A string of crimes, ranging from vehicle thefts to armed robberies and shootouts, has swept through Richmond over the past week, according to a recent patrol activity report from the Richmond Police Department. The week of December 11 to 17 saw multiple incidents, including the recovery of stolen vehicles, arrests related to possession of stolen vehicles, and investigations into several shootings, according to the department's social media page.
On December 11, the department responded to a stolen vehicle alert. The vehicle, unoccupied at the time, was recovered in the area. The following day, an apprehension was made related to another stolen vehicle from Oakland, with the suspect taken into custody without incident. That same day witnessed a grand theft at DD's Discount Store and the subsequent arrests of the suspects after an enforcement stop, where the stolen property was also retrieved.
Violent crimes were also part of the week's activities as Richmond Police investigated multiple robberies, including one on December 13 where a victim was accosted at a red light by two assailants who shattered a window and ran off with the individual's wallet after leaving the bank. Another incident on the same day at Costco involved a struggle over a victim's purse, which resulted in the suspect fleeing with the item. Shootings were reported as well, with a victim arriving at a local hospital with a gunshot wound; the originating scene of the shooting was later located by officers.
Escalating the concern for public safety, an armed robbery on December 15 left one individual with a gunshot wound after shots fired struck their vehicle. Furthermore, two separate incidents of firearm discharge were reported on December 16 in different parts of the city. Despite the expended casings at both scenes, no property damage or victims were discovered. The police also shared a moment of community engagement with the announcement of the well-attended annual Richmond Fire and Police toy/bicycle drive on December 16.
The week concluded with another armed robbery on December 17 when an armed assailant approached victims after withdrawing money from an ATM. The suspect made off with the victim’s purse. Richmond Police Department's overview reveals an active effort to respond to these and other calls, though several investigations remain ongoing.
