Routine ALPR Audit Identifies Single Policy Violation

Routine ALPR Audit Identifies Single Policy Violation

A routine review of the Richmond Police Department’s 2026 use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology identified a policy violation involving an authorized RPD user.

The Richmond Police Department conducts monthly audits of Flock ALPR use by personnel. An audit in the first quarter of the year found a single violation involving an RPD sergeant while assisting a homicide investigation. The inquiry was not related to immigration enforcement.

The violation occurred when an RPD sergeant was asked by a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an image of a vehicle believed to be in Richmond and connected to a homicide investigation in Washington, D.C.

“The audit process is an important safeguard to ensure this technology is used properly,” said Chief Rick Edwards. “ALPR technology has proven valuable in violent crime investigations, but these checks are necessary to maintain the proper balance between individual privacy, public safety, and compliance with Virginia law.”

The searching for and dissemination of this information to a federal law enforcement official outside of Virginia violated department policy, which prohibits sharing ALPR data with agencies outside the Commonwealth. The violation was reported to the Virginia State Police as required by state law.

“While I appreciate the sergeant’s willingness to assist in a homicide investigation, sharing ALPR data - even of a single vehicle - with federal partners or agencies outside the Commonwealth of Virginia is prohibited,” Chief Edwards added.

Following an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney was consulted; based on the facts of the case, prosecution was declined. Afterwards, an internal investigation was conducted by RPD’s Office of Professional Standards. The sergeant’s authorization to access ALPR data has been deactivated.

Should there be any compliance issues in the future, RPD will disseminate that information at our regularly scheduled quarterly crime briefings to ensure transparency with our community.

Suspect Charged in 2025 Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

April 28, 2026

 

Suspect Charged in 2025 Chamberlayne Avenue Homicide Investigation

 

Following indictments from a multi-jurisdictional grand jury, the suspect in the August 2025 homicide on Chamberlayne Avenue has been charged.

 

James Winston, 39, of Richmond, has been charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharge of a firearm in an occupied building and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently in custody in Henrico County on unrelated charges. For his current booking photo please contact Henrico County Police.

 

At approximately 6:48 a.m., Saturday, August 23, officers were called to the 3400 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male, Gilberto DeJesus, III, 33, of Richmond, inside of a residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

 

Anyone with further information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423 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.

Wounds Prove Fatal for Teen in Domestic Shootings on 5th Avenue

 Wounds Prove Fatal for Teen in Domestic Shootings on 5th Avenue

The juvenile female, 14, of Richmond, who suffered life-threatening injuries in the domestic shootings on 5^th Avenue on Tuesday, succumbed to the wounds last night at a local hospital.

On Tuesday at approximately 9:50 a.m., officers were called to the 3100 block of 5^th Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found three individuals in a home who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. An adult male, Zion Terry, 18, of Richmond, was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult female, 38, and the juvenile female were transported to a local hospital. The adult’s injuries are now not considered to be life threatening.

The suspect, Levy Nelson, 41, of Richmond, was apprehended on Tuesday by Henrico County Police. Richmond Police detectives have charged him with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Additional charges are pending.

The VCU Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the ATF all contributed to the successful result.

Anyone with further information related to these shootings is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 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, Suspect Apprehended in Fatal and Non-Fatal Domestic Shootings

Victim Identified, Suspect Apprehended in Fatal and Non-Fatal Domestic Shootings

The victim who died at the scene of the domestic-related shootings in the 3100 block of 5^th Avenue this morning has been identified and the suspect has been apprehended.

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim as Zion Terry, 18, of Richmond.

The suspect, Levy Nelson, 41, of Richmond, was apprehended this afternoon by Henrico County Police after Nelson was the subject of a news conference and media coverage for his role in the shootings. His vehicle locations were captured by automatic license plate readers and information by the public was received on his possible whereabouts.

Henrico Police located Nelson in his truck and attempted to stop him. Nelson collided with several vehicles, including HPD police vehicles, before Henrico Police were able to make the apprehension. A Henrico Police officer was injured during the apprehension.

Nelson was transported to RPD headquarters and has been charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Additional charges are pending. His booking photo is not yet available.

The VCU Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the ATF all contributed to the successful result.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., officers were called to the 3100 block of 5^th Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found three individuals in a home who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. An adult male, Terry, was found down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult female, 38, and a juvenile female, 14, were transported to a local hospital. The adult’s injuries are now not considered to be life threatening while the juvenile’s injuries are still considered life threatening.

Anyone with further information related to these shootings is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Fatal, Non-Fatal Domestic Shootings, Suspect Sought

Fatal, Non-Fatal Domestic Shootings, Suspect Sought

At approximately 9:50 a.m., officers were called to the 3100 block of 5^th Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found three individuals in a home who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. An adult male was found down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult female and a juvenile female were transported to a local hospital with injuries that were considered life threatening.

Detectives are progressing with the investigation and are investigating this incident as a domestic situation. Detectives are currently looking for a known adult male, Levy Nelson, 41, of Henrico County. He had fled the scene in a gray Ford F-150, an image of which was captured on an Automatic License Plate Reader. Nelson’s photo and the ALPR image of the vehicle are attached.

The truck, with a toolbox in the bed, has a Virginia plate of THV 5063.

The public is asked to provide information on the whereabouts of the truck or Nelson – and are asked to call 911 with information.

Anyone with information related to these shootings is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

 

 

RPD Investigating Death of 17-month-old Child

RPD Investigating Death of 17-month-old Child

Richmond Police Department detectives are investigating the death of a 17-month-old male and the injury to a 17-month-old male twin sibling.

On Friday at approximately 8:39 p.m., officers were called to an apartment in the 1000 block of German School Road for the report of two young children injured. Officers arrived and located two 17-month-old males who had suffered apparent drowning injuries while in a bathtub.

Both children were transported to a local hospital where one was pronounced dead. The other male suffered injuries that are considered life threatening.

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

Detectives with the RPD Major Crimes division are investigating and ask anyone with information about this incident to call Major Crimes Detective J. Pittman at (804) 646-3869 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 app may also be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Person Identified in Apparent Drowning in James River

Person Identified in Apparent Drowning in James River

Richmond Police Department detectives have identified the male who died in the apparent drowning on Saturday in the James River as Pramanik Rukunuzzaman, 21, of Henrico County.

On Saturday at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers were called to assist units from the Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue Team in the 500 block of Tredegar Street for a report of a person submerged in the river.

RPD Swift Water Rescue located the adult male, Rukunuzzaman, in the river and transported him to the north bank to attempt life-saving measures. He was transported to a local hospital where on Saturday he succumbed to his injury.

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

Detectives with the RPD Major Crimes division are continuing to investigate this incident but at this time it is being investigated as an accidental drowning.

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

Two Additional Persons Charged in North 18th Street Double Homicide Investigation

Two Additional Persons Charged in North 18th Street Double Homicide Investigation

 

Following grand jury indictments, two additional persons have been charged in the investigation of the North 18^th Street double homicide incident.

 

Antoine Hockaday, II, 27, of Henrico County, surrendered at the Richmond Justice Center on April 10 without incident. He has now been charged with accessory after the fact in a murder. His booking photo is attached.

 

Xavier Thomas, 27, of Petersburg, was taken into custody in a regional jurisdiction on April 15. He has now been charged with possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon. His booking photo is not yet available.

 

On Saturday, February 21 at approximately 2:47 a.m., a Richmond Police Department officer on patrol in Shockoe Bottom observed a large crowd engaged in apparent confrontations in the 00-block of North 18^th Street. The officer responded and found an adult female, Genesis Jones, 23, of Petersburg, down and unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Additional officers arrived and found an adult male, Dominic Jackson, 42, of Henrico County, down and unresponsive. He had also suffered apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

In addition to Jones and Jackson, seven other adults were shot and transported to local hospitals. Hockaday was one of the individuals injured during the incident. Two other individuals injured during the incident were charged in March for their role in the shootings.

 

Additional charges against those involved in this incident are possible.

 

Anyone with further information about these shootings is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Sergeant M. Gouldman at (804) 646-3915 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. 

Suspect Charged in North Monroe Street Homicide Investigation

Suspect Charged in North Monroe Street Homicide Investigation

Following grand jury indictments, the suspect in the North Monroe Street homicide in March has now been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of murder.

Malcolm Mason, 32, of Richmond, who was taken into custody shortly after the shooting, had originally been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and willfully discharging a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury. His booking photo is attached.

On Friday, March 20 at approximately 11:39 p.m., officers heard gunshots while on patrol near the intersection of West Broad and North Monroe streets. Officers responded to the 300 block of North Monroe Street and found a male, Lamar Butler, 25, of Richmond, down and unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with further information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective K. Hyde at (804) 646-3613 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 St. James Street Homicide Investigation

Victim Identified in St. James Street Homicide Investigation

Richmond Police detectives have identified the victim in the fatal shooting last Thursday as Roger Swinson, 42, of Richmond.

Thursday at approximately 10:27 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of St. James Street for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and located an adult male, Swinson, down and unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this homicide and ask anyone with information about this incident to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423 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: St. James Street Homicide Investigation

April 9, 2026

St. James Street Homicide Investigation                                      

Today at approximately 10:27 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of St. James Street for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time, detectives have no indication that this incident is connected to the shooting that occurred yesterday at approximately 7:16 p.m. on Charity Street. The investigation remains ongoing.

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 P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423 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.

Mayor Avula Joins Chief Edwards for Briefing on Safety Initiatives, Crime Stats for First Quarter

WHAT:            First Quarter Public Safety Briefing to the Community

 

WHEN:            11 a.m., TOMORROW, Thursday, April 9, 2026 

 

WHERE:          The briefing location is at RPD Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St.

 

Mayor Danny Avula will join Chief of Police Rick Edwards in a briefing to discuss recent safety initiatives, including results from the Spring Forward campaign, and first quarter crime stats. Greg Hopkins, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, will also present information from Spring Forward. Chief Edwards will provide updates regarding public safety issues including recent multiple arrests for several burglaries of vape shops.

 

BACKGROUND:    

This crime briefing will inform the community of city-wide safety initiatives, crime trends impacting public safety, department strategies and outreach efforts, and upcoming opportunities for members of the public to engage in community events to participate in a joint effort to reduce crime.

 

Media is invited to attend.

 

Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Death Investigation

April 2, 2026 

Victim Identified in Chamberlayne Avenue Death Investigation

Last night at approximately 8:11 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers were called to the 3000 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for the report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male, Kenneth Trimmer, 35, of Richmond, down 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 death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 app may also be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.