Category Archives: crime

Grace Arents Marker Gone Missing

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Oregon Hill residents noticed last night that the Grace Arents historical marker that was next to the St. Andrew’s School on Idelwood has gone missing. A report has been made to the police. Considering the cost of this marker, if this is indeed theft/vandalism, it should qualify for grand larceny.

This is happening at a time of year when the neighborhood sees an uptick of vandalism with the arrival of VCU students. This is also happening at a sensitive time for Grace Arent’s legacy, with her historic affordable housing at Cumberland Linden having recently sold.

Home Invasion On S. Pine Street

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From police report:

In the early morning hours of March 20th, officers responded to 105 S. Pine Street for a report of a Domestic which was upgraded to a Breaking and Entering in progress (20210320-0083). At the location, Officers were able to detain a male individual who appeared to be impaired on both alcohol and narcotics. None of the occupants of the residence knew the individual. He was subsequently arrested on three felony charges. No reported injuries. VCU PD also responded to the call for service.

Hollywood Cemetery Severely Vandalized

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Word came over the weekend, but today other news outlets reported on enormous vandalism at Hollywood Cemetery- gravestones and markers toppled.

From WRIC news:

Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith held a news conference Monday morning to address vandalism over the weekend at the Hollywood Cemetery.

Chief Smith is asking the public for any information that could help their investigation of the damage to the historic cemetery. Smith said there are no security cameras in the area.

The vandalism happened in the President’s Circle of the historic cemetery, Chief Smith said. U.S. presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are buried there.

“This historical cemetery is the resting place for those who actually founded Richmond,” Smith said. “As well as some of the members of the Confederacy.”

Smith said the graves that were desecrated show no markings of the Confederacy. However, it would take some time to find out if there is a connection.

Unacceptable

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From neighbor:

Rowdy night last night on the Hill. Big student party broke up a bit after mignight. About a hundred partyers. No masks. They left trinkets in the new trees on the walk back to VCU.

This is unacceptable. VCU President Rao and administration have to take some responsibility also. But Oregon Hill residents also need to make sure they alert the VCU and Richmond police to the problems.
This is happening during a dangerous pandemic. There’s historical precedent for taking far greater measures in the interest of public health.

Break-In and Gunshots This Morning

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From alert.vcu.edu:

Reported offense:On November 23, 2020, at 6:50 AM, a home invasion was reported to have occurred at 115 South Laurel Street.

Brief description of how the crime took place:Victim reported that two suspects made entry into his home after kicking in the back door. Once inside the residence the victim reported being struck in the head during a brief scuffle. As the suspects were leaving several gunshots were fired at the residence. One victim sustained injuries to his fore head during the initial scuffle.

Suspect/s:Suspect #1 Hispanic male, 6’2”, 210 lbs, with red hair “braids”, and wearing red sweatpants. Suspect #2 – White male, 5’^”, 180 lbs, wearing a gray hoodie, and black pants. Last known direction of travel is unknown.

Investigating agency:Richmond Police are leading the investigation.

Awoken By Gunfire (Again)

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Around 5:45 this morning, many Oregon Hill residents were waked up by the sound of gunfire. Maybe 20 to 30 shots.

From the police blotter:

11/05/2020 05:44 RPD Precinct 4 412A1 RANDOM GUNFIRE , INVESTIGATE 700-BLK S PINE ST Enroute
11/05/2020 05:44 RPD Precinct 3 312A6 RANDOM GUNFIRE , INVESTIGATE W 24TH ST/RIVERSIDE DR RICH Arrived

There were reports from resident across the river also.

This reminded many Oregon Hill neighbors of a disturbing incident this past summer.