Coalter Street Officer Involved Shooting

December 31, 2020

At approximately 5:05 p.m. today, two officers attempted to stop a vehicle at the intersection of N. 20^th Street and Fairmount Avenue.

The vehicle failed to stop and was pursued to the 1300 block of Coalter Street where the vehicle crashed.

The suspect and sole occupant of the vehicle exited the car with a firearm, attempted to flee and pointed a firearm at one of the officers. The officer fired his service weapon, striking the suspect. Responding officers called for EMS and began rendering medical assistance. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect’s firearm was recovered at the scene. A photo of the firearm after it was rendered safe by officers is pictured below and attached.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Officer Involved Investigation Team.

The Chief of Police, Command Staff, First Precinct leadership, Major Crimes Division detectives, and forensics all responded to the scene.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Det. B. Thompson at 804-646-3925 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. 

Jefferson Davis Highway Homicide

December 31, 2020

At approximately 4:40 a.m. today, officers responded to the 2900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway for the report of a person shot. Once on scene, they found an adult male suffering life threatening injuries from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

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

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Det. G. Bailey at 804-646-6743 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. Both Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Do Not Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Gunfire

December 30, 2020

Ahead of New Year’s Eve, the Richmond Police Department is warning the public about the dangers of random gunfire, also known as celebratory shootings.

Randomly firing a gun is illegal, dangerous, and can be deadly – as seen during New Year’s celebrations in the city last year.

At approximately 12:13 a.m. on January 1, 2020, RPD officers responded to the 2500 block of North Avenue for the report of a shooting. La-tiyah S. Hood, 28, had been shot and was transported by private vehicle to a local hospital, where she died. Detectives have determined her death was the result of celebratory gunfire.

Hood’s mother, Stephanie Brandon, has provided the attached photos of her and the following statement, in hopes of preventing a tragedy like this from happening again:

“The promise of a new year changed my life forever. A celebration cheated 2 sons from their mom, 10 siblings of their sister, 4 nieces of their auntie, a grieving mother of her beloved daughter.

The family birthdays, holidays, family celebrations will be less our love because of another's careless mistake. This mom will miss her sons’ weddings, children born, graduations.

Happy New Year 2021, please bring our family joy and peace of the thought of lessons learned from this tragedy.\

We love and miss you Ta Ta. Rest in Heaven. RIH”

Mateen B. Johnson, 26, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the incident.

RPD is also asking citizens to call 911, if they have information on individuals who plan to behave in this illegal and reckless way or if they hear shots fired. Officers will be responding to calls of random gunfire and working to identify offenders and make arrests.

There will be availability for media interviews on this today at 1 p.m. outside RPD’s First Precinct (2501 Q Street). Please RSVP with RPD Public Affairs in advance.

Restaurant Burgled Twice, Suspect Sought

December 30, 2020

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photos who broke into a restaurant twice just days apart.

At approximately 12:58 a.m., Friday, December 25, and again just after midnight on Monday morning, December 28, the male in the photos forced his way inside of a restaurant in the 2700 block of Chamberlayne Avenue. He then stole cash from the establishment.

The first two images show the suspect in the Friday morning incident and the third photo shows the suspect in a distinctive knit cap on Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Fourth Precinct Lieutenant B. Prendergast at (804) 646-4195 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Theft of Firearm from Motor Vehicle

December 28, 2020

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photos, who is suspected of stealing a firearm and gifts from a motor vehicle on Christmas Eve.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on December 24, 2020, the male suspect stole a motor vehicle left running in the 700 block of Everett Street. The vehicle was later found in an assigned parking space at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Semmes Avenue. The owner of the parking space had the vehicle towed. The suspect stole Christmas presents and a handgun from the vehicle.

This theft occurred in the Old Town Manchester neighborhood and in the past 10 days, there have been five other firearms stolen from vehicles in the surrounding area (RPD’s First Precinct).

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’s 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.
• Never leave firearms in your vehicle unsecured.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call First Precinct Detective T. Wilson at (804) 646-0672 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.  The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. 

Suspect Sought in Theft of Services, Assault

December 28, 2020

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photos and video (video link at bottom) who is suspected of assault as she left a business without paying for services this month.

At approximately 8:10 p.m. on Friday, December 11, a male and a female employee of a store in downtown Richmond reported the adult female in the photos and video attempted to leave the premises without paying for services and assaulted an employee at the front door before running out the back exit.

Images of the employees have been blurred in the video.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call Fourth Precinct Detective P. Cho at (804) 646-2939 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

VIDEO: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gkaz9dlm3058a6h/Assault%20suspect.mp4?dl=0

Missing Man Found, Death Investigation Initiated

December 19, 2020

The Richmond Police Department has located David Yeatts, a male who had been reported missing this week, in the 1700 block of German School Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Detectives asked for the public’s assistance in locating Yeatts, who was last seen leaving Chippenham Hospital the evening of December 6, 2020. He had suffered from a medical condition.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Detective Sergeant M. Mocello at (804) 814-4233 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

 

Suspect Sought in Commercial Armed Robbery on Hull Street Road

December 18, 2020

Suspect Sought in Commercial Armed Robbery on Hull Street Road

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photo, who is the suspect in a commercial armed robbery that occurred this morning.

At approximately 4:38 a.m., the Department of Emergency Communications received a call for a panic/duress alarm at the Fas Mart located at 5200 Hull Street Road. When officers arrived on scene, the store clerk stated the business was robbed at gunpoint by an unknown suspect. The suspect demanded money from the cash registers and then fled on foot. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a 30 to 35-year-old male and approximately 5’ 8” to 5’ 10” with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a blue disposable face mask, a black beanie under a black hooded jacket, black pants, dark-colored shoes, and clear disposable gloves. He also had a white towel folded up underneath his arm.

Anyone with information about his identity is asked to call Second Precinct Detective S. Eacho at (804) 646-8171 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.  The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Missing Woman and Man Found in Double Homicide, Arrest Made

December 16, 2020

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest in the double homicide of a woman and man who detectives were seeking after the pair were discovered dead this afternoon.

Trevon Powell, a male in his 20’s and son of the missing woman, was arrested today after detectives discovered Sandra Powell-Wyche and her husband, Curtis Wyche dead from apparent gunshot wounds after detectives conducted a search of their residence in the 4300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Powell has been charged with homicide and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Additional charges are pending. His photo will be released when it is available.

Earlier today, detectives released an advisory asking for the public’s assistance in locating Powell-Wyche and Wyche after their initial missing persons investigation yielded information that indicated the pair were possibly in danger.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Detective J. Larry at (804) 646-5896 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Missing Richmond Woman and Man Sought

 

December 16, 2020

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing woman, Sandra Powell-Wyche and her husband, Curtis Wyche. Detectives believe both individuals could be in danger. Their photos are attached.

Powell-Wyche, 49, was last seen at her work on Monday, December 14 in the 1600 block of Westbrook Avenue. Officers responded to her residence in the 4300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue yesterday evening after she did not show up for work. She is approximately 5’7” tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds.

Curtis Wyche was last seen at his residence in the 4300 block of Chamberlayne Avenue on Sunday, December 13. He is 36 years old, 6’ tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Detective J. Larry at (804) 646-5896 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in Concord Avenue Homicide

December 14, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in Saturday’s homicide on Concord Avenue as Allen Frazier, a male in his fifties.

At approximately 10:43 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, officers responded to the 2300 block of Concord Avenue for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and located Allen Frazier unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound on the steps of a residence. He was pronounced at the scene.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Arrests Made for Vandalism in Richmond

December 12, 2020

The Richmond Police Department made several arrests last night after a group of 15-20 individuals walked in the street from the Lee Circle to West Franklin Street. 

While marching, two people were arrested in the 600 block of West Franklin Street for vandalizing Rhoads Hall, a VCU residential housing facility. A photo of the vandalism is are attached.

Jasmine Bates was arrested by VCU Police and charged with vandalism. Her booking photo is attached.

Lavier Pounds was charged with vandalism and a misdemeanor capias out of Henrico County. His booking photo will be released once it becomes available

Demomse Wyatt was also issued a reckless driving summons in the 700 block of West Franklin Street.

Concord Avenue Death Investigation

December 12, 2020

At approximately 10:43 a.m. today, officers responded to the 2300 block of Concord Avenue for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and located an adult male on the steps of a residence unresponsive. He was pronounced at the scene.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in West Broad Street Homicide

December 11, 2020

Richmond Police detectives, with the assistance of the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department and the United States Marshals Service, have made an arrest in last Saturday’s homicide on West Broad Street.

Jarrett Fitzgerald was arrested Tuesday by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force on outstanding warrants for robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in connection to the homicide.  Additional charges are pending. His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 1:54 a.m. on December 5, 2020, officers responded to the 2200 block of West Broad Street for the report of a person shot. Once on scene, they discovered Cory Hines sitting in a vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. Before an ambulance arrived, Hines was driven by private vehicle to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives determined the incident took place in the 2000 block of W Broad Street. They especially want to thank investigators with the VCU Police Department.

“With their assistance, relevant evidence was made available early on in this investigation. That proved valuable in confirming details of the case, which led to the offender being identified,” said Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Hughes at (804) 646-3917 and (804) 385-7269 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Cheatwood Avenue Homicide

December 11, 2020

Richmond Police detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service, have made an arrest in last month’s homicide on Cheatwood Avenue.

Ryejon Lee was arrested yesterday by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force on outstanding warrants for robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in connection to the homicide.  Additional charges are pending. His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 5:42 a.m. on November 23, 2020, officers were called to the 800 block of Cheatwood Avenue for the report of a vehicle colliding into a structure. RPD officers, the Richmond Fire Department and the Richmond Ambulance Authority arrived and found Chae’Meshia Simms, the sole occupant, in the vehicle that had collided into a detached garage in an alley. She had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with additional information to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin at (804) 646-5533 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Cash Rewards for GUN250 Tips Raised to a Maximum of $1,000

December 10, 2020

In an effort to continue to reduce gun violence in Richmond, The Richmond Police Department and Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers have increased their cash rewards for GUN250 tips to a maximum of $1,000.

The GUN250 program – pronounced “gun two-five-oh” - was created to help keep illegally held firearms off the streets and out of the hands of criminals. Cash rewards are paid out for tips that result in the seizure of illegally-held weapons and/or an arrest. The previous top reward was $250.  The name – GUN 250 – will remain the same even though the rewards will be increased substantially.

“This increase underscores our commitment to getting illegally-held guns off the street and out of the hands of those who would do harm to our community,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “We must use every tool in the toolbox to stop gun violence, and I applaud Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers for their investment to encourage more tips from the community that will help keep our city safer.”

 “If we decrease the firearms available to violent offenders and those too young to legally acquire them, then we can decrease violent crime in our city,” said Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith. “We want to continue to work with members of our community and reward them for their efforts in helping us keep Richmonders safe.

Tips may be offered anonymously by using the smartphone P3 Tips application or by calling Crime Stoppers at 804 780-1000.

Suspect Sought in Credit Card Fraud

December 9, 2020

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 October 14, 2020, the victim received notifications that two of his credit cards were being used at multiple businesses in the city. The last purchases were made at the GameStop store on Forest Hill Avenue, which is where the photo of the suspect was taken.

The victim believes this happened after his wallet was stolen from his motor vehicle in Henrico County.

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. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in W Broad Street Homicide

December 6, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide on W Broad Street as Cory Hines, a male in his 30s.

At approximately 1:54 a.m. on December 5, 2020, officers responded to the 2200 block of W Broad Street for the report of a person shot. Once on scene, they discovered Hines sitting in a vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. Before an ambulance arrived, Hines was driven by private vehicle to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

 

Detectives have determined the incident took place in the 2000 block of W Broad Street. They are working to identify a suspect.

 

W Broad Street is a major thoroughfare and detectives ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in that area, near the intersection of N Allison Street, to contact them.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes at (804) 646-3917 and (804) 385-7269 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

 

W Broad Street Death Investigation

December 5, 2020

At approximately 1:54 a.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of W Broad Street for the report of a shooting. Once on scene, they discovered the adult male victim was driven by private vehicle to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Detectives have determined the incident took place in the 2000 block of W Broad Street.

W Broad Street is a major thoroughfare and detectives ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious this morning in that area, near the intersection of N Allison Street, to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hughes at (804) 646-3917 and (804) 385-7269 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Phone Scam Warning

December 4, 2020

The Richmond Police Department would like to warn the public of a recent telephone scam.

Here’s what is happening: The scammer, posing as an RPD detective, calls and tells the caller they are going to be charged with a crime. The caller then receives a second call from a different individual asking for money in exchange for not pressing charges.

The Department was recently made aware of the scam when several people contacted detectives questioning the phone call. Calls have been received by people living in several localities in Virginia – Chesterfield, Fairfax, and the Tidewater area.

The Richmond Police Department will never request money to drop charges. RPD would like to also remind you to never send money to an unknown caller.

If you receive a call like this or a similar one, please call the non-emergency line at 804-646-5100 to report it. If you do not live in Richmond, contact your respective agency.

Arrest Made, Man Charged in Double Fatal Crash from Thanksgiving Day

 December 4, 2020

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Division-Traffic Crash Team, with the assistance of the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, has made an arrest in connection to the double fatal crash that occurred on Thanksgiving Day.

Ryann Daniels was captured yesterday afternoon by deputies in Currituck County. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the deputies responded to a report of the wanted subject at a residence. As the deputies approached the residence, Daniels fled on foot into a wooded area on the backside of the property. A K-9 unit, accompanied by several deputies, tracked Daniels and took him into custody.

Daniels has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. His booking photo is attached. He is currently being held at the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office detention center on a $500,000 bond.

At approximately 7:54 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2020, Daniels was driving a pick-up truck westbound on Brookland Park Boulevard, disregarded a red light and entered the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue – striking two vehicles, including an SUV, that were traveling southbound on Chamberlayne Avenue.

All three vehicles then collided with three vehicles that were stopped in the eastbound lanes of Brookland Park Boulevard.

Karen Murphy and Kevin Hancock were in the SUV. Murphy was pronounced dead at the scene. Hancock was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

“It is always tragic losing a loved one, but especially on a holiday centered on time spent with family. We want to send the victims’ families our sincerest condolences during this difficult time,” said Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith. “Our crash team investigators have been working diligently to apprehend the suspect. I would like to thank them and the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office for their tremendous work.”

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call RPD Crash Team Investigator D. Olson at (804) 646-1664 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. 

Arrest Made in Erich Road Homicide

December 3, 2020

Richmond Police detectives have made an arrest in the homicide of Ricky G. Seldon that occurred in October on Erich Road.

A male juvenile in his late teens has been charged with murder.

At approximately 11:37 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, officers responded to the 100 block of Erich Road for the report of a person down. Once on scene, they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Runaway Child Sought - UPDATED 12/4/2020, 7:00 PM

December 4, 2020 - 7:00 PM

Amara Sesay has been located and is safe. We would like to thank the media and public for sharing this information.
====================================================================

December 3, 2020

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

Amara Sesay, 12, was last seen on Friday, November 13, 2020 in the 2200 block of Chalfont Drive. Amara is not familiar with the area, but may be staying in motels along the Midlothian Corridor. He needs to be interviewed in regards to an ongoing investigation.

Sesay is approximately 5’ and weighs about 115 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective D.W. Longoria at (804) 510-4192 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

“RVA League for Safer Streets” Back in Action

December 2, 2020

 

WHAT:                    Media availability – RVA League for Safer Streets basketball game

 

WHEN:                    7 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020

 

WHERE:                 Celebration Church – 5501 Midlothian Turnpike

 

BACKGROUND:    The “RVA League for Safer Streets” is back in action with the 2020 fall season underway and organizers are taking extra precautions, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

 

                                Everyone entering the Celebration Church facility – including all players, staff, and personnel – undergoes a rapid COVID-19 test. Once they are cleared, they can hit the courts to play their scheduled games.

 

                                “RVA League for Safer Streets” was founded in 2017 by Paul Taylor and the late Jawad Abdu, both returning citizens, to address issues of gang violence in their communities. The program serves to develop strong character traits among youth and young adults, with the hope of reducing violent crime.

 

“RVA League for Safer Streets” is sponsored and supported by the Richmond Police Department. RPD is able to use the circumstances and relationships developed during the seasons as a means to engage the community and to provide services to participants and their families in need of resources.

 

This is an opportunity for media to get photos and/or video of a game and speak to the organizers about why it is important to continue this kind of community engagement, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Any media outlet interested in covering the event must RSVP with RPD Public Affairs in advance.

Suspect Sought in N 23rd Street Armed Robbery

December 1, 2020

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the individual in the attached photos, who is suspected of robbing a man at gunpoint.

At approximately 7:35 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, security video from a residence in the 1300 block of N 23^rd Street shows the victim running up to the porch with the unknown suspect chasing him. The victim ran to a random location and yelled out a random name, in hopes of deterring the suspect from robbing him. The suspect, armed with a handgun, continued to chase after the victim and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect does have a goatee. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored Nike hoodie, a surgical mask, blue stonewashed cut-up jeans and brown Timberland boots.

Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to call First Precinct Detective D. Jones at (804) 646-0689 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.  The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.