Arrest Made in April Homicide on North 19th Street

Richmond Police detectives have made an arrest in the April homicide of Lakeith Ruffin Jr. on North 19^th Street.

 

Jihad Bryant, 27, of Henrico was arrested yesterday, July 28, without incident. Bryant has been charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

On Sunday, April 3, Richmond Police officers were called to the 100 block of North 19th Street for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found an adult male, Ruffin Jr., suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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

Jihad Bryant, 27, of Henrico

Fatal Collision on Powhite, Downtown Expressway Interchange

July 29, 2022,  the Richmond Police Department Crash Team responded to the scene of a fatal collision on the Powhite Parkway and Downtown Expressway interchange.

At approximately 12:12 a.m., a vehicle with three occupants became disabled in the left southbound travel lane in the interchange. A passenger of the sedan, an adult female, exited the vehicle. A sedan, traveling southbound, struck her in the left lane of the highway. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene. The driver, an adult male and sole occupant, was not injured. The two other occupants of the victim’s vehicle were not injured.

The expressway was closed to accommodate the investigation. The RPD Crash Team took measurements, interviewed witnesses and is investigating the collision. At this time, no charges have been filed.

Anyone who may have further information is asked to contact Detective J. DeBoard at (804) 646-1709 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 can also be called. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Chamberlayne Avenue Death Investigation

 

Wednesday, July 27, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to the 4900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a shooting. Once on scene officers located an adult male down with an apparent 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 incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Gouldman (804) 646-3915 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.

National Night Out Locations 2022

National Night Out Registration Event

The Richmond Police Department is gearing up to celebrate National Night Out, the biggest city-wide party of the year, and all city residents are invited to participate. Let us know you’re hosting an event by registering your event online at rva.gov/police/about-us.

 

The annual event, to be held Tuesday, August 2, brings police and neighbors together in support of crime prevention during an evening full of fun for all ages. A strong partnership between the community and law enforcement is a powerful tool in preventing crime.

 

Richmond residents are invited to join Richmond Police for a National Night Out Kickoff Event from Noon to 3 p.m., this Saturday, July 30, at the Walmart Supercenter, 2410 Sheila Lane. Officers, specialized units and other first responders will be on hand with crime prevention materials and interactive displays including raffles and giveaways.

 

Hear from neighborhood hosts of National Night Out in these neighborhoods by contacting Tracy Walker, RPD Public Affairs, tracy.walker@rva.gov:

 

• East End/Peter Paul Neighborhood
• McGuire Civic Association
• Edgewood Neighborhood
• Richmond Highway Civic Association

 

Register your event here: https://www.rva.gov/police/about-us 

Officer Involved Shooting: East 9th Street

 WHAT:        Richmond Police Department Media Availability

 

WHEN:        3 p.m., TODAY, Monday, July 25

 

WHERE:      Richmond Police Headquarters

200 W. Grace St., Focus Room

 

DETAILS:    Richmond Police will host a media availability, updating the public on the officer involved shooting that occurred this morning in the 200 Block of East 9th Street. For access, this will be carried live via Facebook @RichmondPoliceDepartment.

Officer Involved Shooting – 200 Block of East 9th Street

Monday, July 25, at approximately 3:26 a.m., officers observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed.  The vehicle crashed and the driver, who we believe to be the sole occupant, fled from the vehicle at the intersection of Commerce and Stockton.

As an officer attempted to engage the driver in a nearby alley, there was an exchange of gunfire between the driver and the officer.

Both sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The officer’s injury is non-life threatening and the suspect’s injuries are considered life threatening.

As with all officer-involved shooting incidents, the department is conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. 

This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released at the appropriate time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell (804) 646-5324 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. 

Broad Rock Boulevard Shooting

 

Saturday, July 23, at approximately 11:24 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to the report of a shooting in the 2200 block of Broad Rock Boulevard. RPD officers located five adult males with gunshot wounds outside of a structure.

Two adult males were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, two were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and one male was treated on scene and was not transported to a hospital.

             There is no public threat at this time.

 Anyone with information about this shooting investigation is asked to call Detective M. Ahnstrom at (804) 646-3913 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.

Person of Interest Sought in Broad Rock Boulevard Homicide, Aggravated Assault x2

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual in the attached photo who is a person of interest in last week’s shooting and stabbing at a convenience store on Broad Rock Boulevard.

 

At approximately 8:34 p.m., Monday, July 11, Richmond Police officers responded to the 1800 block of Broad Rock Boulevard for the report of a shooting. One adult male, Taron Irby, 29, of Richmond, was located inside the store, down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene from apparent stab wounds. Two other adult males sustained gunshot wounds. One was considered life threatening and the other was not considered life threatening. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

 

Anyone who can identify the person of interest or anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective M. Young at (804) 646-3926 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.

Person of Interest Sought in Shooting Outside of Convenience Store

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual in the attached photos who is a person of interest in a shooting outside a convenience store last week.

At approximately 7:11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, officers were called to the 1900 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike for the report of a shooting. A nearby Henrico Police officer located an adult male in the 1900 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. RPD officers also arrived and the male was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were considered life threatening. RPD detectives are investigating.

Detectives have determined the shooting took place outside a nearby convenience store, located in the 1900 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike. Surveillance photos from that location show the person of interest inside and outside the business.

Anyone who may have information about this shooting or knows the identity of this individual is asked to call Major Crimes Detectives L. Burrell at (804) 646-3185 or S. Donald at (804) 646-6456. Crime Stoppers can also be called at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

PAL Summer Camp Cookout - Punctuates Positive Youth Relationships with Police

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Police Department will host the annual Summer Cookout for the Police Activity League’s (PAL) Summer Camp at 1 p.m., this Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Haddads Lake, 7900 Osborne Turnpike. For the 25^th year, PAL Summer Campers will enjoy an afternoon of swimming and burgers and hot dogs being grilled and served up by Richmond Police Officers.

 

The Summer Cookout for PAL’s Summer Camp marks the midway point for 85 children from the Richmond community ages 6-14, who are attending the summer camp. Police officers have mentored these children throughout the program and experienced activities like golf, tennis, roller skating, bowling and new this year, a day of chess. Children not only take part in these activities, but also learn valuable life skills and acquire tools needed to succeed in life.

 

RPD officers use PAL Summer Camp as an opportunity to influence and provide positive behavioral support while building sustainable relationships with our youth. The Police Activity League hosts programs and activities for Richmond’s youth throughout the year and is dedicated to bridging the gap between police officers and the kids of our community.

 

Media Opportunity Thursday:

·       Interview mother of PAL Kids, hear about the growth their child experienced through Summer camp;

·       Hear from a PAL Summer Camp participant of 8 years who began when they were 6 years old. Now age 14, they’ll reflect on what they’ve learned through mentorship and relationships;

·       Community perspectives on police from PAL participants;

·       Kids swimming and having summer fun;

Officers grilling for kids.

Richmond Police Department Statement on Officer Arrest

 The Richmond Police Department has learned that one of our officers was arrested today related to an incident that previously occurred in Chesterfield County.

 

Officer Shwarlyn Arriola is charged with felony Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and misdemeanor obstruction. Officer Arriola was hired on December 7, 2020. He has been placed on leave without pay.

Richmond Police Department Statement on Special Grand Jury

 The Richmond Police Department learned a decision has been made to charge the officer involved in the April 2022 fatal car accident involving two Richmond residents. 

 

A special grand jury, made of Richmond citizens and convened by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney returned four (4) True Bills of Indictment for Officer Johnson for the following charges: Two (2) counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, one (1) count of Reckless Driving, and one (1) count of Failure to Yield. 

 

Officer Johnson is on unpaid leave. The police administrative process will take place after the criminal process is concluded.

 

The circumstances surrounding this accident are unfortunate and our hearts go out to all those involved in this tragic accident.  We continue to pray for the families and their healing.

Broad Rock Boulevard Shooting, Death Investigation

Monday, July 11, at approximately 8:34 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to an initial call for help, followed by a second call for the report of a shooting in the 1800 block of Broad Rock Boulevard at James Food Store. One adult male located inside was pronounced dead on arrival. Two adult males sustained gunshot wounds, one life threatening and the other non-life threatening. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

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

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

Supplemental Release: July 4th Mass Shooting Thwarted

 

[Richmond, Virginia] Following up on a tip from a concerned resident who overheard a plot of a mass shooting targeting the City’s 4^th of July Celebration, the Richmond Police Department began an exhaustive investigation to determine its validity.  Based on the initial information and subsequent investigation, investigators concluded that Dogwood Dell was the intended target.

 

Event timeline:

 

July 1, 2022

·       Weapons were seized.

·       One suspect was taken into custody.

·       The second suspect remained under surveillance throughout the weekend until his apprehension on July 5, 2022.

 

July 5, 2022

·       The second suspect was apprehended in Charlottesville, VA.

 

Both suspects were detained using Virginia State Statute and at the time no Federal charges have been made.

 

At no time did the police department violate the Mayor’s 2017 Executive Order that states:

“The Richmond Police Department will not consent to participate with the Immigration Customs Enforcement 287(g) agreements” and will focus on residents’ well-being, not their legal status.”

 

Immigration Customs Enforcement 287(g) authorizes the director of ICE to enter into agreements with local law enforcement to train and perform immigration law functions. Currently, the only 287(g) agreement in Virginia involves the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center.

 

The results of this investigation were based on good police work and a hero resident working collectively to ensure the safety of thousands of Richmonders.

 

“Over the course of the investigation, we believed it necessary to keep the information secure, not wanting to risk tipping off any suspects while also not desiring to incite fear in our residents,” said Police Chief Gerald Smith. “I stand behind the thoroughness of this investigation and continue to be proud of the work that our officers did to thwart a plot that could have proven disastrous for Richmond.”

 

Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to Commonwealth Attorney for further adjudication.  At that time, they will determine what evidence can and will be shared with the public.

West Broad Street Aggravated Assault and Shots Fired

At approximately 10:23 a.m., officers were called to the 400 block of West Broad Street for the report of an assault and shots fired.

An adult female reported she was approached by an unknown adult male as she was leaving a business in the 400 block of West Broad Street. A confrontation occurred and the male then struck the victim with a café chair. The female produced a firearm and shot at the suspect, who fled eastbound along West Broad Street.

The female then entered her parked vehicle and traveled eastbound in the westbound traffic lanes of West Broad Street in pursuit of the suspect. After the vehicle stopped at Adams and West Broad streets, VCU Police were alerted by a passerby of the incident and VCU Police detained the female and contacted RPD, which is the lead agency in this investigation.

RPD officers located the suspect nearby and took him into custody without incident. Mark Banks, 29, of Richmond, was charged with malicious wounding. His booking photo is attached.

No other injuries were reported. Other charges are possible as this investigation continues.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to 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.

Richmond Police Department received a tip about planned mass shooting for July 4th, Arrests made and firearms seized

Richmond Police detectives have made two arrests following a tip they received on Friday. Detectives have arrested Rolman Balacarcel, 38, of Richmond and Julio Alvardo-Dubon, 52, of Richmond. Both men were charged with a felony non-citizen in possession of a firearm. Booking photos and items seized are attached.

On Friday, July 1, detectives followed up on a tip received by an anonymous caller about a planned mass shooting in the city of Richmond to occur on July 4. Responding to the identified residence at the 3100 block of Columbia Street in Richmond, RPD detectives received consent to search the home of Alvardo-Dubon where they located and seized two rifles, a hand gun, and several hundred rounds of ammunition. Julio Alvardo-Dubon was charged and held in custody at the Richmond City Jail.

Continuing the investigation and surveillance, detectives received information of the whereabouts of Rolman Balacarcel.  After obtaining a warrant for the arrest of Balacarcel who was in Charlottesville on Tuesday, July 5, Virginia State Police, arrested Balacarcel in Albermarle County. He is being held in the Albermarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.  Balacarcel was charged with a felony, non-citizen in possession of firearm. 

This investigation is on-going in partnership with the invaluable assistance of the Homeland Security Investigations unit.

Anyone with further information is asked to call 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.

Julio Alvardo-Dubon

Rolman Balacarcel

Chief Gerald M. Smith addresses tip received about a planned mass shooting for July 4th, which led to arrests and seizure of firearms.

WHAT:          Chief Gerald M. Smith Offers Media Availability

WHEN:          2 p.m., TODAY, Wednesday, July 6

WHERE:        Richmond Police Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St., Focus Room

DETAILS:       Chief Gerald M. Smith will be joined by Command Staff for a media availability to address the recent arrests and seizure of firearms that prevented a mass shooting planned for July 4^th.

Richmond Police Department launches RVA C.O.O.K.S. with kids in the kitchen hosted by Chopped Redemption Chef Sammy Davis Jr.

(July 5, 2022),  Richmond, VA – The Richmond Police Department Community Cares Unit has announced a partnership with native Richmonder and Food Network star and winner of Chopped Redemption, Chef Sammy Davis, Jr., to pilot RVA C.O.O.K.S., Culinary Opportunity and Other Keystone Skills to empower our local teens. This free, eight week program is set to spark culinary interest, creativity, and principles that lead to success beyond the kitchen for Richmond’s at-risk youth.

Chef Davis was born to a teenage heroin addict and lost his father to a brutal and senseless murder at a young age. Davis left home and ended up in Atlanta, and at age 16, he was living on the streets, surviving on petty crimes. Determined to build a life for himself, he sought any kind of employment he could find and a restaurant gave him a chance to work as a dishwasher earning $20 a day. Chef Sammy credits the restaurant biz with saving his life. His story is one of redemption, having won Chopped Redemption on Food Network and is now a successful restauranteur.

Held weekly in the kitchen at the Sarah Garland Jones Center, each session led by Chef Sammy Davis, Jr. and other guest chefs will include lessons on kitchen safety, food preparation and presentation, proper food handling, and cooking techniques. Discovery and creativity are on the menu for this program as well as learning important life skills; drafting a resume and participating in a job interview, as well as conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations. 

Graduates of RVA C.O.O.K.S. will have access to job placement support and resources to enter the culinary field. This program is made possible by Bon Secours who is not only providing the kitchen and classroom space but has provided funding for the program as well. Bon Secours recognizes that the factors that drive individual and community health extend far beyond the walls of its hospitals, which is why supporting RVA C.O.O.K.S., a local program directly addressing the social determinants of health, is so important to the health system.

Registration for the program is free and is now open for fall 2022.

Media availability:

When:        11:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Today, Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Where:       Bon Secours Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living

Hear from: Celebrity Chef Sammy Davis, Jr.
RPD Community Cares Unit, Captain Daniel Minton
Bon Secours Richmond Executive Director of Community Health, Becky Clay Christensen
Student participant
Q&A with Chef Davis and partners

Visuals:      Food demo with student participation
Skills learning activity

Arrest Made, Victim Identified in West Main Street Homicide and Aggravated Assaults

The Richmond Police Department has charged the suspect in yesterday’s shootings on West Main Street. Derrick Adjei, 24, of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody by Virginia State Police last night at approximately 11:01 p.m. after the vehicle Adjei had been operating was involved in a single vehicle collision on northbound I-95.

RPD detectives, investigating the West Main Street shooting, have charged Adjei with malicious wounding. Other charges are pending. A booking photo of Adjei is not yet available.

Detectives have identified the victim of the shooting as Kyle Stoner, 36, of Richmond. Sunday at approximately 10:28 p.m., officers were called to the 1300 block of West Main Street for the report of a shooting. RPD officers responded and located an adult male, Stoner, on a patio of a business, down and unresponsive suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

An adult female and an adult male were also injured during the incident and have received treatment for injuries that were not considered life threatening.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Coates at (804)-646-0729 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.

West Broad Street Shooting

At approximately 3:39 a.m., Richmond Police officers responded to the report of random gunfire in the 00 block of West Broad Street. Six people were reported shot near the Cyber Café, an after-hours club including four adult males and two adult females.

Of the six who sustained gunshot wounds, two are considered life-threatening and four non-life threatening. One man was transported by ambulance, others were self-transported to the hospital for treatment.

There is no public threat at this time.

Anyone with information about this shooting investigation is asked to call Detective Reyes at (804) 646-3874 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.

West Main Street Death Investigation

Sunday, July 3, at approximately 10:26 p.m., officers were called to the 1300 block of West Main Street for the report of random gunfire. RPD officers responded and located an adult male with an apparent 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 death investigation is asked to contact

Major Crimes Detective A. Coates at (804)-646-0729 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.

Cowardin Avenue & Bainbridge Street Hit and Run

Saturday, July 2, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the Richmond Police Crash Team investigators responded to the intersection of Cowardin Avenue & Bainbridge Street for the report of a hit and run.

Investigators arrived and found an adult female pedestrian down and in the roadway. She was attempting to cross the road and was struck by what eyewitnesses describe to be a dark color, purple/blue, older model sedan with distinctive wheel rims. Investigators suspect the vehicle has frontend damage and was last seen headed north on Cowardin Avenue.

She was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator W. Kress at 804-646-0280 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Richmond Police Department Media Availability Holiday Public Safety Message

When:             10 a.m., Tomorrow, Monday, July 4, 2022

Who:               Deputy Chief John Hayes, Richmond Police Patrol Services

What:              A public safety message from the Richmond Police Department ahead of July 4 celebrations.

For the safety and well-being of everyone within our community, RPD has some important reminders and recommendations for all Richmond residents.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate with family and friends in a safe way. RPD asks every Richmonder to be proactive by doing their part to make this holiday safe.

Where:             Richmond Police Department Headquarters
Focus Room

Check in located in the lobby

200 W. Grace St.

Identification Made In Fatal Holly Spring Avenue and Broad Rock Road Hit and Run

The Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team investigators have identified the person who was struck during the fatal Hit and Run that occurred last week at the intersection of Holly Spring Avenue and Broad Rock Road as Arthur “Duck” Lee Garner, 67, of Richmond. 

At approximately 10:38 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, officers were called to the intersection of Holly Springs Avenue & Broad Rock Road for the report of a collision. Officers arrived and found an adult male, Garner, who was attempting to cross the roadway, down and unresponsive after being struck by a vehicle.

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators are asking for information to locate the vehicle suspected to have fled the scene after the Hit and Run. Traveling westbound on Hull Street towards Southside Plaza. Eyewitness described a newer model white window passenger van with a yellow company logo on the side glass panels. An actual photo of the vehicle and stock image of the make and model of the vehicle is attached to assist the public in identifying the vehicle involved and the suspect.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator G. Carter at 804-646-3755 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

“Ali Medical Transport”   “804-564-5090”

Fourth of July Road Closures and No Parking Zones

The Fourth of July celebration at Byrd Park will bring changes to traffic with numerous road closures and “No Parking” zones in effect on Monday, July 4.

The Fourth of July concert and fireworks show at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater from the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will impact roads in the area from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. All times are subject to change. Several roads in Byrd Park will be closed and parking will not be permitted. The weekend vehicle entrance closures in Byrd Park will be in effect through Monday, July 4. Other streets in the Byrd Park and Carillon neighborhoods will have restricted parking. The Boulevard (Nickel) Bridge will be closed to vehicles to accommodate the event.