Pishock

·         Lawrence Read II

·         Jason Scott

·         Dylan van Aalst

·         Nico Young

Suspect Sought in Hit-and-Run Investigation

January 30, 2019

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s help to identify the suspect in a hit-and-run crash.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 20, officers responded to the report of a hit and run that occurred in the 3300 block of North Huguenot Road. 

The victim’s car was rear-ended at a stoplight.  The suspect then got out of his vehicle and walked up to the victim’s car.  He said there was not much damage, got back in his van and drove off.  The suspect was last seen getting on the southbound exit ramp to Chippenham Parkway.

The victim took the attached photos of the suspect and the white van he was driving.  A DMV check of the license plate, UXX-7209, shows it does not come back to the vehicle.

Anyone with information about the suspect or this hit-and-run crash is asked to call Detective G. Drago at (804) 646-1369 or (804) 510-4182.

Suspect Sought in Armed Commercial Robbery on Mechanicsville Turnpike

January 28, 2019

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the photos who is a suspect in an armed commercial robbery that occurred last month on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

At approximately 2:57 a.m. on Sunday, December 16 officers responded to the 1600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike for the report of an armed commercial robbery at the Shop Go convenience store. When officers arrived, the victim stated that several minutes prior an unknown male wearing a mask entered the store with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene in a black four door sedan.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call First Precinct Detective K. Ford at (804) 646-0675 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 for Red for Ed Rally

January 25, 2019

Hundreds of people are expected to march from Monroe Park to the State Capitol for the Red for Ed march and rally on Monday.

The Franklin Street bike lane from Belvidere Street to 9^th Street will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, January 28.

There will also be no parking during these hours on the north side of Franklin Street adjacent to the bike lane.

Victim Identified in Decatur Street Homicide

January 24, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of this morning’s homicide on Decatur Street as Charleston B. Scott, 27, of Henrico.

At approximately 12:47 a.m., officers responded to the 3400 block of Decatur Street for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, Scott was already being treated in an ambulance.

Emergency crews were responding to an unrelated medical call in the same block and were treating a patient in the back of the ambulance, when they heard shots fired.  Moments later, they found Scott in the driver’s seat of the ambulance with apparent gunshot wounds.  The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Bailey at (804) 646-6743 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 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 Identified in Westower Drive Homicide

January 24, 2018

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of Tuesday’s homicide on Westower Drive as Johnathan R. Holloman, 33, of the 5500 block of Westower Drive.

At approximately 11:59 a.m. on January 22, officers were called to the 5500 block of Westower Drive for a welfare check. They arrived and found Holloman deceased inside his home.  The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.

The victim’s wife, Laura Holloman, 34, of the 5500 block of Westover Drive, has been charged with three counts of Cruelty and Injuries to Children.  Additional charges are pending.

The investigation is ongoing.

Suspect and Officer Identified in St. James Street Officer-Involved Shooting

January 22, 2018

The Richmond Police Department is continuing to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred late Sunday evening in the 1400 block of St. James Street.

The suspect has been identified as Kewine B. Eason, 30, of the 4000 block of Hilltop Field Drive, Chester. Eason has been charged with attempted murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon in relation to the incident. Eason was also served with a simple assault warrant that is unrelated to the incident. A booking photo is not available at this time.

The officer has been identified as Officer Patrick Digirolamo.

At approximately 11:32 p.m. on Sunday, officers received a call for trouble unknown in the 1400 block of North 1^st Street. A second call was received approximately six minutes later stating there was a male attempting to kick a door in.

Officers arrived and located Kewine Eason. Eason fled and a brief foot pursuit ensued. Eason fired at Officer Digirolamo and the officer then returned fire, striking Eason in the 1400 block of St. James Street.

Eason was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for life threatening injuries.

Officer Digirolamo, 25, has been on the force for a year and a half. He 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 Interim Chief William Smith and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Suspect Sought in Midlothian Turnpike Commercial Robbery

January 20, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect connected to a commercial robbery that occurred this week on Midlothian Turnpike.

At approximately 3:16 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, an unknown male entered the Metro PCS in the 2600 block of Midlothian Turnpike. The suspect displayed a firearm, demanded money out of the cash register and fled the scene.

The suspect was last seen wearing a gray and black camouflage zip-up jacket, dark pants with red shorts underneath, and tan shoes.

Anyone with information on the identity of this suspect is asked to call Second Precinct Detective J. Pritchard at (804) 646-8158 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Infant Death Investigation

January 18, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is conducting an investigation into the sudden death of a male infant in an apartment on the city’s south side.

At approximately 6:41 a.m., RPD officers were called to the Belt Atlantic Apartments – formerly Midlothian Village Apartments – in the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a report of an unresponsive child.

The infant was pronounced at the scene.

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

While it is still early in the investigation, RPD detectives have no reason to believe this is a suspicious death.

Unless warranted, it is unlikely any additional information will be released in this case.

Suspect Sought in Multiple Package Thefts

January 15, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photos who is believed to be linked to numerous package thefts in the city.

At approximately 11:09 a.m. on Friday, January 11, surveillance footage shows an unknown male walking up a residence in the 3100 block of Parkwood Avenue and taking two packages from the front porch.

The suspect was last seen wearing blue gloves, a black jacket, black hat, and glasses.

Detectives believe this suspect is connected to various package thefts that occurred in the Fan and Museum District neighborhoods. The incidents began occurring just before the holidays.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of this suspect is asked to call Third Precinct Detective E. Sandlin at (804) 646-1010 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Decatur Street Homicide

January 14, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has arrested Irvin Bowles, 34, of the 1200 block of Decatur Street on charges related to a homicide that occurred in November of last year on Decatur Street.

Bowles was indicted last week for first degree murder and use of a cutting instrument in the commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

“We would like to thank the community members who called police with information on this case,” said Major Crimes Captain James Laino. “This helped lead to an arrest and brings us one step closer to bringing justice for the victim’s family.”

At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, police were called to an alley in the 3300 block of Decatur Street for the report of a person down. When officers arrived they located Dawn S. Dutcher deceased.

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

Irving Bowles

Victim Identified in Whitcomb Court Homicide

January 12, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of Friday evening’s homicide in Whitcomb Court as Timothy Garnett, 28, of the 500 block of Mango Court.

On January 11^th, at approximately 7:29 p.m., RPD officers responded to the 2400 block of Carmine Street for the report of a person shot. Additional calls for random gunfire had also been received. Officers arrived and found Garnett down and unresponsive on the sidewalk near the intersection of Carmine and Bethel Streets. He had been shot.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

A second gunshot victim was also located and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

There is no reliable suspect information to share.

“Although it was at night, there were lots of people in the area at that time who may have seen or heard something,” said Major Crimes Captain James Laino. “With the right tip, we could solve this crime quickly, but we need them to come forward and tell us what they know.”

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Mansfield at (804) 646-6996 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.

Police Seek Suspect, Information in Shooting of Juvenile

January 10, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is still seeking information regarding a shooting which occurred in October of last year on North 29^th Street.

At approximately 4:38 a.m., on Wednesday, October 17, police responded to the 1700 block of North 29^th Street for the report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located a juvenile female under the age of 10 suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“Detectives have been working diligently to solve this case to bring closure to this family,” said Major Crimes Det. Eric Livengood. “Due to the time of when this incident occurred, there is limited details from witnesses. We are asking anyone who may have suspect information to please come forward.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Southside Robbery & Abduction

January 10, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect connected to a robbery and abduction that occurred in the city’s Southside last week.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, officers responded to the 100 block of Erich Road for a reported robbery and abduction.  The victim stated he was walking to a nearby business when he was approached by the suspect, who displayed a firearm and demanded money. The victim stated he did not have any cash, so the suspect led him to two separate ATMs to take out money.  The victim complied and the suspect then fled the scene.

The suspect is approximately 20-30 years old. He was last seen wearing a black White Sox baseball hat, gray sweatshirt, and black jeans.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this suspect is asked to call Detective M. Sacksteder at (804) 646-1068 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspects Sought in Fan Assault

January 9, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating two suspects connected to an assault that occurred in the Fan neighborhood last week.

Wagdy M. Zekri, 20, of Henrico is wanted for malicious wounding and assault by mob. Wael M. Zekri, 21, of Henrico is wanted for assault by mob. Their photos are attached.

At approximately 1 a.m. on January 1, officers responded to the 1800 block of Floyd Avenue for reports of a large crowd spilling out onto Floyd Avenue and an assault. When police arrived, they located two victims who had been assaulted with a brick. Officers also found the glass front door of a residence damaged in the 1800 block of Floyd Avenue.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects is asked to call to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423 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 Oak Grove Neighborhood

January 8, 2019

WHAT:                     Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                     5:00 p.m. TODAY, January 8, 2019

WHERE:                  Oak Grove Park 2200 block of Gordon Avenue  

BACKGROUND:     Mayor Levar Stoney, Interim Chief William Smith, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:00 p.m. today through the Oak Grove 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 112 Lt. Anthony Papaleo said the Oak Grove neighborhood has recently seen a decrease in violent crime. However the area, like many in Richmond, has seen incidents of property crimes, specifically theft from motor vehicles and motor vehicle thefts.

“We want to continue to keep the community involved in making the neighborhood safe,” said Lt. Papaleo. “During this walk, we will go door-to-door and speak with residents and discuss ways to prevent different property crimes.”

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.

Indictment Obtained for Multiple Sexual Offenses

January 4, 2019

Richmond Police Department detectives last month secured indictments against an individual believed to have been responsible for multiple incidents of sexual crimes last year.

Justin A. Harvey, 26, of the 400 block of Cloverhill Avenue, Colonial Heights, has been charged with sexual battery, statutory burglary x2, rape, aggravated sexual battery, malicious wounding, simple assault and unlawful videoing x2. His photo is attached.

On September 27, 2018, during a joint investigation between RPD and VCU Police Department, Harvey was arrested after being suspected of lifting up the skirts of two females. He was charged with sexual battery.

Detectives have also identified Harvey as the suspect in other sexual assault investigations:

• ·         In March of 2018, a female reported a male briefly attacked her in the 1800 block of Grove Avenue before she was able to safely enter her apartment. Harvey has been charged with sexual battery in this incident.
• ·         On May 5, 2018, a male broke into an apartment in the 1000 block of Park Avenue and sexually assaulted a female.
• ·         The following evening, a male broke into an apartment in the 2000 block of Grove Avenue and assaulted a female. Harvey has been charged with statutory burglary x2, rape, aggravated sexual battery, malicious wounding, simple assault and two counts of unlawful videoing for those incidents.

Detectives with the Richmond Police Department Major Crimes unit ask anyone who has information about these incidents to contact Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804) 646-3246 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Justin A. Harvey

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in West Brookland Park Boulevard Homicide

January 3, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of a shooting yesterday on West Brookland Park Boulevard as James Moorehead, 18. Moorehead’s last known address was in the 3000 block of Cliff Avenue.

At approximately 4:24 p.m., police were called to the 100 block of West Brookland Park Boulevard for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Moorehead suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was considered life threatening. He succumbed to his injury yesterday evening.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Shortly after, another male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound was transported to a local hospital in a personal vehicle. His injury was not considered life threatening. He has been identified as Kelvontae K. Davis, 19, of the 1000 block of Michelin Terrace, Henrico. Detectives have charged him with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting of Moorehead. His photo is not yet available.

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 smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in Norbourne Road Homicide

January 3, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of Wednesday afternoon’s homicide on Norbourne Road as Michael E. Halford, 43, of the 4500 block Norbourne Road.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., police responded to the 4500 block of Norbourne Road for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Halford down and unresponsive on a front porch of a structure suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide 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 smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Additional Video of the Suspect and Persons of Interest in Stolen Vehicle Colliding into Store, Pedestrian

January 3, 2018

Third Precinct detectives have released additional video of the suspect who stole a vehicle and crashed into a woman and a building two months ago. The video also shows two persons of interest who were apparently with the driver during this incident.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, officers were called to the 1900 block of West Cary Street. A motorist left a vehicle running in a parking lot for a few moments. While the motorist was standing near the vehicle a juvenile male entered his vehicle. When the juvenile attempted to drive away the vehicle struck and injured the owner.

The thief then drove the vehicle across West Cary Street and collided with a female pedestrian while crashing the car into the building, seriously injuring the female and causing damage the structure.

The driver fled the area on foot. The persons of interest, possibly juvenile males, also fled the area on foot at the time. They are shown running from the scene in the video.

                                                                                                                      

The owner of the vehicle suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening. The female pedestrian suffered significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Detectives ask anyone who can identify these persons to call Third Precinct Detective H. Troung at (804) 646-1067 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.

Original Video

Victim Identified in Maury Street Homicide

January 2, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of Saturday evening’s homicide in the city’s south side as Corey M. West Jr., 19, of the 1600 block Bickerstaff Place, Henrico.

At approximately 5:48 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, police responded to the 3400 block of Maury Street for the report of random gunfire. When officers arrived, they located Corey West Jr. inside a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

West Jr. was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. He succumbed to injuries the next morning.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide 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 Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Hit & Run Fatality on Midlothian Turnpike

January 2, 2019

The Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team is investigating a fatal hit and run collision that occurred yesterday morning in the 4800 block of Midlothian Turnpike.

At approximately 5:48 a.m., a motorist was operating a vehicle westbound on Midlothian Turnpike when the vehicle struck a female pedestrian, a 17-year-old juvenile, who was in the roadway. The vehicle continued westbound on Midlothian Turnpike.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The name of the juvenile has not been released by investigators, per Virginia code.

Thanks to information received from the community the vehicle was located yesterday. The investigation continues.

Investigators ask anyone with information about this incident to call RPD Crash Team Investigator D. Olson at (804) 646-1664 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.