Suspect Sought in Credit Card Fraud

October 31, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photo, who is suspected of using stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases.

On Wednesday, October 23, an officer responded to the 00 block of S Crenshaw Avenue for the report of a theft from motor vehicle.  An unknown suspect smashed out the front passenger side window of the victim’s car and stole the victim’s purse, which was placed under a sweater on the front passenger seat.  The purse contained credit cards.

Shortly after, the victim began receiving information that a fraudulent transaction had taken place.  Detectives traced those transactions back to a Food Lion in the Richmond area, where the suspect was seen on security video.

The suspect was then seen walking to the parking lot and driving off in a red Ford Ecosport.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Third Precinct Detective E. Sandlin at (804) 646-1010 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.

Search Intensifies for Person of Interest in 21st Street Homicide

October 31, 2019

Search Intensifies for Person of Interest in 21^st Street Homicide

The Richmond Police Department is renewing its call for help in locating an individual – a black male - who is now a person of interest in a homicide that occurred last week in Church Hill.

At approximately 4:23 p.m. on Monday, October 21, officers were called to the 1500 block of North 21^st Street for the report of a person shot.  Officers arrived and found Tahad K. Bailey, 26, of the 2200 block of National Street, in a parking lot.  He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

RPD detectives are re-releasing photos which show the vehicle the man was driving at the time – a blue-colored conversion van with a raised-roof and panoramic windows. In addition, they believe he may also be in possession of a dog that was spotted at the scene - a blue pit bull.

“We’re hoping this unique combination of the man, the van and the dog will be memorable to someone, said Major Crimes Lieutenant Faith Flippo.

                       Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 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.

Richmond Police Graduates 120th Basic Recruit Class

October 31, 2019

WHAT:                         Richmond Police 120^th Basic Recruit Class Graduation

WHEN:                        10 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2019

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

BACKGROUND:          Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, RPD 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 Brazil and Guatemala, and other states like Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Vermont, 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.

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:

·         Benjamin Bertsch

·         Kenneth Cabell

·         Edward Curran, III

·         Garrick Danko

·         Shawn-Michael Fowler

·         Gabriel Gomes

·         Henry Gonzalez

·         Peter Griffenkranz

·         Romar Lyle

·         Cameron Mathis

·         Clayton McDonald

·         Skyler Mills

·         Matthew Pollack

·         Christopher Powell

·         Moses Railey

·         Joseph Remson, III

·         Noah Seewald

·         Mason Thornberg

·         Jamaar Watkins

Male Identified in West Moore Street Death Investigation

October 28, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the male found dead in a wooded area off of West Moore Street last week as Thomas Cooper, 82, of the 600 block of Fourqurean Lane.

At approximately 1:14 p.m. on Friday, October 25, officers were called to the 1100 block of West Leigh Street for the report of a person down.  Officers arrived and located Cooper down and unresponsive in a wooded area off of West Moore Street, near the Interstate 64/95 right of way.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.  No foul play is suspected.

RPD had been trying to locate Cooper after a missing persons report was filed earlier this month.  He walked away from the Brook Haven Adult Home on Monday, September 30.

RPD & Walmart Pharmacy Join Forces for National Drug Take Back Day

October 23, 2019

WHAT:                       RPD Participates in National Drug Take Back Day

WHEN:                      11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26

WHERE:                    Walmart Supercenter – 2410 Sheila Lane

BACKGROUND:     The Richmond Police Department is partnering with Walmart Pharmacy for National Drug Take Back Day.  Officers will be on scene to collect and dispose of prescription drugs.  There will also be information available on drug and opioid prevention initiatives.

Expired and unused prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, abuse and illegal sales. These medications cannot be turned into your local pharmacy. Residents also are asked not to flush the prescriptions into the sewer system for environmental reasons.

“This is an excellent opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medications in a proper way,” said Captain Emmett Williams of RPD’s Special Investigations Division. “These medications should not be kept around the house. Bringing them to the National Drug Take Back Day event could save a life.”

All prescription medications collected will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines. Richmond Police asks that you do not bring syringes or illegal narcotics for disposal to the collection sites. Medical waste or bulk commercial medications will also not be accepted. Those disposing of medications may remain anonymous.

Victim Identified, Vehicle Sought in North 21st Street Homicide

October 22, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide on North 21^st Street as Tahad K. Bailey, 26, of the 2200 block of National Street.

At approximately 4:23 p.m., officers were called to the 1500 block of North 21^st Street for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Bailey in a parking lot. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

“This area has a tight-knit community of neighbors who have already provided our detectives with information,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Faith Flippo. “We ask anyone who has doorbell camera video or other information to call us.”

Detectives also need the public’s help to identify a vehicle that was seen in the area of North 21^st Street when the homicide took place.  The driver may have some information about the crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 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.

East 21st Street Shooting

October 21, 2019

At approximately 8:20 p.m., officers were called to the 2100 block of East 21^St Street for the report of random gunfire. Officers arrived and located an adult male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was considered life threatening.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Davila at (804) 646-6739 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

North 21st Street Death Investigation

October 21, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred this afternoon in the east end of the city.

At approximately 4:23 p.m., officers were called to the 1500 block of North 21^st Street for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found an adult male in a parking lot who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 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.

Arrest Made in Admiral Gravely Boulevard Death Investigation

October 21, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest in connection to an accidental shooting death of a teenager that happened yesterday on Admiral Gravely Boulevard.

Corey R. Lewis Jr., 23, of the 1200 block of Admiral Gravely Boulevard has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Lewis Jr. was related to the victim.

At approximately 4:51 p.m. yesterday, officers responded to the 1200 block of Admiral Gravely Boulevard for the report of a shooting. When police arrived, they located a juvenile teenage male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 814-0423. Those who would like to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or online at www.7801000.com.  Or, they may use the P3 smartphone app.

Victim Identified in Glenway Court Homicide

October 20, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of this morning’s homicide as William L. Lee Jr., 22, of Highland Springs.

At approximately 2:19 a.m., officers responded to the Aden Park apartment complex in the 5900 block of Glenway Court for a report of a shooting. Once on scene, police found William Lee Jr. in a parking lot suffering from a 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 (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.

Suspect Sought in Jackson Ward Package Theft

October 18, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in a package theft that occurred in the Jackson Ward last week. 

At approximately 4:24 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, security video shows an unknown female walking on the sidewalk in the 600 block of N 1^st Street.  She is pushing a stroller with a child inside.  The suspect walks past the residence but then comes back and grabs the package from the front porch.  She then continues walking away.   

The suspect was last seen wearing a blue and pink dress, a denim jacket, black slide-on slippers, and blue socks.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of this suspect is asked to call Fourth Precinct Detective P. Cho at (804) 646-2939 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.

Victim Identified in Mosby Street Homicide

October 16, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in this morning’s homicide on Mosby Street as Roddell L. Mayfield, 27, of the 700 block of Mosby Street.

At approximately 12:01 a.m., officers responded to the Jefferson Townhouses in the 700 block of Mosby Street for the report of a shooting. When police arrived they found Roddell L. Mayfield suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

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

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

Arrest Made in Redd Street Homicide

October 15, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service, has made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred in August on Redd Street.

Rico T. Mattox, 27, of the 1900 block of Redd Street was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force this afternoon.  He was charged with murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 7:46 p.m. on August 10, officers received a call for a person shot in the 1900 block of Redd Street. When officers arrived they located Cortez L. Wright, 28, of the 600 block of Lincoln Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Fultz at (804) 646-3929 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.

Rico T. Mattox

Community Walk in the Museum District

October 15, 2019

WHAT:                   Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                   5:30 p.m. Today, October 15, 2019

WHERE:                 3400 block of Patterson Avenue

BACKGROUND:     Chief William Smith, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Museum District 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 311 Lieutenant John Garcia said there have been concerns with theft from motor vehicles and stolen vehicles in the neighborhood.

“The most common type of report we receive in the Museum District is theft from unlocked cars, which is highly preventable,” Lt. Garcia said. “We want to remind residents to lock their doors and keep valuables out of plain sight to decrease the chances for this crime of opportunity. We also ask that if you see something suspicious, say something.”

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.

Missing Richmond Woman Sought

UPDATE: Missing Richmond Woman Found

Kierra Howell, 21, has been located and is safe. The Richmond Police Department would like to thank the public and the community for their assistance.

=====================================================================

October 14, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman who was last seen in the city’s south side last week.

Kierra Howell, 21, of the 1700 block of Yale Avenue was last seen around 4 p.m. on Yale Avenue on Thursday, October 10. She was last seen wearing a blue jacket and khaki pants with her hair pulled up. Photos of Howell are attached.

She is approximately 5’1” tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds.

Howell suffers from cognitive delays so there is a concern for her safety.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Kierra Howell is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Pavlenko at (804) 646-5419 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000, or www.7801000.com.

Kierra Howell

Victim Identified in West Hill Street Homicide

October 10, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide on West Hill Street as Isaiah R. Baker, 27, of the 100 block of West Hill Street.

At approximately 11:25 a.m., officers were called to the 100 block of West Hill Street for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Baker behind a building who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  

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

“The area where the shooting took place is a heavily-traveled part of that neighborhood,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Faith Flippo. “At that time of day, and just one block away from a popular convenience store, we believe several people could have been in a position to see suspicious activity.  We urge them to contact detectives.” 

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Young at (804) 646-3926 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.

Pedestrian Identified in Fatal Collision with Bus

October 9, 2019

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Division-Traffic Crash Team has identified the woman who died after being struck by a GRTC bus yesterday as Alice E. Woodson, 32, of the 1600 block of Monument Avenue.

According to preliminary information available, at approximately 5:01 p.m., a female was crossing W. Broad St. from south to north, walked into the bus-only lane and was struck by an eastbound GRTC Pulse bus. Early reports indicate the bus had the right-of-way. The investigation continues.

Woodson was pronounced dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

The GRTC bus remained on the scene and the bus operator was interviewed by detectives. The RPD Forensics unit also responded and collected evidence.

West Broad Street was closed for several hours to accommodate the investigation.

Anyone with further information is asked to call RPD Crash Team Investigator J. Peterson at (804) 646-1511.

Arrest Made in May death of Toddler

October 7, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest in connection to the death of a toddler that happened in May on Midlothian Turnpike.

Barron T. Spurlock, 25, of the 3100 block of Baronet Drive, is currently in custody on unrelated charges. He has been charged with murder and object sexual penetration (x2).

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, officers received a call for a report of a child that had been assaulted in the 6400 block of Midlothian Turnpike. Officers responded to a local hospital where the toddler was being treated for life threatening injuries. Two days later, the toddler succumbed to their injuries.

“This was one of the more emotionally trying investigations for our detectives because of the age of the victim,” said Major Crimes Lt. Erlan Marshall, “We hope this arrest provides some measure of closure for the family and the community.”

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective D. Longoria at (804) 646-6759. Those who would like to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or online at www.7801000.com.  Or, they may use the P3 smartphone app.

Barron T. Spurlock

Indictments Obtained in Tanglewood Road Homicide

October 7, 2019

The Richmond Police Department obtained grand jury indictments today on the person who murdered Suzanne A. Fairman of the 4700 block of Tanglewood Road last May.

Thomas E. Clark, 59, of the 7100 block of Horsepen Road, Henrico has been charged with three felonies:

·         Murder

·         Rape

·         Abduction with Intent to Defile

Clark is currently being held in the Henrico County Jail on unrelated charges. He was picked up last May, a week after Fairman’s murder.

“Knowing Clark was taken into custody so quickly was a relief for everyone involved in the investigation,” said Major Crimes Captain James Laino. “I wish we could have shared that information sooner with the community, but we didn’t want to release his name until we had all the evidence collected to present to the grand jury.”

At approximately 11:07 p.m. on Thursday, May 9^th, RPD officers responded to Fairman’s home for a welfare check. When officers arrived, they found her unresponsive inside her residence.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Baynes at (804) 646-3617 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.

A booking photo will be released when available.

Victim Identified in East Broad Street Homicide

October 6, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of this morning’s homicide as Devon A. Lyles, 22, of the 2100 block of Mandalay Drive.

At approximately 2:37 a.m., officers heard gunshots and quickly responded to the 1700 block of East Broad Street for the report of a person shot.  Once on scene, they found Lyles suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Detectives have determined the victim was shot in the 200 block of N. 18^th Street and ran to the 1700 block of East Broad Street where he collapsed.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 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.

Missing Man Sought

October 4, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man.

Thomas Cooper, 82, walked away from the Brook Haven Adult Home on Tuesday, October 1.  He suffers from dementia and schizophrenia.

Although Cooper has walked away from this facility in past years, RPD detectives believe he is in medical danger and needs to be located immediately.

Cooper is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 165 pounds.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Thomas Cooper is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000, or www.7801000.com.

Suspect Sought in Motor Vehicle Theft on Forest Hill Avenue

October 2, 2019

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect in a motor vehicle theft that occurred yesterday morning.

At approximately 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, the male suspect entered an unlocked vehicle parked at a business in the 5300 block of Forest Hill Avenue.   Detectives have determined a key fob was left inside the center console of the vehicle, which has a “push to start” button.

With the assistance of GPS tracking, detectives located the vehicle at approximately 9:27 a.m. in the 3600 block of Broad Rock Boulevard.  RPD then helped the owner retrieve their vehicle.

Detectives want to remind citizens of RPD’s ongoing “Lock It or Lose It” campaign.  Taking a few small precautions can help secure a vehicle and prevent crimes of opportunity such as motor vehicle theft or theft from motor vehicles:

·         Lock car doors.  Regardless of where it is parked, lock up and keep valuables out of sight.

·         Never leave keys inside the car.  It makes the vehicle an easy target.

·         Don’t leave a running vehicle unattended, even for a few minutes.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Third Precinct Detective R. Bailey at (804) 646-3912 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.

Suspect Sought in Bank Robbery on Forest Hill Avenue

October 2, 2019

We received a number of tips from the community and used those to identify the suspect.  The information was broadcast to RPD officers.

At approximately 9 a.m. today, Second Precinct officers saw the suspect - 26-year-old Marcus D. Griffis - near Broad Rock Road and arrested him.  Griffis has been charged with robbery.

Marcus D. Griffis

October 1, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the male suspect in the attached photos who robbed a bank this afternoon.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., officers responded to the Suntrust Bank located at 4708 Forest Hill Avenue for the report of a bank robbery.  The suspect passed a note to a teller and left with an undisclosed amount of money. 

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 17-25 years old, 5’ 7”-5’ 8”, and 140 pounds. 

Detectives ask anyone with any information about the identity of this suspect to call Third Precinct Detective J. Ronan at (804) 646-1951 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.