Police Archives - Augusta Free Press https://augustafreepress.com/public-safety/ Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Politics Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:46:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://augustafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/favi.png Police Archives - Augusta Free Press https://augustafreepress.com/public-safety/ 32 32 Richmond woman arrested after North Lombardy Street shooting Thursday https://augustafreepress.com/news/richmond-woman-arrested-after-north-lombardy-street-shooting-thursday/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/richmond-woman-arrested-after-north-lombardy-street-shooting-thursday/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:58:27 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338591 police

Richmond Police have arrested a woman and charged her with attempted murder for a shooting that occurred in the 900 block of North Lombardy Street at 11:01 a.m. today.

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Quasia Hayes Richmond
Quasia Hayes, Submitted by Richmond Police

Richmond Police have arrested a woman and charged her with attempted murder for a shooting that occurred in the 900 block of North Lombardy Street at 11:01 a.m. today.

Quasia Hayes, 22, of Richmond, has also been charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

An adult female at a business suffered a gunshot wound and received treatment at the scene for a non-life-threatening injury.

Patrol officers were able to quickly apprehend the suspect after gathering information on the scene.

“This is outstanding work by Fourth Precinct patrol officers who were able to make an apprehension within minutes of the shooting,” said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. “Quick response from experienced officers executing strategic and coordinated efforts made this fast arrest possible.”

Anyone with further information about this shooting is asked to call Detective L. Burrell at (804) 646-3185 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

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Norfolk man convicted in felony hit-and-run in fatal crash in 2022 https://augustafreepress.com/news/norfolk-man-convicted-of-felony-hit-and-run-in-fatal-crash-in-2022/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/norfolk-man-convicted-of-felony-hit-and-run-in-fatal-crash-in-2022/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:45:59 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338575 police

Marion Trai Strong, 21, was convicted of felony hit and run today after pleading guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal crash last summer.

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Marion Trai Strong, 21, was convicted of felony hit and run in Norfolk Circuit Court today after pleading guilty as charged to leaving the scene of a fatal crash last summer.

On June 24, 2022, around 8:20 p.m., Strong, was driving a black BMW on Tidewater Drive.

According to police, just before traveling through an underpass, Strong stopped at a traffic light at the intersection with St. Julian Ave.

Other drivers reported that Strong had been weaving in and out of traffic prior to stopping, and when the light turned green, they saw Strong take off at a high rate of speed.

After Strong traveled through the underpass, the witnesses behind him in traffic said they saw his vehicle swerve off the roadway in the 2400 block of Tidewater Drive and up onto the sidewalk.

Strong hit a pedestrian and struck a tree, flipping the vehicle over.

Many individuals immediately stopped to help the pedestrian, 36-year-old Karl Henry Wilkerson, but Wilkerson died from his injuries after being transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Strong was able to crawl out of a window of his car and immediately began removing his license plates.

Another vehicle pulled up to the scene moments later, and Strong was photographed by a witness getting into that car while holding his license plates and leaving the scene.

At no point did Strong check on the victim, purposefully leave behind any identifying information, or contact Norfolk Police.

At some point after the crash, Strong fled the state. He was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and returned to Norfolk.

Strong pleaded guilty as charged on Thursday to felony hit and run, and Judge Jerrauld C. Jones accepted his plea.

Strong is docketed for sentencing on Oct. 20.

“In any vehicle crash, everyone absolutely must stay at the scene to help anyone who is injured,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Leaving the scene only makes it worse. It may cost a victim his life, and it will come with consequences to the person who leaves. Stay and help.”

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One person dead in eight-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County https://augustafreepress.com/news/one-person-dead-in-eight-vehicle-crash-on-interstate-81-in-botetourt-county/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/one-person-dead-in-eight-vehicle-crash-on-interstate-81-in-botetourt-county/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:54:27 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338555 interstate 81

An eight-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 at the 163 mile marker in Botetourt County took the life of a Richmond man.

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An eight-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 at the 163 mile marker in Botetourt County took the life of a Richmond man.

According to Virginia State Police, William Lawrance Towns, 61, of Richmond, was driving a 2023 Dodge Ram when he slowed for traffic ahead of him.

His vehicle was struck in the rear by a Kenworth tractor-trailer at 3:31 p.m.

Towns, who was wearing his seatbelt, died at the scene.

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VSP: Truck with blue cab ID’d in hit-and-run that injured Augusta County sheriff’s deputy https://augustafreepress.com/news/vsp-truck-with-blue-cab-idd-in-hit-and-run-that-injured-augusta-county-sheriffs-deputy/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/vsp-truck-with-blue-cab-idd-in-hit-and-run-that-injured-augusta-county-sheriffs-deputy/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:03:25 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338541 augusta deputy accident

Virginia State Police are still trying to get leads to get to a next step in the investigation into an alleged Aug. 6 hit-and-run that left an Augusta County sheriff’s deputy injured.

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Photo: Augusta County Sheriff’s Office

Virginia State Police are still trying to get leads to get to a next step in the investigation into an alleged Aug. 6 hit-and-run that left an Augusta County sheriff’s deputy injured.

The deputy, whose name still has not been released, was traveling northbound on I-81 near the 220 mile marker at 9:48 p.m. on Aug. 6 when his Ford Explorer was reportedly struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

The impact, according to the release, pushed the Ford Explorer approximately 100 feet down the interstate and into a VDOT work truck, striking the energy-absorbing bumper on the VDOT truck, and spinning the deputy’s cruiser around.

The release tells us that the driver of the tractor-trailer did not stop and fled on Interstate 81.

VDOT workers at the scene, according to the release, assisted the deputy, who was injured and unable to radio for help due to the damage to his patrol unit.

The deputy was transported to Augusta Health, where he was treated for his injuries, which were reportedly minor in nature.

There have been questions from local residents on social media about what the sheriff’s office reported in relation to the crash, with some speculating that there was no tractor-trailer involved – basically, that the deputy might have simply lost control of his vehicle, and concocted the story about a runaway tractor-trailer as cover.

Other questions raised in relation to the accident: why haven’t investigators looked at the VDOT traffic cameras to get specifics on the truck, if indeed a truck was involved; and, how is it possible that we’re more than a week having passed since the accident, and no one has come forward with information about a damaged truck showing up at a terminal, parked in someone’s driveway or being dropped off at a shop for repairs?

We reached out to the State Police to address these questions, and a VSP spokesperson got back to us on Thursday to tell us that, one, evidence collected at the scene and witness statements have led investigators to confirm that the accident indeed took place as the sheriff’s office originally reported, so, that should answer that one, the most important question.

Specifically, State Police are looking for information related to a tractor-trailer with a blue cab that has been identified as the hit-and-run vehicle.

Tips on vehicles matching that description with front-end damage can be called in to 434-352-7128 or emailed to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

Two, on the traffic cameras issue: VDOT cameras are only real-time cameras, and do not record, so they are not an aid in investigations.

(This might be something for the state to look into down the road.)

Three, on the lack of information from the public, it does seem to stand to reason that the driver could have tried to explain away the accident as having involved not hitting another car, but rather, say, a deer or a bear, and in those situations, an employer or insurance company wouldn’t be contacting police for an accident report.

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Developing: One dead in two-vehicle crash on Route 29 in Greene County https://augustafreepress.com/news/developing-one-dead-in-two-vehicle-crash-on-route-29-in-greene-county/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/developing-one-dead-in-two-vehicle-crash-on-route-29-in-greene-county/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:22:29 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338529 police

One person is dead, and a second was seriously injured, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 29 and Commerce Drive in Greene County on Wednesday.

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One person is dead, and a second was seriously injured, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 29 and Commerce Drive in Greene County on Wednesday.

According to Virginia State Police, a 2016 Ford Transit van was traveling on Commerce Drive at 11:21 a.m. when the driver pulled into the path of a 2007 Ford Explorer traveling northbound of Route 29.

The impact of the resulting crash caused the Ford Explorer to run off the road and strike a building.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, an adult male, died at the scene. An adult female passenger was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The driver of the Transit van was also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The crash remains under investigation. Charges are pending.

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Leesburg: Underage vaping sting nabs four store clerks for sales to underage customers https://augustafreepress.com/news/leesburg-underage-vaping-sting-nabs-four-store-clerks-for-sales-to-underage-customers/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/leesburg-underage-vaping-sting-nabs-four-store-clerks-for-sales-to-underage-customers/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:43:50 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338518 vaping

Leesburg Police conducted an undercover operation at 29 retail establishments that sell tobacco, resulting in charges for four clerks who sold vaping products to customers under the age of 21.

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Leesburg Police conducted an undercover operation at 29 retail establishments that sell tobacco, resulting in charges for four clerks who sold vaping products to customers under the age of 21.

The clerks were each issued a summons charging them with violating Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2, which prohibits the purchase, possession, and sale of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products, and hemp products intended for smoking to persons under 21 years of age.

A violation of this code section is punishable by a civil penalty.

“Operations like these send a clear message to retail establishments in town, that they are responsible for training their staff to properly follow the law to ensure that age restricted products are only sold to those of legal age,” Leesburg Police Capt. David Smith said. “For this reason, the Leesburg Police Department periodically conducts operations relating to the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages to underage persons.”

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Developing: Virginia State Police investigating shooting on Interstate 64 https://augustafreepress.com/news/developing-virginia-state-police-investigating-shooting-on-interstate-64/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/developing-virginia-state-police-investigating-shooting-on-interstate-64/#comments Thu, 17 Aug 2023 02:48:50 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338487 shooting

Virginia State Police are investigating a reported shooting at a vehicle on Interstate 64 at the 193 mile marker in Henrico County on Wednesday.

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Photo: Virginia State Police

Virginia State Police are investigating a reported shooting at a vehicle on Interstate 64 at the 193 mile marker in Henrico County on Wednesday.

According to VSP, a 2007 Chevrolet Impala was traveling on I-95 southbound to the I-64 east/ Exit 75 at 7:20 p.m., and as the vehicle merged onto I-64 eastbound, the driver, a 33-year-old female from North Chesterfield, noticed an older model sedan tailgating her.

At Exit 193/ Nine Mile Road, she took the first exit and pulled to the right shoulder to allow the sedan to pass. As the tailgating vehicle was passing, it began firing at the vehicle.

The driver of the Impala was struck multiple times and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no passengers.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police by calling 804-609-5656 or #77 on a cellphone or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

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Richmond Police ID victim of Monday shooting https://augustafreepress.com/news/richmond-police-id-victim-of-monday-shooting/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/richmond-police-id-victim-of-monday-shooting/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:23:47 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338457

Richmond Police have identified the victim of a homicide on Garber Street on Monday as Aiden Minor, 18, of Henrico.

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Richmond Police have identified the victim of a homicide on Garber Street on Monday as Aiden Minor, 18, of Henrico.

Minor was the victim of a shooting reported at 7:19 p.m. Monday on the 1200 block of Garber Street, according to police.

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

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Detective G. Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contac

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Virginia prison inmate who walked out of hospital over weekend still at-large https://augustafreepress.com/news/virginia-prison-inmate-who-walked-out-of-hospital-over-weekend-still-at-large/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/virginia-prison-inmate-who-walked-out-of-hospital-over-weekend-still-at-large/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:29:17 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338435 Naseem Roulack

A Virginia prison inmate who escaped a Henrico County hospital on Saturday morning is still at-large.

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Naseem Roulack
Naseem Roulack
Naseem Roulack. Photo: VADOC

A Virginia prison inmate who escaped a Henrico County hospital on Saturday morning is still at-large.

The U.S. Marshals Service is now offering a cash reward of $5,000 for information that leads to the apprehension of Naseem Isaiah Roulack, 21, also known as Lil Nas.

The U.S. Marshals Service can be contacted at 1-877-WANTED2, or tips can be submitted via the USMS Tips app.

You can also call VADOC’s fugitive line at 1-877-896-5764 and Virginia State Police by dialing #77 or 911.

Roulack, a Black male, stands at 5’8 inches tall, weighs 225 pounds, has brown eyes, and he has four identified tattoos – one on his chest that reads “Marie,” one on his left arm that reads “RIP Ish”, one on his right cheek that reads “Cut Throat” and one on his right arm that reads “Faith Is Seeing Light With Your Heart When All Your Eyes See Is Darkness.”

Roulack, a Greensville Correctional Center inmate, escaped from the supervision of two VADOC security officers at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital at approximately 5:50 a.m. Saturday.

He was last seen exiting a bathroom in the hospital wearing a white gown, white socks and was wearing no shoes.

He is now believed to be wearing jeans, a black hat with “Richmond” on it and a gray shirt.

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Supplier, dealer in large Southwest Virginia meth ring get lengthy prison terms https://augustafreepress.com/news/supplier-dealer-in-large-southwest-virginia-meth-ring-get-lengthy-prison-terms/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/supplier-dealer-in-large-southwest-virginia-meth-ring-get-lengthy-prison-terms/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:47:12 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=338398 meth ring

A Castlewood man who was one of the main sources of supply in a Southwest Virginia meth ring has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

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A Castlewood man who was one of the main sources of supply in a Southwest Virginia meth ring has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Payton Lee Farris, 26, of Castlewood, was identified by authorities as the supplier of approximately 40 kilograms of methamphetamine that was sold throughout Wise County and surrounding areas.

Farris pled guilty in March to conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine as well as distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Jamie Lynn Johnson, 46, of Coeburn, a repeat offender with multiple felony convictions who was widely known to trade methamphetamine in exchange for firearms, got an 18-year sentence after pleading guilty to selling meth as part of the drug ring.

Johnson, per authorities, purchased methamphetamine from Farris. According to court documents, over a period of six months, Farris purchased one pound of methamphetamine for $4,000 every two days and then sold Johnson, his primary customer, one pound of methamphetamine every three days for $5,000.

Johnson pleaded guilty in January to conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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