Homicides, Commerical Robberies Lead Decline in Violent Crimes for 2011

Overall, crime was up last year in Richmond­ – by 1 percent – compared to the same statistics for 2010. This slight increase was driven by property crimes, which were up by 2 percent.

However, there was a significant reduction in violent crimes, with homicides and commercial robberies leading the decline, down 10 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Aggravated assaults also were down 3 percent. Rapes generated the only increase, up 16 percent from 43 in 2010 to 50 in 2011.

“Violent crime, and crime in general, is down in Richmond because the residents and police officers have joined forces to combat the criminal element,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The police cannot and have not done it alone. It takes all of us, as stakeholders, working together.”

“I am particularly pleased with the drop in violent crimes, which was even better than last year’s historic low,” said Chief Bryan T. Norwood. “However, despite our success in this area, there’s still work to do – in particular in the area of property crimes.”

The only decline in the property crimes category was under larceny, which includes thefts from buildings and vehicles, as well as shoplifting, pick-pocketing and purse snatching, down 1 percent for 2011. Arson had the largest increase, up 35 percent from 43 in 2010 to 58 in 2011. Burglary and auto theft were both up 7 percent.

“With the help of our residents and community partners, we have a handle on violent crimes,” Chief Norwood said. “Now we’re going to use those same resources to drive down property crimes – from our Neighborhood Watch Associations to business owners to the average man or woman on the street. Our mantra: If you see something, say something.”

Body in Canal Identified as Missing N.C. Man

The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the body found in the canal Saturday as Matthew H. Williams, who’s been missing since last month.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. Saturday, a passerby in the 1900 block of Dock Street spotted the body in the canal and called police.

The Medical Examiner’s Officer will determine the cause and manner of death, but Richmond Police detectives do not suspect foul play and are not actively searching for any suspects at this time.

Williams, 23, had moved to the Richmond area from North Carolina in November and lived in the 1900 block of East Cary Street. He was reported missing to police on Dec. 14.

Woodhaven Drive Homicide

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/8/2012
Woodhaven Drive Homicide

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred last night.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 600 block of Woodhaven Drive and discovered a male lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to VCU Medical Center where he later died.

The victim has been identified as De’Shawn L. Mayo, 21, of the 1400 block of West Leigh Street.

Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anyone who has any information on this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Body Discovered in Canal

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/7/2012
Body Discovered in Canal

At approximately 2:10 p.m. a passerby in the 1900 block of Dock Street spotted a body in the canal and called police.

The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department responded and recovered the body of a male from the canal.

Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death and will attempt to identify the male.

The canal was partially drained due to routine maintenance being performed by the Department of Public Utilities but the maintenance was being expedited in order to assist an ongoing missing persons case being conducted by the Major Crimes unit of the Richmond Police Department.

The Department will release more information when it is available.

Anyone who has any information about this discovery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Victim in James River Death Investigation Identified

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/7/2012
Victim in James River Death Investigation Identified

Richmond Police has identified the man whose vehicle was submerged in the James River yesterday.

Freddie Dabney III, 43, of the 2600 block of Quisenberry Street, Midlothian, died after his vehicle entered the James River from Wharf Street at approximately 10:44 a.m. yesterday.

Police and Richmond Fire Department personnel responded and were able to raise the Toyota Corolla from the water at 4:00 p.m.

The investigation continues but foul play is not suspected.

Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Shooting of Child

Richmond Police Department
Email Advisory 1/6/2012
Arrest Made in Shooting of Child

The Richmond Police Department has arrested two people that are connected to the shooting of a three-year old boy today.

Antwoine Mealey, 21, of the 1500 block of North 20th Street, the father of the victim, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect resulting in injury. His photo is attached.

Tyrell Mealey, 19, of the 1500 block of North 20th Street, the uncle of the victim, was arrested outside the residence where the incident occurred and has been charged with obstruction of justice.

This afternoon at approximately 3:15 p.m., the boy, suffering from a gunshot wound, was driven to VCU Medical Center in a private vehicle. Medical staff alerted police. The wound was considered life threatening but after surgery the victim is now listed in critical but stable condition.

Detectives responded to 1516 N. 20th St. and began the investigation. They soon concluded that the child was shot while inside the residence.

The Department forensics team conducted a search of the residence and removed evidence at the scene.

The vehicle that transported the child to the Medical Center was impounded and will be processed as part of the investigation.

Anyone who has any information on this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Recognize This Fas-Mart Robber?

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify and find a man who robbed the Valero Fas-Mart at gunpoint on Christmas Eve.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 24, a man walked into the gas station at 2107 Semmes Avenue and robbed the clerk at gunpoint.

He is described as a black male in his late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing between 220 pounds and 240 pounds. He has a brown complexion and a mustache. He was last seen wearing distinctive Rocawear jeans with a red shirt and a brown, hooded Rocawear jacket with white writing on the back and black shoes.

Anyone who has any information about this man or this crime is asked to call Detective Reuben Albright at (804) 646-1007 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.