Suspect Sought in Southside Break-Ins and Assaults

September 12, 2016

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who is entering homes through unlocked doors and exposing himself or physically assaulting female occupants.

Six incidents have occurred between August 29 and September 11 that detectives believe are connected. All of these incidents have taken place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Ashley Park, Bramblewood Estates and St. Johns’s Wood neighborhoods off of Jahnke Road.

“The suspect in these incidents is knocking on windows and taking advantage of unlocked doors,” said Captain James Laino with the Major Crimes Division. “We urge residents to secure their homes by locking all doors and windows and report any suspicious persons or activity by calling 911.”

On August 29, officers responded to a report of a break-in and assault in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The victim stated she was awakened around 6:15 a.m. by an unknown black male inappropriately touching her. She screamed and when another resident entered the room the suspect fled.

Another break-in and assault with a similar sequence of events was reported on September 2 in the 500 block of Harrow Road. At approximately 2:15 a.m. the victim woke to an unknown black male touching her inappropriately. Another resident came into the room and scared the suspect away.

Four days later on September 6, two incidents were reported in roughly an hour. The first took place at about 6 a.m. in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The second happened around 7 a.m. in the 1400 block of Brownleaf Drive. Both victims reported hearing knocking at a bedroom window.

The victim on Marlowe Road turned on the outside light and saw an unknown black male, who ran away as the light came on.  Police found signs of an attempt to force entry into the residence in a torn porch screen.

On Brownleaf Drive, the victim told police she saw an unknown male outside of her window exposing himself. He was last seen walking toward Whitesand Drive.

Around 1 a.m. on September 9, officers were called to the 500 block of Rossmore Drive in reference to a break-in and indecent exposure. The victim advised that an unknown black male entered her apartment, exposed himself and then fled on foot.

Yesterday morning just before 5 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of St. Ann’s Drive for a reported break-in and assault. The victim stated an unknown black male entered the home, touched her inappropriately then fled through the back door of the residence.

In each case, the suspect has been described as a black male with a small but muscular build and short hair in twists or curls. At the time of the incidents, he has worn all black or dark clothing.  He may also be wearing a beanie or stocking-style hat.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Community Walk in Church Hill

September 6, 2016

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                      5:30 p.m. Today, September 6, 2016

WHERE:                    23^rd and Clay Streets near Jefferson Park

BACKGROUND:     The Command Staff will lead the officers of the Richmond Police Department on a walk at 5:30 p.m. today, September 6 through the Church Hill 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 111 Lieutenant Johnny McRoy said the primary crime concern in this neighborhood is theft from motor vehicles.

“Residents should always keep the doors to their vehicles locked, and valuables should always remain out of sight,” Lt. McRoy said. “Don’t make it easy for the bad guys. They like to randomly check car doors to see if they are unlocked. It is bad enough when your valuables are taken; it is even worse when you also have to deal with a broken window.”

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.

Drive Safely, Back to School Begins Tomorrow

September 5, 2016

Motorists are urged to use extra caution on the roads as students head back to class on Tuesday for the start of a new school year.

School buses will roll through city streets, picking up students from bus stops and ferrying them to schools across the city. Children will also be walking to school along city sidewalks.

“School safety is always a priority,” said Chief Alfred Durham. “As school begins, we will have officers driving by schools and bus stops as well as visiting school buildings to make their presence know, interact with the youth and help facilitate a safe learning environment for the students."

Police ask motorists to drive safely at all times, especially in school zones, and to be aware of students at bus stops. Drivers are reminded that passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing is a traffic violation that could result in a significant fine.

Ridgecliff Drive Homicide Victim Identified

September 2, 2016

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victims of a double homicide on the city’s south side as Travis L. Carrington, 36, of the 3200 block of Fifth Avenue, and Rodney D. Smith, 40, 5500 block Pony Farm Drive in Henrico County. 

Around 7:15 a.m. this morning, officers were called to the 1000 block of Ridgecliff Drive for a report of two people down inside a vehicle. Officers met the Richmond Ambulance Service, which were called to a reported accident. Instead, they found two men with apparent gunshot wounds inside a car. Both males were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. Detectives are still investigating.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Anthony Coates at 804 646-0729 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons in possession of illegally-held guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Man Indicted in Bethel Street Homicide

September 2, 2016

A Richmond man was indicted Wednesday on multiple charges in connection with a homicide that occurred late last month in the city’s east end.

Daquan W. Morris, 24, of the 1800 block of North 23^rd Street, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was initially arrested shortly after the incident.  His booking photo is attached.

At approximately 11:51 p.m. on August 26, officers responded to the 2300 block of Bethel Street for reports of shots fired and persons shot. They arrived to find one male and one female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Both victims were taken to a local hospital. The female victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The male victim – Joseph C. Johnson, 44, of the 1900 block of Whitcomb Street – succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

A party was taking place in the area prior to the shooting, and a large group of people was present when police arrived on scene. Investigation revealed a fight broke out at the party and gunshots were fired, striking the victims.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Michael Gouldman at 804 646-3915 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons in possession of illegally-held guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

 

Summer FFI Program

September 1, 2016

WHO:     Chief Alfred Durham, Major Roger Russell, Lt. Jeremy Sayles, Virginia State Police Capt. Steven Chumley, Captain Tim Ring and the FFI Officers

WHAT:     Summer Fugitives and Firearms Initiative Press Conference

WHEN:     11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2, 2016

WHERE:     Richmond Police Second Precinct, 177 E. Belt Blvd.

BACKGROUND:     Focused on reducing violent crime by taking illegally-held firearms off the streets, the Summer Fugitives and Firearms Initiative is part of the ongoing partnership between the Richmond Police Department and Virginia State Police to make the city a safer place.

This past summer, officers and troopers working this dedicated assignment recovered nearly 200 illegally possessed firearms while serving more than 300 criminal warrants.

“This FFI initiative truly shows the value of partnerships,” said Major Roger Russell, commander of the Fugitives and Firearms Initiative. “In Richmond we are fortunate to have a community that works with us and communicates their concerns. In response, we have been able to partner with the State Police to better address citizen needs. I would also like to thank the men and women of the Richmond Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their dedication over the past several months in making our communities a safer place."

Chief Durham, Major Russell, Virginia State Police Captain Chumley and Captain Ring, the FFI officers and the officer in charge of this summer’s initiative – Lieutenant Jeremy Sayles – will discuss its impact and some of the stories behind the fugitives and firearms brought in during FFI at Friday’s news conference.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

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Assistance Sought to Identify Broad Street Sexual Assault Suspect

September 1, 2016

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect in the attached photos, who is believed to have sexually assaulted a woman in late-July.

Around 4 a.m. on July 27, officers responded to the 00 block of West Broad Street in reference to a reported sexual assault. The victim reported that she was walking home when she noticed an unknown black man following her. A short time later, the suspect approached and assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5’8”-5’9” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds. At the time of the incident, he wore glasses, a black hoodie and jeans.

“We have very clear images of this individual,” said Major Crimes Detective Greg Russell. “We just need the right person in the community to see these photos and help us identify him.”

Anyone with any information about this incident or this individual is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip or submit a tip online at www.7801000.com.