Arrest Made in Commercial Robbery

November 27, 2019

Richmond Police detectives have made an arrest in connection to a commercial robbery that happened over the weekend.

Bryce I. Bland, 22, of the 13400 block of Ridgemoor Lane, Midlothian was arrested Tuesday and charged with robbery. His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, Bland reportedly robbed the Fas Mart convenience store in the 1200 block of Westover Hills Boulevard.

Bland is also suspected of robbing the Jimmy John’s in the 3300 block of West Cary Street earlier that evening and robbing the 7-Eleven in the 4600 block of West Broad Street around 12:17 a.m. on Monday.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to call Third Precinct Detective O. Sovine at (804) 646-1950 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Bryce Bland

Suspect Sought in Attempted Commercial Robbery in Richmond’s Southside

November 25, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in an attempted commercial robbery that happened late last night in the city’s Southside.

At approximately 7:28 a.m. today, officers responded to the report of a commercial robbery at the Exxon gas station located at 1115 Jefferson Davis Highway.  When the officers arrived, they discovered the incident happened at 11:50 p.m. last night. 

The suspect attempted to rob the location by passing a note, but quickly fled empty-handed.  His appearance and description are consistent with similar incidents that have occurred recently within the city.

Anyone with information about this attempted commercial robbery is asked to call First Precinct Detective J. Mitchell at (804) 646-0569 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.

Jeff Davis Highway Homicide

November 21, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this week on the city’s south side.

At approximately 9:49 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, RPD officers were called to the 2900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway to investigate a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they quickly located the body of Carlos D. Delgado, 65, of the 2900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway lying in the doorway of his home. He had been shot.

There is no suspect description to share at this time.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes at (804) 646-3917 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.

Suspects Sought in Commercial Armed Robbery in Church Hill

November 20, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the two suspects in a commercial armed robbery that happened earlier this month.

At approximately 12:33 a.m. on Friday, November 8, two masked men entered The Hill Café in the 2800 block of East Broad Street armed with guns. They robbed several customers of their items and fled the restaurant. They were last seen headed north on 28^th Street and made a right into the alleyway nearby.

Anyone with information about this armed robbery is asked to call First Precinct Detective A. Partain at (804) 646-1290 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.

Community Walk in the Bellemeade Neighborhood

November 20, 2019

WHAT:                    Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                    5:30 p.m. TODAY, November 20, 2019

WHERE:                  Bellemeade Community Center, 1800 Lynhaven Avenue   

BACKGROUND:     Chief William Smith, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Bellemeade 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 213 Lt. Robert Marland said during this time of year, the area has historically seen an increase in theft from motor vehicles and motor vehicle thefts.

                                “With the colder temperatures, residents like to head out in the morning to a nice warm car,” said Lt. Marland. “Please do not leave your car running. You are creating an opportunity for your vehicle to be stolen. We can all work together in reducing car 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.

Arrests Made in East Broad Street Homicide

November 19, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has charged two Petersburg men with killing a Richmond man last month in Shockoe Bottom.

Raymond R. Mason, III, 23, of the 3700 block of Autumn Drive, Petersburg and Rawqwon C. Hinton, 23, of the 25000 block of Front Road, Petersburg were arrested without incident by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force – Mason on the 17^th and Hinton on the 18^th.

At approximately 2:37 a.m., Sunday, October 6, RPD 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 Devon A. Lyles, 22, of the 2100 block of Mandalay Drive. He had been shot. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 3:04 a.m.

Detectives have determined Lyles 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.

Gordon Avenue Homicide

November 19, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred mid-day yesterday on the city’s south side.

At approximately 11:27 a.m., Monday, November 18, RPD officers were called to the 2300 block of Gordon Avenue for a report of a person shot. When they arrived they located the body of Calvin Peay, 36, of the 1300 block of Minefee Street lying in the roadway. He had been shot.

Then few minutes later, RPD officers located a second victim of the shooting who had appeared at a local hospital seeking treatment for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

“Our effort now is focused on identifying the person or persons who shot these two men,” said Major Crimes Captain James Laino. “We have located surveillance video which shows a vehicle of interest we’d like to locate.”

The vehicle is described as a white, four-door pickup truck with dual rear wheels, covered cargo area and company lettering on the side.

Anyone with information that could be helpful to the investigation is asked to contact Detective M. Gouldman at (804) 646-3915 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com with tips. The P3 Tips App may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Registration Open for Places of Worship Safety and Awareness Forum

November 18, 2019

                     

Mosques, churches, synagogues and all places of worship should be havens from the chaos of life. Safety is paramount and adopting a few simple procedures can dramatically increase the security of these sanctuaries and help to protect the people within and the surrounding property.

The Richmond Police Department will be hosting a safety and awareness forum for religious gathering places. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. A variety of topics will be discussed, including general safety, preparing for an emergency, firearms in places of worship and pastoral protection.

Registration is available online here

                                                                                                  

The forum will be held at the First African Baptist Church, 2700 Hanes Avenue. For further questions please contact Officer Kimberly Cheatham at (804) 646-6754 or by email at Kimberly.Cheatham@richmondgov.com

Search Continues for the Third Suspect in Fonticello/Carter Jones Park Homicide

November 15, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department is asking for help from the public to locate the third suspect in the shootings last May in Fonticello/Carter Jones Park in which nine-year old Markiya Dickson was fatally wounded and two others were injured. Two weeks after two suspects were arrested, Jesus Turner remains at large.

“Turner may be in Chesterfield County where he has family or in Richmond where he has friends,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Faith Flippo. “We will pass on any tips we receive to the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force who are actively looking for him.”

When Turner is apprehended, he will be served with six felony indictments:

·         Murder,

·         Two counts of Malicious Wounding  

·         Three counts of the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

Two other men already in custody, Jermaine Davis and Quinshawn Betts, have each been charged with the same felonies.

The shootings occurred during the evening of Sunday, May 26 during a festival at Fonticello/Carter Jones Park in the 2700 block of Bainbridge Street. Detectives have determined that Turner, Davis and Betts were involved in an exchange of gunfire in the park in which Dickson and a juvenile male were wounded. Dickson died at the hospital. Several hours later, a third individual came forward suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Jesus Turner is described as a 20 year old black male, 5’7” tall weighing 120 pounds - (photo attached). He should be considered armed and dangerous. If you spot him, call 911.

“The sooner we apprehend Turner, the safer everyone will be,” said Lt. Flippo. “We want justice for Markiya and the others who were wounded that day as well as for everyone who knew and loved them.”

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804) 646-3246 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com with tips. The P3 Tips App may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

       Jesus Turner

     

Woman Sought for Stolen Credit Card

November 15, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department is asking for help from the public to locate a woman who used a stolen credit card late last summer to purchase thousands of dollars of merchandise.

The card was stolen on August 20 and used at several Richmond area stores that day. More than five thousand dollars was spent at the stores.

“The woman who used the card may not have known it was stolen,” said Third Precinct Property Crimes Detective M. Williams. “We would like to speak with her to determine how she came to be in possession of the card.”

The woman’s image was captured at one of the stores.

Anyone with information that could be helpful to the investigation is asked to contact Detective M. Williams at (804) 646-1007 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com with tips. The P3 Tips App may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Avondale Avenue Shooting

November 14, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department has arrested Micha L. Smith, 18, of the 400 block of Hazelhurst Avenue for a shooting that occurred almost two weeks ago in the Bellevue neighborhood on the city’s Northside.

At approximately 1:08 p.m. on Friday, November 1, officers were called to the 1400 block of Avondale Avenue for a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition has since been upgraded to non-life threatening.

“This is a great example of Northside community members cooperating with us,” said Major Crimes Detective Patrick Ripley. “As a result of some quality information, RPD officers were able to locate Smith yesterday in the 2600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue and take him into custody.”

Smith has been charged with Attempted Murder and the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony.

Suspect Sought in Theft from Motor Vehicle and Credit Card Fraud

November 14, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the individual in the photos who is believed to be a suspect in a theft from a motor vehicle and credit card fraud that happened last month.

Between 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 13, an unknown suspect broke the passenger window of a vehicle in the 2600 block of Strollers Lane and stole a purse. The suspect then used the victim’s credit card at a grocery store in the 3500 block of West Cary Street.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this man’s identity to call Third Precinct Detective H. Truong at (804) 646-1067 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Mayor Stoney, RPD to recognize 40th Anniversary of Neighborhood Assistance Officers Program (NAO)

November 13, 2019

               

WHAT:                       40^th Anniversary of Neighborhood Assistance Officers Program

               

WHEN:                       3:30 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2019

               

WHERE:                     Richmond Police Headquarters FOCUS Room, 200 W. Grace Street

               

BACKGROUND:        Whether it’s traffic control or performing first aid, the men and women of the Neighborhood Assistance Officers Program (NAO) have been dedicated to serving their community since 1979.

Mayor Levar Stoney, Chief William Smith, and the Richmond Police Department will honor the Neighborhood Assistance Officers for their 40^th Anniversary and thank them for their service.

“This program and the participants who have served over the years exemplify the word service,” said Special Operations Division Capt. Donald Davenport. “I can’t think of a better way to serve than to volunteer as part of the Neighbor Assistance Officers Program. We all appreciate their time, energy, and effort.”

The NAO has a special meaning to Chief Smith. His late father, Lt. S Smith was the first NAO supervisor and is in the photo of the first NAOs in 1979. In the two attached photos, Chief Smith is standing in the same spot as his father and retired MPO Cleavester Ferrell II is standing in the same place as his father, who was an NAO.

                                               

                                 Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Information Sought in Shooting of Juvenile Female

November 12, 2019

  

Richmond Police detectives are asking anyone with information about this morning’s shooting of a juvenile female to contact detectives.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were called to the 2300 block of Joplin Avenue for reports of random gunfire and the shooting into an occupied dwelling that had resulted in an injury. Officers arrived and found a juvenile female under the age of 15 in an occupied dwelling who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was considered life threatening.

Officers, the Forensics Unit and detectives from Major Crimes have been investigating through the morning and urge anyone with information to contact detectives.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Gouldman at (804) 646-3915 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.

2019 VCU Health Richmond Marathon Closures and Parking Restrictions

November 12, 2019

The 2019 VCU Health Richmond Marathon is just days away! Thousands of runners will take to city streets on Saturday, Nov. 16. There will be numerous “No Parking” zones and street closures will be in effect as a result.

The Richmond Police Department is asking motorists to be patient and on the lookout for runners along the routes. Maps of the courses are attached.

Please be aware of signs restricting parking and detours throughout the city starting at 8 a.m. Friday Nov. 15 and continuing through 8 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10.

The following streets will be closed or modified during the designated times:

• ·         Tredegar Street between S. 7^th Street and Brown’s Island/2^nd Street Connector will be closed from 10 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Saturday.
• ·         South 5^th Street between Bragg and Tredegar Streets will be closed from 10 a.m. Friday until 5p.m. Saturday.
• ·         South 5^th Street between Byrd and Bragg Streets will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday.
• ·         Tredegar Street between Dominion Resources and Brown’s Island Way/2^nd Street connector will be closed from 3 a.m. Saturday until 5 p.m. Saturday
• ·         Broad Street between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and N. 10^th Streets will be closed from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Saturday.
• ·         Hermitage Road (northbound) between North Laburnum and Pope Avenue will be closed from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Saturday.
• ·         North Mulberry Street between W. Broad and W. Grace Streets from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.
• ·         North 3^rd Street between E. Broad and Main Streets from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         Cowardin Avenue (One/Southbound Lane) between Semmes Avenue and Lee Bridge from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m.
• ·         Longview Drive between Scottview Dr. and Wallow Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon
• ·         Huguenot Road between Huguenot Bridge and Cherokee Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m.
• ·         Windsorview Drive between Wallowa Road and Forest Hill Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon
• ·         Riverside Drive between Huguenot Bridge and Scottview Drive from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon
• ·         River Road/Cary Street Road between Maple/Libbie Avenue and Three Chopt Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.
• ·         Lee Bridge (2/Southbound Lanes) between Belvidere and Cowardin Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m.
• ·         Brook Road (southbound) between Fauquier Avenue and North Lombardy Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         Fauquier Avenue (North and Southbound sides) between Crestwood and Brook Roads from 4 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m.
• ·         Westmoreland Street between Monument and Grove Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.
• ·         Forest Hill Avenue (westbound) between Windsorview Drive and Semmes Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m.
• ·         Pope Avenue between Hermitage and Crestwood Roads from 4 a.m. Saturday until 2 p.m.
• ·         Scottview Drive between Riverside Drive and Longview Drive from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon
• ·         Belvidere (1/Southbound Lane) between Lee Bride and West Main Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m.
• ·         Wallowa Road between Longview and Windsorview Drive from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon
• ·         Grove Avenue (westbound) between Westmoreland Avenue and Maple Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.
• ·         Monument Avenue (westbound) between N. Mulberry Avenue and Chantilly Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.
• ·         Semmes Avenue (westbound) between Cowardin Avenue and Forest Hill Avenue/Roanoke Ave from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m.
• ·         Bellevue Avenue between Hermitage Road and Bryan Park from 4 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m.
• ·         North Lombardy Street between Brook Road and W. Grace Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         Brookland Parkway (both sides) between Hermitage Road and Loxley Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m.
• ·         East Franklin Street between N. 2^nd and N. 6^th Streets from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         Grace Street between N. Allen Avenue and N. 4^th Street from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         West Grace Street between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and N. Allen Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 9 a.m.
• ·         West Main Street between Belvidere and Arthur Ashe Boulevard from 4 a.m. Saturday until 2 p.m.
• ·         5^th Street between East Grace and Bragg Streets from 4 a.m. Saturday until 5 p.m.
• ·         Arthur Ashe Boulevard (northbound) between West Cary Street and Hermitage Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m.
• ·         Arthur Ashe Boulevard (southbound) between W. Broad Street and Monument Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 9 a.m.
• ·         Crestwood Road between Pope Avenue and Fauquier Avenue from 4 a.m. Saturday until 11 a.m.
• ·         Maple Avenue between Grove Avenue and River/Cary Street Road from 4 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m.

Suspect Sought in Recent Burglaries

November 8, 2019

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to locate the individual in the attached photo who is suspected of several burglaries in the southside area of Richmond recently.

Wesley L. Tompkins, 39, of the 2500 block of Gravel Hill Road, is suspected of using a cinderblock to smash windows and doors of businesses, entering the buildings and stealing items and cash.

These incidents have been occurring in the past several weeks. Third Precinct detectives have been investigating these incidents and have been attempting to locate Tompkins.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Tompkins 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.

No Charges in Fatal Collision Involving Pedestrian and Bus

November 7, 2019

  

Investigators with the Richmond Police Department’s Traffic Crash Team have completed their investigation into last month’s fatal collision that occurred when a woman was struck by a GRTC bus and succumbed to her injuries.

After a full investigation from the Crash Team and after consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, no charges will be filed in this incident.

At approximately 5:01 p.m., on Tuesday, October 8, Alice E. Woodson, 32, of the 1600 block of Monument Avenue, was crossing in the 1300 block of West Broad Street from south to north when she walked into the bus-only lane and was struck by an eastbound GRTC Pulse bus. Investigators determined the bus had the right-of-way and the driver was not at fault.

Thurman Street Fatal Fire Investigated as Homicide, Victim Identified

November 6, 2019

  

The Richmond Police Department is investigating last Friday’s fatal fire on Thurman Street as a homicide.  The victim has been identified as Anthony S. Wheeler, 35, of Charles City, VA.

At approximately 2:22 a.m. on November 1, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 00 block of Thurman Street for the report of a warehouse fire.  After the fire was suppressed, firefighters found Wheeler unconscious in the warehouse with apparent gunshot wounds.

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 317-6922 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 Credit Card Fraud

November 6, 2019

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

On Tuesday, October 8, the female suspect was seen on security video using the stolen credit card at the Target store at 5401 W Broad Street.  Other fraudulent transactions were made at several Walmart stores and 7-Eleven stores in the city.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Third Precinct Detective M. Williams at (804) 646-1007 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.