Sector 413 report for September

WANTED

Lieutenant Drew’s monthly report from September (PDF) for the Richmond Police Departments Sector 413 is now available:

Oregon Hill crime was up 50% from 2007 – 4 to 6 crimes. 3 of the 6 crimes occurred in the 200 block of S. Cherry Street (A car, a bike and some plants were stolen.) Residents (in that block especially) should report any suspicious activity. There was one other bike, wheels from a car and license plates stolen in your neighborhood.

OHNA Rewards Residents for July Incident

At last month’s Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, the membership voted to recognize and reward Marty, Mark, and John for their part in apprehending a robbery suspect this past July. Since then, I have heard that federal officials became interested in the suspect concerning some previous crimes.

The awards were rather meager- restaurant gift certificates, and ceremonial keys to the neighborhood. But as I stated in the letter that accompanied them, neighborhood residents are very thankful for their action. As King, I did offer Marty a knighthood, but he graciously declined.

Sector 413 August Newsletter

Statistically speaking, August was a really good month for Oregon Hill. Overall we
seen a 66% decrease in Major Crimes in your neighborhood. During the month we
had only 3 crimes, one was the theft of a moped and unfortunately 2 were robberies.
The first robbery occurred at 200 S. Cherry on 8/4 at approx. 12:58 am. 2 black
males displayed a revolver, robbed the victim and possibly fled in a dark red older
model Buick. The second robbery occurred at 335 S. Cherry St. on 8/28 at
approximately 9:08 pm.
2 black males displayed a small black handgun with a
silver tip and attempted to rob the victim. The victim was smacked but fortunately
he did not sustain any serious injuries.

Mugging on Cherry St.

Police responded Thursday night to a mugging near the intersection of Cherry and Albemarle. A student was approached by 2 black males (one of which had a handgun). They demanded money but he did not have any. There were no injuries. Muggers fled and there were no arrests.

Corner of Laurel and China

The corner of Laurel and China has seen a lot of action lately. On Sunday night, police evicted three or four squatters who were living in a tent in the backyard of a vacant house. The owner says renovations on the house should be finished this Fall. On Monday afternoon a car going up the wrong the way on Laurel hit a truck that was trying to cross Laurel on China. No word on how serious the injuries were, but this may add to calls for more street signs and traffic enforcement.

Home Invasion Suspect Caught

So, after I sent the message below last night, I received the welcome news from a neighbor that one of the suspects was caught. Marty and Mark spotted a person who matched one of Kenneth’s descriptions and ran him down to Cherry St. Along with another Cherry St. homeowner, they were were able to keep him cornered long enough until the police could arrive. He was picked up in the cemetery (he had gone through a hole in the cemetery fence). He apparently pulled a knife on Marty.

This is not the first time that Marty has confronted dangerous criminals in the neighborhood (the dude is like Batman in a pickup truck).

Still have heard nada from the police.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 24, 2008, at 10:49 PM, Scott Burger wrote:

I spoke with Kenneth this morning and was glad he seemed ok. It was definitely more than “theft from residence”. I have left messages for police I spoke to yesterday, but no response.

Kenneth said it was two or three white men who came into his house. There is some talk that they are from one of the western hobo encampments on the riverfront.

If the event does not upgraded to a robbery, I will be doing more to get media involved.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 23, 2008, at 11:26 PM, Scott Burger wrote:

I am still following up on this. The police classified the incident as ‘theft from residence’ and I shared my concerns that they were downplaying the crime. I am hoping to hear more soon.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 23, 2008, at 7:54 AM, Scott Burger wrote:

I heard second hand about a robbery/home invasion on the 600 block of
S. Pine St that took place Sunday night.

I am trying to get the details of the case from the victim or the
police but have been unsuccessful so far.

This is a pretty serious matter and I am more than concerned that we
have not heard anything in the news or from the police about this.

Please feel free to call me if you know something. If I don’t hear
back from the police soon I will be contacting the media.
I am wondering if our fears of possible under-reporting of crime by
the police is something that bears more investigation.

Thanks,
Scott