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Robbery at The Market
06/25/2009 4:24 PM by John M
We’ve gotten an unconfirmed report of an assault at the Market at Tobacco Row at 23rd and Main Streets:
within I think the last hour, a woman was assaulted right in front of The Market grocery store, they took her purse and bloodied her head. Some FedEx guys got a license plate, the police are looking for the suspect(s).
Again: this is unconfirmed but from a reputable source. Anybody got anything?
TAGGED: crime
I was just down there and a cop was talking to people like something had just gone down. Guess that explains what it was.
I went to the Market around 6 p.m. and tried to talk to two of the managers about it but all they would say was “we’re not allowed to talk about it, sorry.” I assume their management told them not to, since the police report would be public knowledge….they really clammed up when I asked about it.
Stopped at Poe’s and was told that someone had apparently grabbed a six or twelve pack of beer from the FasMart gas station just down the street on Main this afternoon and ran out, the owner of Poe’s saw the guy running off into the trees just north of the gas station, with a female FastMart employee giving chase. Mike drove around to Franklin Street, thinking to catch the guy if he came out of the trees but didn’t see him. So that’s actually two incidents on the same afternoon, not related. Dunno if there’s even a police report about the gas station grab-and-run beer episode.
We need to step up the police presence here ASAP.
Well, if we just get these teenagers off the streets by 11:00pm, all this crime will just go away!
Listen, the juvenile curfews are common in urban areas. There purpose is to keep these kids safe. Ask the police department what they think about it. They will tell you they strongly support it.
“Listen, the juvenile curfews are common in urban areas. There purpose is to keep these kids safe. Ask the police department what they think about it. They will tell you they strongly support it.”
According to other posts on this blog, some people are very much under the impression that the curfew is to keep kids from causing trouble, and that’s what Libertine is referring to.
“Of course, usually, I am not awake at 11 pm! But no high-school age kid should be out that late at night. If they are, it’s good bet that they are hanging out with the wrong crowd and are up to no good.” -tiny
So which is it? To protect the kids or to prevent them from being “up to no good?”
What does the curfew have to do with this thread?
Caroline,
It’s both. The ‘system’ is stepping in as the guardian by limiting a minors movement after these hours.
“So which is it? To protect the kids or to prevent them from being “up to no good?—
Both, because they’re a lot safer at home than they would be in a juvenile detention center.
Petty, Petty – move on!!!
pack more heat
The assault and robbery at the Market (and the grab-and-run-with-beer at Fasmart) happened between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
I understand you guys want to discuss the pros and cons of curfew, and I’m fine with that,but it doesn’t apply to the hours of 3 to 5 p.m.
Does anyone know any more about the robbery at the market?
Richmond Police investigators have developed a strong suspect in this case.
We are currently interviewing witnesses and following up on several leads, and we hope to have more information to release soon.
-Dionne Waugh, Richmond Police Public Affairs
BUT THINK OF THE CHILDREN! LOL
Kids should have a curfew all day so this doesn’t happen and we can all be safe!
I am changing my tag name since there are two Karens posting now.
Male knocks down female in parking lot. Steals her purse. Police officer witnesses this and runs after the guy and loses him, however, they know who he is.
And Bullwinkle, you are right – we do need more police presence, however, there just aren’t enough to go around.
To Dionne Waugh on #13, thank you for the posting!
The Times Dispatch has picked up on this.
I feel like I get mugged every time I make the mistake of buying produce from the Market. As to the meat section, that truly is a criminal offense. Yuk yuk.
E-mail Advisory ​6/26/09  Â
Richmond Police Department
Person of Interest Sought
Â
Richmond Police need the public’s help in finding a person of interest sought in connection with the assault and robbery of a 76-year-old woman Thursday.
Â
Lynell Alexander Jr., 22, of the 1500 block of Edgelawn Drive in Henrico County, is wanted for questioning.
Â
The woman was loading groceries in her car just after 3 p.m. in the 2300 block of East Main Street when a man struck her, stole her purse and drove away.
Â
Anyone with any information on Alexander’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
Alexander
Are you sure that isn’t Lil Bow Wow ?
#22 – if you know the guy and where he is, call Crime Stoppers or another police phone number. If your post was made to be funny, I don’t find it funny.
I’ve spent most of the day wondering if the woman who was assaulted was a neighbor whom I care about, and just found out that said neighbor is fine, but I still feel very sorry for the woman who was assaulted, and hope she is okay physically. I’m sure she’s pretty traumatized emotionally and will be for some time to come. I know I was when I was attacked many years ago.
I don’t mean to say anything other than I don’t think this particular thread should be used for humor. We all say funny stuff now and then, but I think this incident is not funny and does not lend itself to humor. Just my take, folks.
John M., thanks as usual for making my link easier to use, one of these days I’ll learn how to code that stuff…
I feel for the police and understand that they are understaffed (i.e. “not enough to go around” per #16)
Anyone know if there any plans to put more police on the beat (maybe a good use for some of the federal stimulus funds)?
Also, it’s good to see a police representative posting / presumably keeping tabs on the neighbor hood here (#13). Thanks Dionne.
I feel like assaulting an elderly person should be an extra offense – like crimes against children.
What a coward.
I agree #25 – what a punk.
CRD, I asked about the victim/the incident when I was down at the Market on Friday. The staff member I talked to said they had talked to her daughter earlier that day, and she’s doing much better.
I don’t know about you, but over the past few months I’ve noticed an overall improvement in morale at the Market. Perhaps they have a new manager; Lately whenever I enter the store, I’m greeted, at least once, and the checkers are always in a good mood.
The staff members I spoke to at the Market say they’re trying to be vigilant about folks “hanging out” in their parking lot, and they want customers to let em know when someone/thing seems up to no good.
Friday’s conversation with Market folks made feel a little better, tho I bet the victim and her family are is still traumatized by the whole incident. Pitiful.
#27….I was returning a video at The Market a few weeks ago and an African-American man his 40’s (that was obviously drunk or high) was creating a disturbance in the parking lot. He milled about the lot, approaching everyone’s car, shouting “I’m a Farrakhan man!” and looking to start trouble.
I figured that management would be all over it and that he would be asked to leave the premises and if he refused, the police would be called. I go inside to finish my shopping and I come out, and a store manager is talking to this guy. He’s shouting at the top of his lungs, screaming profanities and intimidating customers who are coming in and out of the store.
My question is this. Why weren’t the police called? It’s been my experience that many black folks are reluctant to call police in situations such as this when the perpetrator is someone of the same race. Perhaps there is a fear or distrust of the police? I don’t know…however, the manager did a horrendous job in this instance and did himself nor the store any favors.
UnionHill #27 I’m glad they talked to you about it, they sure were mum the day I asked, but it’s really good to know that she’s doing better. To my knowledge, they don’t have new managers, but there are three who always say hello to me, Hugh, John and Chris. Some of the checkout clerks are extra nice, too – Patricia and Kaye come to mind.
CHDrew #28, I don’t know why police weren’t called, that sounds like a nasty situation, perhaps management themselves didn’t want them there, which, given what happened last week, is a real shame. I can only guess that management thought it would be a black mark against them to have a police report with their address on it? That’s a wild guess…have you talked to management about it? Don’t know if that would give you any satisfaction, but maybe it would encourage them in the future to ask for police help and let them know that their customers would appreciate it.
RE #28 – Just a note… If someone is ever screaming profanities in my face and being intimidating toward me, whether I am at work, at home, or at a store, please go ahead and be the one to call the cops. Not trying to be accusatory, but sometimes things escalate really fast, and just because the guy is a store manager doesn’t necessarily mean that he has the expertise to handle the situation – even if the screamer is the same race as he is. And just because he is at work doesn’t mean that was not kind of scary for him, either.
I think that it is cool when people step in on behalf of each other. Everyone has been in a freaky situation here and there, and having a third party gently (or not so gently, if necessary) assist is the greatest relief in the world. This is the one big thing that every single member of a community is capable of, regardless of anything else. Anyone can show presence and concern, and it sounds like maybe this was a good opportunity for that.
Hi everyone, I’m new to the neighborhood and have found this website to be an invaluable tool in getting to know my new neighborhood. I’m distressed about this crime at The Market, as my girlfriend and I drop in when we don’t want to drive to Kroger. What is the best number to call for police assistance? I realize that if I were in the parking lot when the crime happened I would have no idea who to call.
#31……call 911.
I just recently moved to Church Hill and I have heard that there is a Crime Watch but I can’t seem to find any information about it. I really enjoyed being a part of my neighborhood watch group back in Seattle and I’d love to join up here.
Thanks!
It kind of depends where you are located. Your best bet is to show up the next civic association for your area and make the contact there. Part of Church Hill is covered by Shelby Long’s phone-based Crime Watch Program. Contact her at shelbyshorttlong@aol.com or (804)648-2710.
Both Union Hill and Church Hill civic associations will be holding a picnic at Patrick Henry Park on July 21st at 7PM.
New Visions Civic Association (between Carrington and Fairmount) won’t be having a meeting in July but you can hit me directly at murden@gmail.com for more info.
Unity Civic Association (north of Fairmount) will meet Thu, July 9, 6:30pm @ St. Peter’s Development Center 22nd and X Street Call 643-9353 or willieand@aol.com for more info.
(Are there other area civic associations that are not listed here?!?)
#24… I saw on the news that Richmond Police will not be getting raises as scheduled anytime soon. As I remember, when this happened the last few times officers went to higher paying jurisdictions. I can’t blame them. They have families to take care of too.
#27… Many businesses do not want police seen at or near their businesses. Especially after something like this. I guess they don’t want people to think it’s a problem business.
Does 911 work from a cell phone? I have an 804 number. Just to be sure I also saved the numbers for the 1st Precinct: (804) 646-3602 and (804) 646-7000.
Justin #36, yes it does work from a cell phone. I don’t have a particularly fancy cell phone and it dials 911 just fine. I think they all do. Matter of fact, mine doesn’t charge minutes for calling 911. I don’t have to dial the area code, just 911. When I first got the phone and first dialed 911, I had some problems about using the area code plus 911, but I called the provider and they straightened it out. Now, just three numbers and I’m there at 911.
I’ve only had to use it a few times, most when I’ve worked late (until nearly midnight) and seen strange things going on during the drive home. Other time was just after Hurricane Isabel, with groups of not welcome non-residents near my house, and I’m here to tell you, having a cell phone then was great.
Most cell phones can dial 911 even if you’re out of minutes or the phone service is suspended. My carier does charge for the call.
There was a short period of time when the Market stationed a guard outside at night; I think that lasted about a week. Maybe they could consider re-instating him, or perhaps investing in some security cameras for the parking lot? If they can’t be responsible for their patrons, they def have a responsibility to the ladies that work there when they leave at night, or the manager when he makes the drop.
In truth I’m surprised there aren’t more incidents like this. I see shady people in that parking lot all the time, casing cars, hanging out drunk, etc. Yet I still walk around like I’m in my living room. I’ve become used to it, complacent, a very bad habit indeed.
One more comment, if I may: I would never want to see the store manager put himself in harm’s way by trying to intervene…in the future, I hope someone does call 911 and let the police handle it.
Man wanted in beating of 76-year-old woman surrenders (RTD 6/1/09)
The Times Dispatch has a new story on this, suspect has turned himself in.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/local/crime/article/LADYGAT01_20090701-112601/277353/
Man pleads guilty in Shockoe Bottom attack (RTD 3/29)