Chief Edwards to Hold Briefing to Discuss Mid-Year Crime Stats

 

Chief Edwards to Hold Briefing to Discuss Mid-Year Crime Stats

WHAT:           Public Safety Mid-Year Briefing to the Community   WHEN:           10 a.m., TOMORROW, Thursday, July 9, 2026   WHERE:         The briefing location is at RPD Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St.   Chief of Police Rick Edwards will address statistics from crimes that occurred in the first half of 2026 that impacted the public, department operations and current topics of interest.   BACKGROUND:     This crime briefing will inform the community of successful efforts at lowering crime trends, provide an update on Operation Safe Summer, a multi-jurisdictional operation, provide other updates, and offer opportunities for members of the public to engage in upcoming community events to participate in a joint effort to reduce crime.   Media is invited to attend.

Advisory: Victim Identified in Bethel Street Death Investigation, Aggravated Assault Shooting Incident

 

Victim Identified in Bethel Street Death Investigation, Aggravated Assault Shooting Incident

 

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in yesterday’s fatal shooting as Qvanta Johnson, 23, of Richmond.

 

At approximately 11:32 p.m. on July 5, officers responded to a report of a shooting at a large party located in the 2300 block of Bethel Street. Upon arrival, officers located two adult males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One victim, Johnson, was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second victim was also transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

 

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

 

This investigation is ongoing.

 

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or call 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, Wanted Subject Sought in Relation to South Pine Street Homicide

June 30, 2026

Wanted Subject Sought in Relation to South Pine Street Homicide

Richmond Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted subject related to last night’s homicide on South Pine Street.

John Pettaway IV, 26, of Chesterfield County, has a warrant on file for Discharging a Firearm in an Occupied Dwelling. He is wanted in relation to the fatal shooting of Charlamon Stokes, 23, of Richmond, in the 100 block of South Pine Street last night.

Pettaway is approximately 5’9” tall and weighs approximately 155 pounds. His photo is attached. Pettaway should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.

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

                                                                                                                                                    

East Main Street Homicide Investigation

 

June 25, 2026          

 

East Main Street Homicide Investigation                                    

This morning at approximately 3:13 a.m., officers were called to the 1700 block of East Main Street for the report of a person shot. Once on scene, officers located an adult male, down and unresponsive, suffering from 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 investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective W. Hartley at (804) 646-4314 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in Midlothian Turnpike Death Investigation

 

June 24, 2026          

 

Victim Identified in Midlothian Turnpike Death Investigation

 

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in yesterday’s fatal shooting as Steven Johnson, 44, of Henrico County.

 

At approximately 12:01 p.m. on June 23, officers responded to the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Johnson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

 

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

 

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective B. Plaskett at (804) 646-3431 or call 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 Lawson Street Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in the homicide on Friday on Lawson Street as Tekjuan Jarrett, 27, of Henrico County.

On Friday at approximately 11:06 a.m., officers were called to the 3400 block of Lawson Street for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male, Jarrett, down and unresponsive in the roadway. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to the injury the following day.

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

Major Crimes detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or call 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.

Road Closures & No Parking for IllumiNATION Events

A portion of North Arthur Ashe Boulevard and several side streets will be closed and “No Parking” zones established for the upcoming IllumiNATION events.

These closures and “No Parking” zones will be in place on Tuesday, June 16 and from Thursday – Sunday, June 25-28. The June 16 closures will accommodate a smaller event and testing of the equipment for the larger IllumiNATION event later in the month. The times of the closures and “No Parking” zones are the same for all event days.

Road Closures & No Parking Zones:

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

North Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Southbound lanes) in the 300-500 blocks (between Hanover and Park avenues)

2800 block of Kensington Avenue (between Colonial Avenue and North Arthur Ashe Boulevard)

8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

North Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Northbound lanes) in the 300-500 blocks (between Hanover and Park avenues)

2700 block of Kensington Avenue (between Mulberry Street and North Arthur Ashe Boulevard)

2700 block of Stuart Avenue (between Mulberry Street and North Arthur Ashe Boulevard)

Please see the attached maps.

Towing Enforcement:
No parking zones will be actively enforced. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed.

For more information about IllumiNATION, visit https://virginiahistory.org/events/americas-250th/illumination

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in Rosewood Avenue Homicide Investigation

Victim Identified, Arrest Made in Rosewood Avenue Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police Department detectives have identified the victim in the homicide that occurred on Rosewood Avenue this weekend and have made an arrest.

On Saturday at approximately 5:36 a.m., officers were called to the 3300 block of Rosewood Avenue for the report of a person shot. Once on scene, officers located an adult male, Joel Reed, 42, of Richmond, down and unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Major Crimes detectives investigated and have arrested Autberto Salcedo, 49, of Richmond. He has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His booking photo is attached.

Detectives are investigating the possibility this homicide was the result of an argument that escalated into a shooting. The investigation continues.

Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective W. Hartley at (804) 646-4314 or call 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.

 

Wanted Subject Sought in Relation to Ford Avenue Homicide

June 12, 2026

Wanted Subject Sought in Relation to Ford Avenue Homicide

Richmond Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted subject related to Sunday’s homicide on Ford Avenue.

Ti’Yon Hackett, 18, of Hanover County, has a warrant on file for Conspiracy to Commit Murder. He is wanted for questioning in relation to the fatal shooting of Ricardo Jones, 23, of Richmond, in the 2300 block of Ford Avenue on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Hackett is approximately 5’6” tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds. His photo is attached.

Hackett should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 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.

One Fatality in Two-Vehicle Collision on Richmond Highway

One Fatality in Two-Vehicle Collision on Richmond Highway

At approximately 9:36 a.m., officers were called to the 4600 block of Richmond Highway for the report of a vehicle that had collided with a truck. Officers arrived and found a pickup truck had collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer in the right travel lane of the northbound lanes of Richmond Highway. The tractor-trailer was parked in the right travel lane and occupied by an adult male driver.

The Richmond Police Department Crash Team responded to investigate. The adult male driver and sole occupant of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries.

All northbound lanes of Richmond Highway were closed to accommodate the investigation. The southbound lanes remained open.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crash Team Investigator R. Jamison at (804) 646-1665 or call 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.

Advisory: Victim Identified in North Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

June 8, 2026

 

Victim Identified in North Avenue Homicide Investigation

                                       

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in Friday’s homicide on North Avenue as Jamel Wood, 36, of Richmond.

 

At approximately 6:13 a.m., Friday, June 5, officers were called to the 4000 block of North Avenue for the report of a person stabbed. Once on scene, officers located an adult male, Wood, inside of a residence suffering from an apparent stab 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 investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or call 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.

Advisory: Victim Identified in Ford Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

June 8, 2026

 

Victim Identified in Ford Avenue Homicide Investigation

                                       

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide on Ford Avenue as Ricardo Jones, 23, of Richmond.

 

At approximately 7:26 a.m., Sunday, June 7, officers responded to the 2300 block of Ford Avenue for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, Jones, suffering from 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 investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or call 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.

Advisory: Ford Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

June 7, 2026

 

Ford Avenue Homicide Investigation

                                       

Today at approximately 7:26 a.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Ford Avenue for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from 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 investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or call 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.

Advisory: North Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

June 5, 2026            

 

North Avenue Homicide Investigation                      

 

Today at approximately 6:13 a.m., officers were called to the 4000 block of North Avenue for the report of a person stabbed. Once on scene, officers located an adult male inside of a residence suffering from an apparent stab 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 investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or call 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.

Person Charged for Concealed Weapon Violation Near Graduation Site

Person Charged for Concealed Weapon Violation Near Graduation Site

At approximately 12:03 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers and detectives who were providing security efforts outside of a high school graduation venue observed an individual who appeared to be concealing a weapon. Officers approached the adult male in the 1100 block of West Broad Street, interacted with him and located and seized the firearm.

Trevor Richardson, 22, of Richmond, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The photo of the firearm is attached. His booking photo is not available.

RPD, in coordination with VCU Police and Richmond Public Schools, provides security efforts outside graduation venues as a standard approach to public safety. Part of this effort is checking surrounding parking areas and decks for firearms offenses.

The RPD asks anyone attending the upcoming graduation events not to bring firearms and continues to ask all persons not to store firearms in an unsecured manner in vehicles.

Richardson was near the graduation location but did not approach or enter the venue with the firearm. No firearms were present in the graduation venue, although altercations occurred in the morning ceremony which resulted in a robust public safety response from RPD, VCU Police and RPS.

Anyone with information about people who intend to disrupt an upcoming event is asked to call 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.

 

Advisory: Victims Identified in Treehaven Drive Double Homicide Investigation

 

May 26, 2026

 

Victims Identified in Treehaven Drive

Double Homicide Investigation

 

Richmond Police detectives have identified the two victims from the double homicide investigation on Treehaven Drive as James Belcher, III, 26, of Richmond and Isaiah Jackson, 26, of Richmond.

 

On Friday at approximately 11:12 p.m., officers were called to the 1500 block of Treehaven Drive for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and located two adult males inside the residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One male, Belcher, was pronounced deceased at the scene and the second male, Jackson, was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that night.

 

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

 

Major Crimes detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about this double homicide investigation to contact Major Crimes Detective G. Sullivan at (804) 646-3929 or call 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.

Operation Safe Summer Begins

Operation Safe Summer Begins

The Richmond Police Department will today launch Operation Safe Summer (OSS), a collaborative effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies led by the RPD to suppress violent crime and increase public safety throughout Richmond.

This comprehensive approach, slated to continue through early September, aligns with the ‘Hotspot’ location strategy of Chief Rick Edwards. The Hotspot locations are areas of clustered reports of gun violence. Chief Edwards has devoted focused enforcement and officer visibility in these areas to deter violent crime and Operation Safe Summer will use this research in a targeted approach. Operation Safe Summer will include the following:

 

1.      State partnership. In collaboration with RPD, Virginia State Police will support by providing State Troopers and patrol cars within the city, focusing on violent crime Hotspot areas in alignment with existing department strategies.

2.      Federal partnerships. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) will work in partnership with RPD combining resources to identify, investigate, and prosecute the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime.

3.      Local partnership. The Richmond Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney will work in partnership with RPD in investigative consultations and prosecutions of subjects identified through this Operation. Other groups, such as Richmond Community Mediators, the RPD Chaplain program and the Trauma Healing and Response Network, among others, will all work to contribute to the safety of the public. Richmond Public Schools will be continuing their effective work with key partners like ChildSavers and Communities in Schools to provide resources. The Department of Justice Services is continuing to convene the city’s Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention Steering Committee which established the GVPI Hotline of (804) 646-5987.

4.      Community partnership. Meaningful law enforcement engagement with the community is essential to building trust and earning legitimacy and is a core value of the department. RPD Community Pop-Up events provide activities and resources to families as part of the strategy to prevent violent crime. The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. in the Lucks Field community in the 1900 block of U Street. Also taking place every month are Command Staff Community Walks to foster relationships with community members and accept input and feedback.

5.      Invest in and distribute gun safes. RPD has utilized American Rescue Plan grant funding to make gun safes available for Richmond families who may have a firearm at home and want to store it safely. Individuals can request gun safes by calling (804) 516-0451.

6.      Positive Environments for Youth. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities offers a variety of summer programs for children and youth at no/low cost. Space is still available in many PRCF camps. Additionally, PRCF is bringing back "Late Night Gym," which will begin June 12 and operate from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings through August 15 at the T.B. Smith Community Center on Ruffin Road, Luck’s Field Community Center on U Street and Southside Community Center on Old Warwick Road. The gyms will not operate on June 19, July 3 and July 4.

 “We have a citywide strategy to help ensure a safer summer for everyone in Richmond,” said Chief Rick Edwards. “We are grateful to our city agencies and community partners for bringing their energy, expertise, and commitment to this effort. Most importantly, the role of the community is essential. By working together, we can make this a safer summer for all.”

 The RPD is asking citizens to safely store their firearms and lock their vehicles to support the violent crime reduction work.

RPD Command Staff Walk in Highland Terrace and Green Park Neighborhoods

RPD Command Staff Walk in Highland Terrace and Green Park Neighborhoods

 

WHAT:         Richmond Police Department Command Staff Community Walk

 

WHEN:         5 p.m., TODAY, May 20

 

WHERE:      The meeting location will be 1100 E. Brookland Park Boulevard

 

Richmond Police Department command staff and Fourth Precinct officers will walk in Sector 411 with collaborating public safety partners to interact with residents and business owners and offer crime prevention tips. Sector 411 Lieutenant Brian Sheridan and participants will engage residents to better understand their needs and hear their concerns and suggestions for improvements in public safety.

 

BACKGROUND:    

This walk is part of a series as the RPD Command Staff walks and talks with residents and business owners throughout the various city precincts, which has been a longstanding tradition of the department. The RPD is committed to cultivating opportunities for open dialogue and building relationships with citizens that extend beyond the response to emergencies. 

Advisory: Male Found in James River Death Investigation

     Male Found in James River Death Investigation

    May 19, 2026

Today at approximately 11:27 a.m., a person fishing on the banks of Great Shiplock Park on Dock Street observed what appeared to be a body in the James River and called 911.   Richmond Police Department officers and the Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue Team responded to the scene.   The RFD Water Rescue Team launched from the Ancarrow’s Landing Park boat ramp and located an adult male in the river and transported him back to Ancarrow’s Landing Park. He was pronounced dead at the scene.   The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.   Detectives with the RPD Major Crimes division have initiated a death investigation and have begun efforts to identify the male.   Anyone with information about this death investigation or the possible identity of this individual is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 app may also be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Arrest Made in Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Hull Street Road

 

May 19, 2026

 

Arrest Made in Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Hull Street Road

 

Richmond Police detectives, with assistance from Chesterfield County Police, have made an arrest in connection with a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred last year on Hull Street Road.

 

Raymond Howard, 61, of Richmond, was taken into custody on Wednesday, May 13, and charged with felony hit-and-run in connection with the death of Rogelio Garcia, 54, of Richmond, who was struck while crossing Hull Street Road.

 

At approximately 9:23 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, officers responded to the 5200 block of Hull Street Road for the report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. Once on scene, officers located Garcia in the roadway. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

 

The RPD Crash Team responded to the scene and determined Garcia was not in a crosswalk and was crossing Hull Street Road northbound when he was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. The driver fled the scene.

 

Anyone with additional information about this collision is asked to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator D. Peppel at (804) 646-1042 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Victim Identified in a Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality on Jennie Scher Road

May 15, 2026

 

Victim Identified in a Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality on Jennie Scher Road

 

Today, at approximately 10:29 a.m., Richmond Police officers on patrol located a single-occupant vehicle that had crashed into a ditch in the 2000 block of Jennie Scher Road. 

 

During the investigation, officers located an adult male, identified as Jerome McCall, 43, of Richmond, unresponsive inside the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crash Team Investigator G. Drago at (804) 646-1369 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Richmond Police Memorial Service

WHAT:                       Richmond Police Memorial Service

WHEN:                       10 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2026

WHERE:                     Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road

BACKGROUND:         Each year law enforcement agencies across the country honor those who                                         gave their lives in the line of duty during National Police Week.

                                    This year’s observance is May 10 through May 16. National Police Week                                             activities offer opportunities of remembrance and honor while allowing                                         law enforcement, survivors, and the public to gather and pay homage to                                         those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

                                     Chief Rick Edwards, the Richmond Police Department and community                                             members will honor Richmond’s fallen officers and also remember those                                         who served the department and passed away in 2025 and to-date in 2026.                                      Family members of Richmond’s fallen officers will be in attendance to lay a                                      wreath at the memorial stone.

                                   

                                    Members of the public and the media are invited to attend.

 

Advisory: Arrest Made in Rosecrest Avenue Homicide Investigation

    May 13, 2026

Arrest Made in Rosecrest Avenue Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police detectives, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, have made an arrest in the homicide that occurred last year on Rosecrest Avenue.

Tonasia Johnson, 24, of Chesterfield, was indicted on Wednesday, May 6, and arrested by the U.S. Marshals on Monday, May 11. She is charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in relation to the homicide of Rashad Baylor, 47, of Richmond. Her booking photo is attached.

At approximately 9:56 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, officers were called to the 1600 block of Rosecrest Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male, Baylor, down on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening. On Friday, June 20, 2025, Baylor succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.

Anyone with further information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective C. Tovar at (804) 646-6739 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.

Rosedale Avenue Death Investigation

May 13, 2026

Rosedale Avenue Death Investigation

This morning, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Richmond Police officers responded to the 3900 block of Rosedale Avenue for the report of a person down. Once on scene, officers located a female in a wooded area behind an apartment complex. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Advisory: Identification Made in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Apartments on Midlothian Turnpike

 UPDATE:

 

May 8, 2026

 

Identification Made in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Apartments on Midlothian Turnpike

 

Richmond Police detectives have identified the individual in the fatal officer-involved shooting yesterday as Jazmin Wooten-Mitchell, 31, of Richmond.

 

At approximately 6:47 p.m., Thursday, May 7, officers were called to an apartment complex located in the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike for the report of a shooting in progress.

 

Officers arrived in four minutes and heard gunshots. Officers were directed by onlookers to the third floor of an open-air stairwell where the shots were being fired. Officers climbed the stairs and engaged an adult female, ordering her to drop her weapon. An officer then fired his service weapon and struck the woman.

 

Other responding officers administered first aid, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A firearm was recovered at the scene. There were no other individuals injured at the scene.

 

Major Crimes detectives, RPD command staff, precinct officers, and the forensics unit responded to the scene. As is standard in officer-involved shooting investigations, the one officer who fired his service weapon will be placed on administrative leave. As this is a fatal officer-involved shooting, a critical incident briefing video will be produced and released to the public in approximately two weeks.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell at (804) 646-5324 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. 

Advisory: Victim Identified in Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality on Warwick Road, Arrest Made

 May 8, 2026

 

Victim Identified in Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality on Warwick Road,

Arrest Made

 

The Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team investigators have identified the passenger who was killed in a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early Wednesday morning as Larry Johnson, 35, of Richmond.

 

At approximately 3:43 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, officers responded to the 5200 block of Warwick Road for a report of a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Upon arrival, officers located a lone occupant, Johnson, seated in the passenger seat, unresponsive and not breathing. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

The driver fled the scene prior to police arrival.

 

During the investigation, detectives pursued leads that resulted in the identification and location of the driver. Investigators determined that William Sumner, Jr., 34, of Chesterfield, was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Sumner was later located at a nearby motel and taken into custody. He has been charged with felony hit-and-run, and additional charges are pending. His booking photo is unavailable at this time.

 

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Crash Team Investigator G. Drago at (804) 646-1369 or call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.  All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.