Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Multiple Agencies Partner to Reduce Vehicle Theft in Awareness Campaign

Watch this morning’s press conference here.


Nationwide, billions of dollars are lost to vehicle theft each year. During 2021, theft of motor vehicles in Virginia increased by 18 percent. In just the first three months of this year, auto theft in the City of Richmond has increased by a staggering 54 percent, and theft from vehicles has increased by 50 percent. 

The Richmond Police Department announced a multi-agency collaboration to raise public awareness around the rise in vehicle thefts in Central Virginia. Local, state and regional agencies have joined forces to share a united message in the Love My Ride campaign, which encourages Virginians to take simple steps to protect themselves from vehicle theft. The campaign also is a reminder about the insurance implications of vehicle thefts.

In response to the regional rise in vehicle thefts, the Richmond Police Department, Virginia State Police Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program and the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance have partnered with these agencies to spread the message: Chesterfield County Police, Hanover County Police, Henrico County Police, Hopewell Police, New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Petersburg Police Department, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the non-profit Drive Smart Virginia.

This campaign will coincide with the July observance of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and will include social media messaging, resources, outreach, and vehicle etching events where residents can have their vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on their vehicle glass window. Participating agencies will remind, reinforce, and engage citizens in the message.

“The most effective anti-theft tool is to lock your car and take your keys,” said Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith. “It’s common sense, but not common practice. Doing our part to prevent vehicle theft is an action we can all take for the safety of everyone in our community.”

Motor vehicle theft is a large-scale issue that can cost thousands of dollars in lost property and create a huge burden for individuals and families. Stolen vehicles can be used in other crimes such as robberies, burglaries, and homicides.

“Despite the staggering vehicle theft statistics, there are things you can do, not only to reduce your risk of becoming a victim, but to protect yourself financially if a vehicle theft does occur,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “Understand your insurance coverage, including deductibles and limits. After reporting a vehicle theft to police, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Keep in mind that filing an insurance claim for a stolen vehicle may mean an increase in what you pay for auto insurance going forward.”

July 1, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Virginia’s HEAT program, which provides investigative resources to law enforcement agencies and helps educate vehicle owners on how to prevent catalytic converter and vehicle theft, crimes that cost Virginians millions of dollars each year. For more theft prevention information, please go to www.heatreward.com.

“Here we are 30 years later, still proudly working side-by-side with our local law enforcement partners and the insurance industry to better protect Virginians and their vehicles,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Virginia’s law enforcement community is fully committed to doing our part to help eliminate auto theft. We need Virginians to do their part, too, by heeding a few simple steps and by calling in those tips to the toll-free 1-800-947-HEAT hotline. If your tip leads to an arrest in a vehicle theft investigation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.”

Following these simple steps could spare you the hassle and expense of having your vehicle stolen:

  • Lock your car and take the keys, every time. Make the decision to double check that you have your keys as you walk away from the vehicle.
  • Do not leave your car running and unattended. While you may think it’s convenient, it only takes a thief a few seconds to steal your car.
  • Remove valuables from inside your car. Leaving cell phones, firearms, wallets, laptops, or other valuables in the car attracts thieves.
  • Park in a well-lit area or in a garage.

Friday, June 24, 2022

Multiple Agencies Collaborate to Reduce Vehicle Theft

Who:  The Richmond Police Department, Virginia State Police and the Virginia State Corporation Commission — Bureau of Insurance collaborates with multiple regional jurisdictions to reduce vehicle theft through an awareness campaign. Chesterfield County Police, Hanover County Police, Henrico County Police, Hopewell Police, New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Petersburg Police, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the non-profit Drive Smart Virginia are all participating.

Hear from: Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith
                   Chesterfield County Police Chief Jeffrey S. Katz
                   Henrico County Police Chief Eric D. English
                   Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle
                   Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White

What:  The Richmond Police Department announces a multi-agency collaboration to raise public awareness around the rise in vehicle thefts in Central Virginia.

Local, state and regional agencies partner to share a united message in the Love My Ride campaign, which encourages Virginians to take simple steps to prevent vehicle theft. The campaign also is a reminder about the insurance implications of stolen vehicles.


When:  10 a.m., Tuesday, June 28

Where:  The parking lot of the Historic Tredegar Building  480 Tredegar Street

Visual:  A recovered stolen SUV that was used in a subsequent crime. This stolen vehicle was used to break into a local gun shop in Chesterfield County last November where a number of firearms were stolen. This vehicle is still in police custody and the investigation is ongoing by Chesterfield County Police Department.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Victim Identified in West Moore Street Homicide

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in last week’s homicide in the 1200 block of West Moore Street as Eric Barbour, 32, of Richmond.

At approximately 7:47 a.m., Monday, June 13, officers were called to the 1200 block of West Moore Street for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and found an adult male, Barbour, down and unresponsive with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on 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 J. Crewell (804) 646-5324 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Victim Identified in Afton Avenue Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police detectives have identified the man who arrived at a local hospital last night and died from a gunshot wound as William Fladger, Jr., 19, of Richmond. Detectives are now investigating this case as a homicide. It remains unknown if this shooting was connected to the male who later arrived to the hospital with a non-life threating gunshot wound.

At approximately 11:58 p.m., Monday, June 20, Richmond Police officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a person shot. The victim, an adult male was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital. A crime scene was later located in the 2200 block of Afton Avenue.

Around the same time, another adult male with a non-life threatening gunshot wound was self-transported to the same hospital.

At this time it is unknown whether the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Reward Offered in East Main Street Homicide

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person in the surveillance photo and video that is a suspect in last month’s Shockoe Bottom homicide as the family of the victim offers a reward for information.

At approximately 2:10 a.m., Saturday, May 21, officers were called to the 1500 block of East Main Street for the report of a person down. Officers arrived and found an adult male, Xavier Brown, 23, of Richmond, down and unresponsive in a parking lot. He had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The family of Brown has offered a $3,500 reward for information that leads to the identification and conviction of the person in the photo and video who is suspected of shooting Brown.

The video can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lj4efrftdzwh86u/Shockoe%20Bottom%20homicide%20suspect.mp4?dl=0

Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Gouldman (804) 646-3915 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.



Afton Avenue Death Investigation

At approximately 11:58 p.m., last night, Richmond Police officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a person shot. The victim, an adult male was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital. A crime scene was later located in the 2200 block of Afton Avenue.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Around the same time, another adult male with a non-life threatening gunshot wound was self-transported to the same hospital.

At this time it is unknown whether the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Richmond Police Department Chaplain’s Academy Graduates Cadre of Volunteer Pastors

The Richmond Police Department has concluded an eight week Chaplain’s Academy and will graduate ten faith leaders during the Chaplain’s Academy Graduation Ceremony 6 p.m., tomorrowJune 16, at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

In service to the community and RPD personnel, ten clergy members will voluntarily serve as RPD Chaplains and will provide assistance to department employees, their families’ and the community with spiritual support, counseling and/or guidance.

The graduation ceremony marks the completion of orientation and learning about policies and procedures. “We are fortunate to have such humble servants from our very own community step up and meet the needs of others in this profound way”, said Chief Gerald M. Smith. “Stressors for first responders are at an all-time high and having such support as a chaplaincy for our department and the community will be a tremendous source of strength.”

Media availability:

Following the ceremony, multiple chaplain’s will be available for interview and can offer insights as to what compelled them to take on this role, experience from the Academy, and what they most look forward to in service to the community.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Identification Made In Powhite Parkway Bridge Death Investigation

Richmond Police detectives have identified the male who died after falling from the Powhite Parkway Bridge onto the Forest Hill Avenue overpass as Erik Cook, 44, of Beaver Dam, VA.

At approximately 6:38 a.m., June 2, officers were called to the Powhite Parkway Bridge for the report of a person falling from the Forest Hill Avenue overpass. Officers arrived and found an adult male down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant M. Mocello at (804) 646-6775 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Friday, June 10, 2022

Arrest Made in Fatal Collision on East Broad Street, Victim Identified

The Richmond Police Department’s Special Operations Division-Crash Team has made an arrest in the traffic fatality that occurred on May 6, 2022, in the 700 block of East Broad Street.

At approximately 6:54 a.m., officers were called to the 700 block of East Broad Street for the report of a two vehicle crash where a pedestrian, Monty Henderson, 64, of New Kent was gravely injured. Henderson was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, Jennifer Martin, was discharged from a local hospital.

After thorough investigation, Richmond Police Detectives determined that Emir Omerovic, 32, caused the fatal collision.

On June 10, 2022, Omerovic was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Driving and Failure to wear a seatbelt.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator G. Drago at (804) 646-1369 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.



Thursday, June 9, 2022

Single-Vehicle Fatality on Westover Hills Boulevard

Yesterday at approximately 2:13 p.m., Richmond Police officers were called to the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard for the report of a vehicle crash. Officers arrived and located an SUV that had collided with multiple parked vehicles and flipped as it came to a stop. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a juvenile male was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Investigators with the RPD Crash Team responded to the scene.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator DeBoard at (804) 646-1709 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Victim Identified in West Charity Street Homicide

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide in Gilpin Court as Jermarcus Taylor, 37, of Richmond.

At approximately 7:28 a.m., officers were called to the 300 block of West Charity Street for the report of a person down. Officers responded and found an adult male, Taylor, in an alley between apartments in the 300 block of West Charity Street, down and unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where yesterday he was pronounced dead.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin (804) 317-6922 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in Maury Street Death Investigation

Richmond Police detectives have identified the person found in a waste collection station in May as Joseph Allen, Jr., 62, of Richmond. Detectives are currently working this case as a death investigation.

At approximately 8:19 a.m., Friday, May 13, officers were called to the 3000 block of Maury Street. Staff at the city waste management collection and transfer station found a body of an adult male, Allen, Jr., on the grounds and contacted police.

Allen, Jr. was reported missing on April 21 and was the subject of a Richmond Police Department missing person social media post on May 2.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective B. Neifeld at (804)-646-3246 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Redd Street Aggravated Assault

At approximately 11:44 a.m., officers were called to the 1900 block of Redd Street for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and heard gunshots in the area. Officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening.

Officers have detained a person of interest in this investigation. Additional information about this person of interest is not yet available. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Detective G. Sullivan at (804) 646-3929 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

West Charity Street Death Investigation

This morning at approximately 7:28 a.m., officers were called to the 300 block of West Charity Street for the report of a person down. Officers responded and found an adult male in an alley between apartments in the 300 block of West Charity Street, down and unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

The Forensics Unit collected evidence and detectives interviewed neighbors in the area.  The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective M. Godwin (804) 317-6922 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Friday, June 3, 2022

Missing Woman Sought

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a woman who has been reported missing by her family and may be without prescribed medication.

Margaret Stickler, 21, was reported missing in late April after having no contact with her family for several days. Stickler is approximately 5’ 11” tall with green eyes and weighs about 125 pounds. She was last seen near a hotel in the 2600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue. Her photo is attached.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Stickler is asked to call RPD Youth and Family Crimes detectives at (804) 646-6764 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.



Safety and Sprinkles: Gun Safety Awareness Moment Marks National Observances with Doughnuts

-National Gun Violence Awareness Day and National Doughnut Day bring opportunity to discuss gun safety recommendations for Richmond community-

Who:  Richmond owned Sugar Shack joins with the Richmond Police Department to increase public awareness about gun safety on National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend, coinciding with National Doughnut Day of June 3.

Sugar Shack will be offering orange decorated doughnuts so community members can show their support of gun safety.

What:  Lt. Robert Flemming of the Richmond Police Department, Fourth Precinct will provide a demonstration with a gun safe and offer recommended tips for gun safety that members of the community can adopt.

Orange sprinkled doughnuts is a great way to start a conversation about gun safety in our community.

Additionally, Sugar Shack shows their support of local law enforcement Officers by offering complimentary coffee and doughnuts to RPD officers throughout the weekend.

When: 9:15 a.m., This morning, Friday, June 3, 2022 - Media availability

Where: Sugar Shack 1001 North Lombardy Street

Camera Visuals:
     Gun safe demo
     RPD officers spreading awareness
     Orange sprinkled doughnuts
     Community members wearing orange
     Orange ribbon distribution
     Officers being treated to free doughnuts and coffee

Background: 
  • Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Richmond gun homicides:
    • 2019-52
    • 2020-61
    • 2021-76
  • Richmond gun violent crime: (not including homicide)
    • 2019- 533
    • 2020- 526
    • 2021- 498
  • Common-sense gun safety recommendations:
    • Secure your firearm by using a gun safe.
    • Never leave your firearm in your vehicle.
    • Turn in unwanted firearms call the Department of Emergency Communications Center at (804) 646-5100 to have an officer come to you and safely retrieve the firearm. RPD will properly dispose all unwanted firearms.
    • You can earn cash by helping keep illegal firearms off the streets of Richmond through the GUN250 program. If you know of someone illegally-possessing weapons you can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
  • The color orange has become the defining color of the gun violence prevention awareness day, as the color worn by hunters in the woods to protect themselves and others.
  • The history of wearing orange:
    • Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor the memory of a young lady in Chicago who was shot and killed on a playground. Soon after this tragedy, her life was commemorated by wearing orange which is now observed every June.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Suspect Sought in Assault and Commercial Robbery

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual in the attached photos who is suspected of an assault and commercial robbery last week.

At approximately 2:48 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, the male in the photos entered a convenience store in the 6200 block of Jahnke Road, sprayed chemicals in the eyes of an employee and stole a cash register from the store. The suspect, a black male approximately 6 feet tall, left the area in a BMW 7 series model year 2012-2014, black in color. A photo of the vehicle in the parking lot is also attached.

Anyone who may have information or knows the identity of this individual is asked to call Third Precinct Detective R. Bailey at (804) 646-3912 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.






Powhite Parkway Bridge Death Investigation

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred this morning on the Powhite Parkway Bridge.

Today at approximately 6:38 a.m., officers were called to the Powhite Parkway Bridge for the report of a person falling from the Forest Hill Avenue overpass. Officers arrived and found an adult male down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with further information about this death investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant M. Mocello at (804) 646-6775 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

U.S. MARSHALS OPERATION WASHOUT NETS 20 FUGITIVE ARRESTS

Federal, state and local law enforcement partners work together to reduce violent crime in Richmond

RICHMOND, VA. – A one week, gang enforcement operation, labeled Operation Washout, concluded on May 27, 2022, resulting in the arrests of a dozen gang members with violent criminal histories in the City of Richmond and outlying areas.

The U.S. Marshals Service in Richmond teamed up with local, state and federal law enforcement partners in the Richmond area from May 23 to May 27th to targed wanted gang members. Additional state and federal prosecutions are pending on those arrested where drug, gun or other crime evidence was seized during or subsequent to the person’s arrest.

Operation Washout Results

  • Arrest of 12 wanted gang members and 8 additional fugitives. 
  • Offenses charged include Murder, Rape, Robbery, Drug Distribution, Abduction, Fireams Offenses and Probation Violation.
  • Seizure of 6 firearms including an AK-47 type pistol.  Two firearms were reported stolen. 
  • 1 ounce of heroin and $41,000 in cash.  Additional seizures of suspected fentanyl and pills.  
  • Arrested Gang affiliations:  Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, Black Guerilla Family, Highland Park, Washngton Park and 13th Street Gang.   

Operation Washout was led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with the Richmond Police Department, Chesterfield Police Department, Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond Probation and Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“The U.S. Marshals Service utilizes it’s fugitive task forces to identify, target and remove violent fugitives from the community before they can re-offend, or become the victim of a retaliatory crime themselves.  While this operation was focused on wanted gang members in Richmond, we work with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners every day to safely arrest the worst of the worst in the City of Richmond and surrounding areas to make our communities safer.”  Kevin Connolly, United States Marshals Service. 

“There is power in pooling our resources to make a significant impact on crime here in Richmond and our neighboring communities. This kind of partnership is the force multiplier in keeping our community safe.”  – Chief Gerald M. Smith, Richmond Police Department.