Arrest Made in Chamberlayne Avenue Fatal Hit & Run

January 30, 2020

  

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Division-Traffic Crash Team has made an arrest in a fatal hit-and-run that happened earlier this month in the city’s Northside. 

Lawrence C. Smith, 65, of Chattooga, TN was arrested last night and has been charged with the following:

·       Felony hit and run

·       Expired Registration

·       Failure to yield right of way

At approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, January 17, officers responded to the 2300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a crash.  Lawrence Smith’s vehicle collided with another vehicle, which then hit several parked cars and a pedestrian. Smith fled the scene of the crash.

The pedestrian – identified as Grayland A. Brooks, 62, of the 1400 block of N 30th Street – was taken to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Hit and Run Investigator J. Deboard at (804) 646-1709.

Lawrence C. Smith

Suspect Surrenders, One Suspect Still Sought in Homicide at Thurman Street Fire

January 30, 2020

  

Last night, one suspect who was wanted in connection to the homicide prior to a fire on Thurman Street last November surrendered to detectives. Another suspect is still at large.

Following extensive media coverage of the wanted suspects, Roquanta R. Beard, 18, of the 3400 block of Ritter Street, surrendered to detectives at Police Headquarters without incident. Beard was charged with grand larceny. Other charges could be added after consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. His booking photo is attached.

Richmond Police Department detectives are still asking for the public’s assistance in locating a third suspect from the Thurman Street incident, Johntae D. Sauls, 18, of the 3400 block of Maury Street. His photo is also attached.

“We’d like to thank our media partners who shared this important information with the public,” said Major Crimes Lieutenant Lisa Watson. “Just hours after the media reports first appeared – the suspect surrendered.”

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 Anthony S. Wheeler, 35, of Charles City, VA, who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Last week, detectives charged Marquise J. Culpepper, 20, of the 2400 block of Hull Street, with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, robbery and arson. Additional charges are pending.

Anyone with further information about this homicide or anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sauls 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.

Arrest Made, Suspects Sought in Homicide at Thurman Street Fire

January 29, 2020

  

Richmond Police Department detectives have made an arrest and are also asking for the public’s assistance in locating two suspects in the homicide that occurred prior to a Thurman Street fire.

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 Anthony S. Wheeler, 35, of Charles City, VA, down and unresponsive in the warehouse. He had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Major Crimes detectives have been investigating. Last week, Marquise J. Culpepper, 20, of the 2400 block of Hull Street, who was in custody on unrelated charges, was charged in the Thurman Street incident with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, robbery and arson. Additional charges are pending. His photo is attached.

Detectives currently have outstanding warrants for Roquanta R. Beard, 18, of the 3400 block of Ritter Street and for Johntae D. Sauls, 18, of the 3400 block of Maury Street for their involvement in this incident. Detectives are seeking information on their whereabouts from the public. Their photos are also attached.

Anyone with further information about this homicide or anyone who knows the whereabouts of Beard or Sauls 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.

Homicide Suspect Captured without Incident

January 26, 2020

Earlier this evening, homicide suspect Deon Thomas, 19, of Richmond was captured by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force, the RPD K-9 Unit and 2^nd Precinct officers.

The K-9 found Thomas hiding in a residence on the city’s south side.

Thomas was arrested on December 5, 2019 for robbery in relation to the homicide that occurred in a convenience store in the 3100 block of Midlothian Turnpike November 30, 2019 in which clerk Ashraf H. Mahasees was shot and killed.

Thomas was released last Thursday, January 23rd from the Richmond Justice Center prior to being served with the Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury indictment for murder. The Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury had met on January 22^nd and returned a true bill indicting Thomas for murder.

Deon Thomas

Appeal for Information on a 2019 Homicide Suspect

January 26, 2020

The Richmond Police Department is asking for help from the general public to locate a suspect in a homicide that occurred in late November, 2019.

RPD detectives are seeking information as to the whereabouts of Deon Thomas, 19, of Richmond in connection with the shooting death of Ashraf H. Mahasees, a clerk at a convenience store in the 3100 block of Midlothian Turnpike. The motive for the shooting was robbery.

Thomas was originally arrested for robbery in relation to the homicide on December 5, 2019. He was released last Thursday, January 23rd from the Richmond Justice Center prior to being served with the Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury indictment for murder. The Multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury had met on January 22^nd and returned a true bill indicting Thomas for murder

At approximately 11:03 p.m., November 30, RPD officers were called to the store for a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found Mahasees body inside. He had been shot multiple times.

The suspect, Deon Thomas, is described as a young black male, 5’06” tall, weighing approximately 132 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. An updated photo is attached.

Anyone who sees Thomas should not approach him, but call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information to help the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force locate Thomas should call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips smartphone app may also be used. 

                                                    Deon Thomas

Driver Identified in Fatal Broad Street Crash

January 24, 2020

The Richmond Police Department Crash Team has identified the male driver who was killed in a single vehicle fatality on Broad Street early this morning as Leo Rocha-Miranda, 21, of the 5800 block of Craig Street, Springfield VA.

 At approximately 12:39 a.m., officers responded to a crash in the 2200 block of W. Broad Street. Officers determined Rocha-Miranda struck the GRTC Pulse bus stop protection poles and was ejected from the vehicle. Rocha-Miranda was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died.

The Richmond Police Department Crash Team responded and continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call Crash Team Investigator J. Ozolins at (804) 646-8671

Arrest Made in Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide

January 23, 2020

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service, has made an arrest in connection with a homicide on Chamberlayne Avenue that occurred earlier this month. 

Gerard A. Hargrove, 44, of the 2900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue, was captured by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force last week.  He has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.  His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 7:06 a.m. on January 3, officers were called to a motel in the 2600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a shooting.  When police arrived, they found William O. Hurt down and unresponsive in a motel room.  He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with further information on this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 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.

Male Identified in Midlothian Turnpike Death Investigation

January 22, 2020

The Richmond Police Department has identified the male who died as a result of Saturday’s shooting in the city’s Southside as Robert Davis Jr., 30, of the 6500 block of Midlothian Turnpike.

At approximately 12:41 p.m. on January 18, an officer responded to the 6500 block of Midlothian Turnpike for the report of a person shot.  When police arrived, they found Davis suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  

An adult female at the scene was also taken to the hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound.  She was treated and later released.

All individuals involved have been identified.  Detectives continue with the investigation.  

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 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.

Vehicle Sought, Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Fatal Hit & Run

January 19, 2020

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Division-Traffic Crash Team is asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred Friday night in the city’s Northside. 

At approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, January 17, officers responded to the 2300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a crash.  The suspect vehicle, a silver four-door 2001-2005 Lexus LS 430 (photo attached), collided with another vehicle, which then hit several parked cars and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian – identified as Grayland A. Brooks, 62, of the 1400 block of N 30th Street – was taken to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

The suspect vehicle, which fled the scene of the crash, will be missing part of the front bumper.

Anyone with information about this vehicle or crash is asked to call Hit and Run Investigator J. Deboard at (804) 646-1709.

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in Bellevue Avenue Homicide

January 16, 2020

                                             

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of yesterday’s homicide on Bellevue Avenue as Robert M. Willoughby, 86, of the 1700 block of Bellevue Avenue.

At approximately 10:42 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, officers responded to the 1700 block of Bellevue Avenue for the report of a person down.  Once on scene, police found Willoughby suffering from obvious signs of trauma.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. 

RPD made an arrest on scene in connection with this homicide.  Lynwood L. Main, 65, of the 1700 block of Bellevue Avenue, was taken into custody without incident.  He has been charged with second-degree murder.

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

Lynwood L. Main

RPD to Promote 18 Officers from within its Ranks

Correction: The date of the promotional ceremony is tomorrow, Friday, January 17.

January 16, 2020

The Richmond Police Department is pleased to announce the promotions of 18 officers to the ranks of deputy chief, major, captain, lieutenant and sergeant. RPD Chief William Smith will lead the promotions ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

Promoted to the rank of deputy chief are:

1.     John O’Kleasky

Being promoted to the rank of major is:

1.     William Blackwell

Being promoted to the rank of captain is:

1.     Richard Edwards

2.     Faith Flippo

Being promoted to the rank of lieutenant are:

1.     Adrienne Gardner

2.     Brian Robinson

3.     Frank Scarpa

4.     Mark Sims

5.     Angela Smith

Being promoted to the rank of sergeant are:

1.     Cody Adams

2.     Carrie Griffith

3.     Joseph Milton

4.     Tanekia Owens

5.     Jerry Scarborough

6.     Matthew Segal

7.     Taylor Sensabaugh

8.     Jennifer Ward

9.     Brian Wilson

The public and media are encouraged to attend.

Victim Identified in Homicide from New Year’s Day Shooting

January 16, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim from the fatal shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day on St. Paul Street as Amir F. Suluki, II, 33, of the 200 block of West Baker Street.

At approximately 4:38 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, officers were called to the 900 block of St. Paul Street in Gilpin Court for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found Suluki down and unresponsive in a courtyard behind an apartment building. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were considered life threatening.

He succumbed to his injuries two days later. The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this incident to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Suspect Sought in Shoplifting at Southside Pawn Shop

January 9, 2020

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the man in the attached photos who stole a laptop earlier this week.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, officers responded to the Superior Outlet & Pawn Shop, located at 3630 block of Jefferson Davis Highway, for the report of shoplifting.  The suspect walked into the store and asked to see a MacBook Pro.  Once the clerk placed the laptop on the counter, the suspect grabbed the product and ran out the front door. 

The suspect was last seen in a red Nissan Sentra (photo attached) with bungee cords holding the trunk shut. 

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Second Precinct Detective J. Thondique at (804) 646-8170 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 Mosby Neighborhood

January 8, 2020

WHAT:                            Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                            5:30 p.m. TODAY, January 8, 2020

WHERE:                         Redd and Coalter Streets   

BACKGROUND:          Chief William Smith, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Mosby 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.

                                          

“After the recent spike in violence, we want to hear directly from those who live in this community regarding the ongoing issues they may face, said Sector 113 Lt. James Killingsworth. “From there, we want to come up with ways on how to continue to work together as a community to prevent violence.”

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 Death Investigation near Hopkins Road

January 6, 2020

Yesterday at approximately 4:06 a.m., officers were called to the railroad tracks near the 2500 block of Hopkins Road for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and found a white male down and unresponsive near the tracks. He had suffered injuries consistent with being struck by a train and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Detectives responded and identified him as Joshua M. Carter, 36, of the 2600 block of Colony Village Drive in North Chesterfield.

Amtrak detectives also responded. The investigation continues. RPD detectives are working closely with Amtrak and CSX to determine the exact time when a train passing through the area apparently struck Carter.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant W. Skinner at (804) 646-6670.

Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide

January 4, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim from yesterday’s homicide on Chamberlayne Avenue as William O. Hurt, 29, of the 900 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard.

At approximately 7:06 a.m., officers were called to a hotel in the 2600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found Hurt down and unresponsive in a hotel room. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this incident to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. 

Appeal for Information in the East Main Street Homicide

January 03, 2020

The Richmond Police Department is asking for help from the general public as it investigates a homicide that occurred early in the morning on Christmas Day in Shockoe Bottom.

                                                                                 

“Stories in the media about this homicide that include anonymous eyewitness accounts are impeding our investigation,” said RPD Major Crimes Lieutenant Faith Flippo. “Those stories may be giving the impression that our detectives are close to solving the case. The problem is our detectives cannot rely on second-hand information from news stories. They need to hear directly from those eyewitnesses, too - even anonymously via Crime Stoppers – as they investigate the shooting.”

The shooting occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on December 25^th at a nightclub in the 1800 block of E. Main Street. Three people were wounded and one person, Kenneth I. Lawson, 37, of the 300 block of 3^rd Avenue, was killed.

“It was a chaotic scene,” said Lt. Flippo. “We need to sort out exactly what happened - before, during, and after the shooting. People who were there at the time need to speak to our detectives and not just to reporters.”

Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld will be available to speak to reporters at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 3^rd at RPD Headquarters, 200 W. Grace Street. Those who plan to attend the briefing should notify the Public Affairs Unit at (804) 646-0607.

Tips may be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips smartphone app may also be used.

Missing Woman Sought

January 2, 2020

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

Lena Wolfe, 21, of the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard, has not been seen since Christmas Day.  Her family is concerned for her safety due to a mental health condition and prior issues with substance abuse. 

Wolfe is approximately 5’ 6” and weighs about 120 pounds. 

Anyone who sees Lena Wolfe or has information on her whereabouts 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.

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in North Avenue Death Investigation

January 1, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim from last night’s fatal shooting on North Avenue as La-tiyah S. Hood, 28, of the 3000 block of O Street.

At approximately 12:13 a.m., officers were called to the 2500 block of North Avenue for the report of a shooting. Hood, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, was transported in a private vehicle to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injury.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Officers and detectives responded to investigate. Mateen B. Johnson, 25, of the 7600 block of Portadown Court in Henrico, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. His booking photo is attached.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this incident to call Major Crimes Detective P. Mansfield at (804) 646-6996 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.