November 6, 2020
The Richmond Police Department made several arrests last night during a protest in the downtown area.
Earlier in the day, RPD became aware of a potential event scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Lee Circle. At approximately 9:30 p.m., a few dozen protesters – led by the group “Black Lives Matter 757” – assembled nearby at the Stuart Circle. They marched alongside several protest support vehicles for approximately an hour before the vehicles drove into oncoming traffic at E Broad and N 9th streets.
During that encounter, RPD officers wrote 10 summonses for various traffic offenses to include reckless driving and served two outstanding misdemeanor warrants. They also arrested Stephen Ward for carrying a concealed weapon. He was released on summons. Attached is a photo of the items he had on his person.
Some members of the group then continued marching in the downtown area. At approximately 11:30 p.m., RPD officers observed Kevin M. Beecher throw a traffic cone at an occupied tractor trailer, traveling through the intersection of W Broad and N Henry streets. The cone damaged the windshield (photo attached). Beecher then fled on foot, which resulted in a short pursuit. He was apprehended a block away at W Broad and N Monroe streets. Beecher is charged with inciting a riot, throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, destruction of property, and pedestrian in roadway. His booking photo is attached along with a photo of the items he had on his person.
