Assistance Sought in Belt Boulevard Shooting

August 15, 2016

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public's help to identify two people seen arguing yesterday morning shortly before a shooting took place in a parking lot on Belt Boulevard.

At approximately 12:18 a.m. yesterday, officers were called to the 200 block of Belt Boulevard for reports of shots fired and a person shot. They quickly located an adult female suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“A male and a female, who were reportedly both armed, were seen arguing in the parking lot before shots were fired and an innocent bystander was struck,” said Detective James Baynes with the Major Crimes Unit. “Identifying these two individuals could be the critical piece of information we need to make an arrest in this case.”

The male suspect is described as a dark skinned black man in his late teens to early twenties, 5’8” – 5’10” tall, heavy set with dreads and no facial hair. He was last seen wearing a red shirt.

The female suspect is described as a light-skinned black woman in her late teens to early twenties, 5’3” – 5’5” tall with a skinny build and short hair. She wore a green shirt.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective James Baynes at (804) 646-3617 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.  Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.  All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Two Commercial Robberies

August 15, 2016

A Richmond man sought in connection with two recent robberies of mobile phone retailers was arrested last weekend thanks to the keen observational skills of an off-duty detective and quick work of patrol officers.

Xenos M. Farrakhan, 44, who is homeless, was arrested Saturday morning on two counts of robbery. He was also wanted in Hanover and Henrico counties. His booking photo is attached.

A Third Precinct detective, who was off-duty at the time, was stopped at a red light on Midlothian Turnpike when he spotted the suspect in the two commercial robberies pacing outside of another mobile phone store. The detective called dispatch then monitored the suspect while continuing to update responding officers, who were able to make an arrest without incident.

“Our people are committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Richmond twenty-four hours a day, not just while they’re on the clock,” said Third Precinct Commander Captain Christopher Gleason. “The great work that led to this weekend’s arrest is just another example of their dedication.”

The robberies occurred just two days apart on the city’s south side.

Around 10:30 a.m. on August 10, the suspect entered the Metro PCS store, located at 6838 Midlothian Turnpike, displayed a knife and demanded money from the clerk. He then fled on foot east on Midlothian Turnpike.

At approximately 11:49 a.m. on August 8, officers responded to the Boost Mobile store, located at 6333 Jahnke Road, for a report of a robbery. The suspect had entered the store twice within the hour, robbing the store on his second visit.

The suspect briefly spoke to the clerk about phones when he initially entered the store around 11:06 a.m. He returned around 11:44 a.m., walking behind the counter and demanded money from the clerk. He fled southbound on Jahnke Road toward Food Lion.

Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to call Third Precinct Detective Ryan Nixon at (804) 646-1165 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.

 

 

Woman Sought in Davee Gardens Break-Ins

August 15, 2016

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to locate the woman in the attached photo, who is wanted in connection with a recent break-in and is a person of interest in several other incidents.

Shavone M. Allen 30, of Richmond is wanted on charges of breaking and entering and grand larceny.  A recent photo is attached.

Around 10 a.m. on August 2, officers were called to the 3400 block of Mike Road for a report of a shed break-in. A short time earlier, a neighbor witnessed a black female carrying several lawn tools down the street. The female was later identified as Shavone Allen.

Allen is described as a black female, 5’2” tall, weighing about 105 pounds. She is believed to be homeless and is known to frequent Davee Gardens, the Ruffin Road area and the Jefferson Davis Highway corridor.

Anyone with any information about this individual or her whereabouts is asked to call Second Precinct Detective Charles Baldwin at (804) 646-8184 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.

 

Arrest Made in Paper Moon Burglary

August 15, 2016

A Richmond man has been arrested and charged in connection with a commercial burglary that occurred last week on Midlothian Turnpike.

Lavontae T. Lewis, 26, of the 5600 block of Charlevoix Court, was arrested last Thursday afternoon, less than 12 hours after the incident occurred. He is charged with burglary.

Around 3:45 a.m. on August 11, officers responded to the Paper Moon, located at 6710 Midlothian Turnpike, for a report of a break-in. They found the glass entrance doors had been shattered.

Surveillance video showed the suspect, later identified as Lewis, breaking the glass and entering the business. He fled without taking anything when the alarm sounded.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call Third Precinct Detective Harry Brown at (804) 646-1109 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.

Additional Assistance Sought in West Broad Street Homicide

August 12, 2016

Dozens of people were crowded into the foyer of an apartment building on West Broad Street late last month just minutes before a fatal shooting took place. Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify those individuals in the attached photos.

Around 2:45 a.m. on July 24, officers responded to the 1300 block of West Broad Street for a report of persons shot. Upon arrival, they quickly located three adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside the common area of an apartment building. The victims were transported to a local hospital.

One of those victims, Erik R. McCorkle, 24, of the 1800 block of Regal Drive in Henrico County, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The other two victims, one male and one female, are expected to recover from their injuries.

“We know numerous people witnessed this shooting; many of whom have key pieces of information that could shine a new light on this case,” said Captain James Laino with the Major Crimes Unit. “We hope the individuals present that night can give us the missing pieces we need and point us to the person or persons responsible.”

Detectives have learned that several of those individuals are from outside of the metro Richmond area. To date, they have identified witnesses from the Tri-Cities and Northern Virginia and have reason to believe other witnesses may live throughout Virginia.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Gary Bailey at (804) 646-6743 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.  Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.  All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

 

Additional Assistance Sought in Jackson Ward Home Invasion

August 11, 2016

Richmond Police detectives investigating a home invasion and sexual assault that occurred in February are appealing to the public for additional information that could help them solve the case.

At approximately 3:26 a.m. on February 18, officers were called to the 700 block of North 1^st Street for a reported home invasion. The victims, one male and one female, stated two unknown males armed with guns entered their home and robbed them.

Preliminary investigation revealed the male victim was outside the home when the two suspects approached him, displayed handguns and forced him back into the residence. One of the suspects sexually assaulted the female victim. 

“Nearly six months have passed since we began investigating this upsetting incident and unfortunately we still have very few viable leads,” said Sgt. Kim Mooney with the Major Crimes Unit. “We’re asking that anyone who was in the area that night and may have seen something suspicious, whether or not they think it’s related, to please call us. Any piece of information, even if it seems insignificant, could propel this case forward.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective David Cuffley at (804) 646-6795 or contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.  Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.  All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

SEIU March Traffic Advisory

August 11, 2016

Thousands of people are expected to march from Monroe Park to the Lee Statue on Monument Avenue this Saturday as part of a Service Employees International Union event. Numerous street closures and “No Parking” zones will be in effect as a result.

The march is scheduled from 1-4p.m. on Saturday, August 13. “No Parking” zones go into effect in areas around the route, such as West Franklin Street and Monument Avenue, at 8 a.m. Saturday and will be in place until 5 p.m. Cars parked along the route will be towed.  

During the event, motorists should expect traffic delays along Boulevard, Belvidere Street, Broad Street and Main Street. Portions of major thoroughfares, including West Franklin Street and Monument Avenue, will be closed as well as several side streets. (See map below.)

Street closures will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday. Residents are encouraged to avoid areas along the route.

To learn more about the route and potential impacts on specific neighborhoods, visit the Richmond Police Department website.