Suspect Sought in Cell Phone Theft

November 4, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect who stole a cell phone off of a restaurant counter.

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on October 7, the victim stopped for lunch at Tops China, located at 6829 Forest Hill Avenue, and accidently left his cell phone on the counter. Around 2 p.m., a woman approached the counter and took the phone.

The suspect is described as a 5-foot-tall, black female in her early 20s with a slim build and afro-style hair.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Ryan Nixon at (804) 646-1165 or email ryan.nixon@richmondgov.com. Citizens with information can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

RPD Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault

November 4, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has arrested an RPD officer; Charles Church, 39, of the 1400 block of W. Marshall St., for a sexual assault that occurred Monday in the city.

The Department was made aware of the assault last evening. After a brief investigation, detectives took Church into custody this morning near his residence. Both the incident and the arrest occurred while he was off-duty.

Church has been charged with two counts of sodomy, both felonies.

“It is unfortunate to have to arrest one of our fellow officers,” said RPD Chief Alfred Durham. “But it is our job to enforce the law and bring those responsible for committing criminal acts to justice even if it’s one of my own.”

Church has been an RPD officer for twelve years; most recently assigned to Third Precinct. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay. 

The investigation is ongoing. The Department will not be doing interviews.

A booking photo is not yet available.

Suspect Sought in Package Theft

October 27, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photo who stole a package from a porch yesterday.

At approximately 12:55 p.m., the man in the photo and video is seen walking in the 2500 block of Floyd Avenue when he spots an unattended package on a porch. The suspect walks up the steps, covers the package with his jacket and walks away.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Eric Sandlin at (804) 646-1010 or email eric.sandlin@richmondgov.com or call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

RPD Promotes Safety for Places of Worship

October 27, 2015

Mosques, churches, synagogues and all places of worship should be havens from the chaos of life. Safety is paramount and adopting a few simple procedures can dramatically increase the security of these sanctuaries and help to protect the people within and the surrounding property.

The Richmond Police Department will be hosting a safety and awareness forum for religious gathering places. The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30. A variety of topics will be discussed, including general safety, preparing for an emergency, firearms in places of worship and pastoral protection.

The forum is free, but registration is required to accommodate all attendees. Registration will take place on-site before the event from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Early registration is also available online. Congregations are invited to send no more than four representatives.

The forum will be held at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road. For further questions please contact Officer Kimberly Cheatham-McClarin at 646-6754.

Victim Identified in Powell Road Homicide

October 26, 2015

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in the Powell Road homicide.

On Sunday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were called to the 2500 block of Powell Road for a report of a person down in the street. Officers arrived and found Mark A. Jefferson, 28, of the 900 block of Kingsway Road, unresponsive in the roadway who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Conrad Simms at 804 646-0712 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Powell Road Homicide

October 25, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred this morning.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were called to the 2500 block of Powell Road for a report of a person down in the street. Officers arrived and located a male unresponsive in the roadway who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Forensics detectives are collecting evidence and major crimes detectives are canvassing the area for information.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Conrad Simms at 804 646-0712 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Museum District Community Walk

October 20, 2015

WHAT:           Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:          5:30 p.m. today, October 20, 2015

WHERE:        3100 block of Ellwood Avenue

Chief Alfred Durham and the Department’s Command Staff will join Third Precinct Sector 311 Lt. Michael Stith for a walk through the Museum District this evening.

Officers will meet at the above location and spread out from there to converse with residents about their safety concerns and what they would like to see more of from the Richmond Police Department.

“We have experienced several incidents of thefts from motor vehicles in this area,” Lt. Stith said. “Meeting with citizens in a walkthrough will give us a chance to remind everyone of prevention tips that can dramatically decrease these crimes of opportunity.”

This event is an occasion to connect with neighbors and better focus the Richmond Police Department’s efforts in the area. It is the latest in a series of monthly community walks conducted by the Richmond Police Department in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

To review crime statistics in Sector 311, please read Lt. Stith’s September newsletter:

http://www.richmondgov.com/Police/documents/newsletterPrecinct3Sector311_201509.pdf