Thursday, September 26, 2019

Community Walk in the Oakwood Neighborhood


September 26, 2019

WHAT:                    Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                    5:30 p.m. TODAY, September 26, 2019

WHERE:                 1100 N. 34th Street   

BACKGROUND:     Chief William Smith, Command Staff and other Richmond Police Department officers will walk at 5:30 p.m. today through the Oakwood 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 Lt. Ken Roane said the Oakwood neighborhood has recently seen a 32% decrease in reported major crimes.
                                   
                                “Oakwood is a vibrant community where citizens take great pride and ownership in their neighborhood,” said Lt. Roane. “Citizens frequently reach out to see how they can contribute to improve their community.”

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.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Victim Identified in Spaine Street Homicide


September 23, 2019
  
The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim from last night’s homicide in the McGuire neighborhood as Jamal W. Ellis, 31, of the 3900 block of Decatur Street.

At approximately 9:48 p.m. yesterday, officers responded to the 700 block of Spaine Street, which is one block east of Belt Boulevard just off Hull Street, for a report of a shooting. Once on scene, officers found Jamal W. Ellis suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Mansfield at (804) 646-6996 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Arrest Made in Assault

September 20, 2019

Richmond Police Department detectives have arrested Denise S. Wyatt, 25, of the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue for her role in an assault which was captured on Facebook live on Sunday. Wyatt is charged with felony malicious wounding. Her booking photo will be released once it becomes available.

Precious A. Artis, 32, of the 3300 block of Marybrooks Lane, who recorded the incident is also charged with accessory to felony malicious wounding.

Denise Wyatt was arrested on Friday and Precious Artis was arrested on Wednesday

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Pavlenko at 804-646-5419 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. 

Precious A. Artis

Thursday, September 19, 2019

RPD Results of “Back-to-School Blitz” Supports Continued Focus on Vision Zero


September 19, 2019

The Richmond Police Department is releasing its results of the recent “Back-to-School Blitz”.  RPD officers conducted three weeks (August 26 - September 13) of intensive speed enforcement in school zones around the city with an emphasis on school zones near the city’s 37 elementary schools.

Officers cited more than 500 drivers for speed-related violations and another 100 drivers for violations in reference to stops signs, seat belts, and child safety seats. Officers also made one arrest for driving under the influence of drugs.

In addition, more than 100 drivers were mailed citations after being observed on RPS bus cameras disregarding the flashing lights on city schools buses.

“As the school year began, Richmond Police had an increased presence at schools across the city,” said Special Operations Division Lt. Edward Capriglione.  “We concentrated our speed enforcement efforts near elementary schools because of the high volume of pedestrian traffic. Our goal was to prevent crashes in those areas during the weeks students returned to school and we were successful.”  

The Richmond Police Department will continue to monitor school zones throughout the school year, while addressing concerns of speeding in other neighborhoods.

“We have redoubled our efforts to enforce speed limits across the city.  Drivers may not know where we will be and when, but be assured we will be out there. We ask all drivers to please slow down and help us prevent crashes in our city.”

So far in 2019, the Richmond Police Department has cited almost 5,000 drivers for speed-related violations, as officers enforce speed limits across the city in support of Vision Zero.  That total is an increase of 75% from the same period last year.

“One of the most consistent concerns reported to us from residents in neighborhoods all across the city is speeding traffic.  We will continue to respond to these concerns with increased enforcement. In most crashes, speed is the main factor that determines whether a serious injury or death occurs. Traveling at slower speeds results in less severe crashes.”

One of the main components of Vision Zero is to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on  the city’s streets by 2030.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Victim Identified in Selden Street Homicide


September 17, 2019
  
The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim in last night’s homicide on Selden Street as Davonte S. Stovall, 23, of the 200 block of East Leigh Street.

At approximately 8:48 p.m. yesterday, officers responded to the 2300 block of Selden Street for the report of a person shot. The officers arrived and found Davonte Stovall on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

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

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Bailey at (804) 646-6743 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Escaped Prisoner Located and Arrested

September 16, 2019

With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Taskforce Teams, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and state and local police departments, the prisoner who escaped from a police vehicle last month has been located and arrested.

Ameer Ali, 38, (formally Trezith R. Smart) of the 500 block of Young Mill Lane, Newport News, VA was located in Philadelphia, PA on Monday morning. The manhunt led authorities from Virginia to North Carolina to Philadelphia where he was arrested.

Ali is being charged with obstruction of justice, destruction of property, petit larceny, failure to appear, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On Monday, August 19, Ameer Ali escaped at the intersection of Leigh and Belvedere Streets. Although handcuffed with his hands behind his back and buckled into the back passenger-side seat, Ali was able to move his manacled hands to the front of his body, unbuckle the seatbelt, unlatch the side door and escape.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed in locating Ameer Ali,” said Fourth Precinct Commander Daniel Minton.” We knew with the kind of resources that were available, it was only a matter of time that Ali would be located.”

Arrest Made in Chamberlayne Avenue Shooting


September 16, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has made an arrest in connection to yesterday’s shooting on Chamberlayne Avenue.

At approximately 2:51 p.m., officers were called to the 3600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a shooting. Officers responded and located an adult male who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with an injury that was not considered life threatening.

Jaquon L. Winston, 21, of the 3600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue was quickly identified as a suspect, located and arrested. He has been charged with attempted murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

Anyone with additional information about this shooting is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 814-0423 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Victim Identified in West Carnation Street Homicide


September 16, 2019
  
The Richmond Police Department has identified the stabbing victim from this morning’s homicide as Charles L. Whittle, 58, of various hotel addresses in the Richmond area.

Detectives are asking the 911 caller to please call the lead detective,             D. Cuffley at (804) 646-6795, or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

At approximately 12:05 a.m., officers were called to the 6700 block of West Carnation Street for the report of a male down. Officers arrived and found Whittle down and unresponsive near a driveway of an apartment complex. He had suffered an apparent stab wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective D. Cuffley at (804) 646-6795 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Victim Identified in Jahnke Road Homicide


September 15, 2019

The Richmond Police Department has identified the victim of this morning’s homicide on Jahnke Road as Jacob S. Jones, 34, of the 5800 block of Thorndale Lane.

At approximately 2:09 a.m., officers were called to the 6300 block of Jahnke Road for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found Jones who had suffered 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 homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804) 646-3246 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Community Walk in the VUU/Edgehill Neighborhood


September 10, 2019

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Department Community Walk

WHEN:                      5:30 p.m. Today, September 10, 2019

WHERE:                    Overbrook Road and Seminary Avenue

BACKGROUND:     Chief William Smith, Fourth Precinct Sector 412 Lt. Robert Fleming and other Richmond Police Department officers will participate in a walk through in Richmond’s VUU/Edgehill neighborhood at 5:30 p.m. today. During the walk, RPD 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 412 Lt. Robert Fleming says property crime in the VUU/Edgehill neighborhood has decreased.  In the first six months of the year, there were 20 reports of theft from motor vehicles in that area.  There’s only been 3 since the beginning of July.  There’s a similar trend for reports of breaking and entering, which have dropped from 5 to 0.

“I credit this to the community and their involvement with the officers,” said Lt. Fleming.  “The patrol units shifted their focus to this area.  They logged many hours, engaged many citizens from the community, and helped spread the word on ways to help prevent these crimes.  We want to use this walk to meet the residents and to thank them for their support.”

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.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Arrest Made in Felony Hit and Run of Highway Worker


September 6, 2019

Richmond Police Department Hit and Run investigators have arrested the suspect in a hit and run incident that injured a highway worker last year.

Travis E. Drennan, 35, of the 12000 block of Bellaverde Circle, Chesterfield, was taken into custody earlier today.  He has been charged with Felony Hit and Run and Reckless Driving.

At approximately 12:47 a.m. on October 26, 2018, Richmond Police responded to a call for an accident on the Powhite Parkway (Southbound) just after the toll booth plaza. 

When officers arrived, they found a highway worker in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle while working.  The adult male victim was taken to a local hospital with multiple, but non-life threatening, injuries.   

Detectives determined Drennan was operating the striking vehicle, which fled the scene southbound towards Chesterfield County.

They want to remind citizens of Virginia’s Slow Down/Move Over Law, which requires drivers to give safe clearance to first responders and crews working along a roadway.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Hit and Run Investigator J. Deboard at (804) 646-1709.

  Travis E. Drennan


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Sign up for the 29th Citizens Police Academy


September 4, 2019

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Would you like to learn more about the Richmond Police Department?

The Department is now accepting applications for the 29th Citizens Police Academy as a way to improve relationships with RPD, develop stronger advocates, and promote safety in the community.

The Citizens Police Academy begins October 1 and runs through November 26. The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richmond Police Headquarters, 200 West Grace Street and various locations throughout the city.

Sessions will include RPD patrol functions, crime prevention through environmental design, personal safety, hands-on exercises, tours within the Richmond Police Department and much more.

Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will become official “Volunteers in Police Services” (VIPS). Members of VIPS are notified of volunteer opportunities, events, special programs, and services with RPD.

Anyone who has interest in the Department is welcome to apply to attend the academy.

To apply, please complete the attached application and return it before the start of the Academy.

Applications are also available at richmondgov.com/police.

For additional information email RPDCares@richmondgov.com.

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in North 23rd Street Homicide


September 4, 2019

The Richmond Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force, has made an arrest in connection with Sunday’s homicide of Harry D. Seigler.

Ernest A. Price, Jr., 51, of the 3500 block of King James Court, Henrico, was apprehended in Henrico without incident and has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On Sunday at approximately 11:48 a.m., officers were called to the 1600 block of North 23rd Street for the report of a male shot. Officers arrived and found Seigler, 67, of the 6100 block of Allerton Street, Chesterfield, down and unresponsive on a front porch of a structure. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with further information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell at (804) 646-5324 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Ernest A. Price, Jr.