RPD Update on Two Homicide Investigations

June 16, 2015

 

WHAT:                     Mayor Jones and Chief Durham Address Crime in Richmond

WHEN:                     4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2015

WHERE:                  Richmond Police Headquarters, 200 W. Grace Street

BACKGROUND:    Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Chief Alfred Durham will update city residents on the progress being made by RPD detectives investigating two homicides that occurred earlier this month.

They will speak to the disappearance and homicide of Katasha Johnson, who was reported missing June 4, 2015, as well as the shooting that occurred last Thursday on West Roanoke Street in which one man was fatally shot in the head.

A review of the most recent statistics for violent crimes and property crimes in the city in 2015, which continue to show a downward trend, will also be provided.

The media and the general public are encouraged to attend.

RPD to Promote Five Officers from within its Ranks

June 15, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is pleased to announce the promotions of five officers to the ranks of captain, lieutenant and sergeant at 10 a.m. tomorrow, June 16 at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

The City’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Ms.Selena Cuffee-Glenn. will join Chief Alfred Durham for the promotion of one new captain, one new lieutenant and three new sergeants.

Being promoted to the rank of captain is:

1.    James Laino

Being promoted to the rank of lieutenant are:

1.    Victor Greene , Jr.

Being promoted to the rank of sergeant are:

1.    James Louden, Jr.

    2.    Brian Rogers
    3.    William Travers

The public and media are encouraged to attend.

Captain James Laino has 22 years of experience with the Department. As he has risen through the ranks, Laino has had numerous and varied assignments but First Precinct has been a constant. Each previous promotion has connected him in a new way with the precinct where he was first assigned and given him an in-depth knowledge of community.

Lieutenant Victor Greene, Jr. has 23 years of experience with the Department. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he returned home to Virginia to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Richmond Police Department. He saw becoming an officer as a unique opportunity to help others and make a difference in the lives of Richmond’s youth.

Sergeant James Louden, Jr. has a decade of experience with the Department. Friends and family members guided Louden into his career as a police officer, and it was a natural fit. Self-described as a “patrol man,” he has focused on community policing and values feedback from citizens more than any award.

Sergeant Brian Rogers has eight years of experience with the Department. Family ties – his father who is a police officer in New York state and his brother who is an RPD officer – drew him to law enforcement. Rogers always wanted to be a law enforcement officer and still feels it’s the best job ever.

Sergeant William Travers has 13 years of experience with the Department. At an early age, he knew he would pursue a career as a police officer, taking after his grandfather who served with the Boston Police Department. His assignments have included working as a patrol officer, community bike officer, property crimes detective, and major crimes detective.

Torch Run For Special Olympics

June 10, 2015

WHO:                         Chief Alfred Durham

                                   111th Basic Recruit Class
                                   Richmond Police personnel

WHAT:                       Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run – Capitol Leg

WHEN:                      10 a.m. Friday, June 12

WHERE:                    Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower, Ninth and Franklin streets

BACKGROUND:     Members of the Department’s 111th Basic Recruit Class, Richmond Police personnel and members of other area law enforcement agencies will participate in the Torch Run’s Capitol Leg, a 4.5-mile stretch west from the State Capitol to Fountain Lake in Byrd Park.

Richmond Police also will participate in the Torch Run’s Final Leg, starting 8 p.m., Friday, at the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad and ending at the University of Richmond Robins Center for the start of the Special Olympics games, which the Torch Run benefits.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is now in its 30^th year and we are incredibly proud to run the course following the Special Olympic torch,” said Captain Harvey Powers, the Department’s Torch Run coordinator. “That torch symbolizes the courage, determination and effort of Special Olympic athletes everywhere.”

This year’s course and destination will again take the participants through Carytown before turning south on Boulevard to conclude at Fountain Lake. “This route brought the spirit the torch represents to many people last year,” Captain Powers said. “The vivid display showcases the resolve and inspiration of the athletes and the Games.”

This year law enforcement agencies in Virginia have raised over one million dollars to fund the important missions of Special Olympics.

Missing Woman Sought

June 8, 2015

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman, Katasha Johnson. Detectives believe Johnson did not disappear of her own accord and she may be in danger.

Johnson, 26, of the 1300 block of Jennie Scher Road was last seen the morning of June 3, 2015 when he dropped off her daughter at a day care center on the city’s north side. She then failed to show up for work.

Johnson is a black female, five feet one inch tall, 120 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. On her right arm is a tattoo: MYA. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and tan slacks.

Her personal vehicle; a gold-colored, four-door 2001 Volvo, has been located.

Anyone with information about Katasha Johnson’s disappearance is asked to call Major Crimes Detective William Brereton at (804) 317-3889 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

                                                            Katasha Johnson

Suspect Sought for Using Stolen Credit Card

June 5, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify a person of interest who used a credit card taken during a robbery last month in the 700 block of North Meadow Street. Photos of the suspect are attached.

At approximately 1:35 a.m. Monday, May 25, a man was assaulted and robbed of his wallet. About 15 minutes later, the stolen credit cards were used at nearby 7-Eleven store on West Grace Street.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Jack Larry at (804) 646-1647or call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

 

Petoskey Avenue Homicide Victim Identified

June 4, 2015

The victim of a homicide on Sunday, May 31 has been identified as Kim M. Dodson, 24, of the 9000 block of Lyric Court, Chesterfield.

On Sunday, at approximately 7:36 p.m., officers were called to a parking lot in the 5600 block of Petoskey Avenue for the report of shots fired. Before officers could arrive a male was driven in a personal vehicle to a local hospital where he died.

Another male from the incident was driven in a personal vehicle to a business parking lot at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Covington Avenue where an ambulance was called. He was suffering from a gunshot wound.

Investigation into the case continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Amira Sleem at (804) 814-7123 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Suspect Sought in Pizza Hut Burglary

June 4, 2015

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the photo who is a person of interest in a burglary that occurred two weeks ago.

At approximately 6:12 a.m. Thursday, May 21, the suspect is believed to have entered a Pizza Hut restaurant through a window and stole cash. The restaurant is located at 5817 Midlothian Turnpike.

The suspect is described as a black male who wore a dark polo shirt and light-colored striped shorts.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about this person to call Third Precinct Detective Harry Brown at (804) 646-1109 or call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.