Category: crime

Mother charged in Bowling Green Primary School gun incident

From The Free Lance-Star: Mother charged in school gun case:

The mother of a 4-year-old Bowling Green Primary School student who authorities said brought a gun to school last week, was charged Saturday.

Caroline County Sheriff Tony Lippa said the woman, who was not named to protect the identity of her child, was charged with recklessly leaving a firearm so as to endanger a child under the age of 14, which is a class 3 misdemeanor.

Lippa said the mother told police she kept the gun loaded and in plain sight for protection for the child and herself.

He said a lesson should be learned from the incident and parents should remember to separate ammo and guns and to get gun locks, which are free at the Sheriff’s Office, for their guns.

He said however, that he understands there’s a tradeoff for those who want their gun for immediate use, such as protection, as in this case.

Lippa said he was not sure whether the woman would face any additional charges, but he said she will go to court on at least the one charge Feb. 26. She was charged in a summons.

The loaded pistol was found in the boy’s possession last Thursday when a fellow student spotted it and told a teacher.

The police were then called, the report taken and the gun confiscated, according to previous police reports.

Lippa said it’s important to remember and be thankful that no one was hurt.

“We avoided a tragedy,” he said.

“BeBe” Goes to Jail

That’s a reference to Ernest Goes to Jail in case you didn’t get that…

From The Free Lance-Star: Man, 19, held in slaying:

A man wanted for a Jan. 12 slaying at a Fredericksburg nightspot was captured early yesterday in Westmoreland County.

Brandon Lee Smith, 19, was taken into custody without incident shortly before 2 a.m. at a home just outside Colonial Beach, police said.

Smith is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 30-year-old Dasan Ka’Wila Richardson.

Richardson was working as a bouncer at Mi Casa Restaurant in Central Park when he was shot twice in the chest with a .45-caliber gun during an altercation involving Smith and others, police said.

Fredericksburg police quickly identified and charged Smith in the slaying, but were unable to find him until yesterday.

Police said that Smith, also known as “BeBe,” is a member of the gang “Pound Property,” a gang which operates primarily in Colonial Beach, King George and Westmoreland.

Details regarding what led to Smith’s apprehension were sketchy yesterday, but city Lt. Eddie Delano said the key tip regarding Smith’s whereabouts was received by the Colonial Beach Police Department.

I guess some of your boys aren’t too happy with you.

Beach police and Westmoreland deputies later went to the house and surrounded the residence. Smith walked out and gave himself up.

He was later turned over to Fredericksburg detectives and is being held without bond in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

According to police, Richardson was working for a promoter who had rented Mi Casa for a “hip-hop” event.

Shortly after 1 a.m. that morning, Smith was forcibly removed from the building because he is underage and because event sponsors recognized him as someone who had caused problems at prior events.

Court records state that Smith returned five to seven minutes later with several other associates and got into a fight with bouncers.

Richardson was shot at point-blank range.

Smith also has drug trials pending next month in Fredericksburg Circuit Court.

Another Busy Week: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 19, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 19, 2008:

On January 14, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard responded to a break in at an apartment in Bowling Green. After investigating, Antoine T. Johnson, 18, of no fixed address, was charged with breaking and entering and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was ordered held under a $2,000 bond and an arraignment date of January 15, 2008 was set.

On January 15, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Cornelius Jones, 36, of Woodford was charged with felony driving after being declared an habitual offender. Also charged with driving under the influence was William T. Jones, 59, of Woodford. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date for both was set for January 16, 2008.

On January 15, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller responded to a Ruther glen address for a report of a larceny. After investigating, a warrant for felony larceny was obtained for Phillip O. Harris, 32, of Ruther Glen. The warrant was served on January 17, 2008. Harris’ court date and bond amount were not available.

On January 17, 2008, Lt. K. L. Chatman was called to a primary school in the county for a weapons violation report. After investigating, a juvenile was found to have brought a weapon to school. The parent of the juvenile was charged with recklessly leaving a firearm so as to endanger a child under the age of 14. The parent was released on a summons and a court date of February 26, 2008 was set.

On January 18, 2008, Deputy M. A. Dip responded to a report of trespassers in Port Royal. After investigating, Tonya T. Deloach, 32 and Warren V. Deloach, 44, both of Port Royal, were each charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a breath test. Both were released on their own recognizance and arraignment for both was scheduled for February 1, 2008.

On January 18, 2008, Deputy M. M. Ellett stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Charles L. McGhee, 42, of Hanover was charged with driving while his license is suspended – 3rd or subsequent offense. He was ordered held on a $1,000 bond and an arraignment date of January 27, 2008 was set.

On January 18, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane encountered a vehicle in Carmel Church. After investigating, Amber E. McBrayer, 27, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving while her driver’s license is suspended – 4th offense. She was ordered held on a $1,000 bond. Also charged was Rufus A. Davis, 31, of Carmel Church. Davis had 2 outstanding failure to appear warrants. He was ordered held without bond. A court date of January 23, 2008 was set for both.

On January 18, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle in Penola for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Murphy C. Fountain, 46, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of February 3, 2008 was set.

On January 19, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge and Sgt. C. A. Rozell responded to a disturbance at a business in Ladysmith. After investigating, Gotardo F. Miguel, 19, of Mineral was charged with being drunk in public and underage possession of alcohol. Also charged with being drunk in public was Rueben Hernandez, 30, of Mineral. Both were released on personal recognizance bonds and arraignment dates of February 29, 2008 were set for both.

On January 19, 2008, Deputy M .M. Ellett stopped a vehicle in Dawn for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Anthony W. Goff, 36, of Leander, TX was charged with driving under the influence. He was ordered held on a $1,000 bond and an arraignment date of February 22, 2008 was set.

On January 19, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Robert A. Columbus, 33, of Woodford was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a breath test. He was released on his own recognizance and an arraignment date of February 1, 2008 was set.

Great — we made the AP…

And that’s never good — because they never write anything good about this area.

From the AP via Richmond Times-Dispatch: Caroline woman’s cats found gutted:

A Caroline County woman became suspicious that someone was targeting her cats after they started showing up dead on the side of the road in front of her house.

A veterinarian’s report and a Caroline animal control investigation shows that Karen Mikkelsen’s suspicions might be right: at least two of the five cats that have died were cut vertically along their abdomens and gutted.

Mikkelsen says her first cat died three years ago, but she didn’t become suspicious until four were found dead since Thanksgiving.

Caroline Animal Control Deputy Assistant Officer J. Heffler says the office began an investigation after they were alerted to the deaths last week.

The perpetrator could be charged with a class 6 felony and face up to five years in prison.

The Free Lance-Star article has more details (the next post down).

Alright, this is just plain sick…

The Free Lance-Star: Caroline woman fears her cats being killed:

Karen “Micky” Mikkelsen had eight pet cats that kept her company through her multiple transplant surgeries over the past year.

But Mikkelsen became suspicious when her beloved cats started showing up dead on the side of the road in front of her house.

Since she moved into her Caroline County home, just south of New Post, Mikkelsen has lost five cats.

A veterinarian’s report and a Caroline animal control investigation shows that at least two of the cats weren’t hit by cars; they were cut vertically along their abdomens and gutted.

[…]

Mikkelsen, who rents a home on 32 acres in the county, said that when her first cat died three years ago, she didn’t suspect foul play. But after four died since Thanksgiving, she recruited a friend to help figure out what was going on.

[…]

According to the Hartwood Animal Hospital report, the two most recently killed cats, Andy and Momma Kitty, were gutted.

“This is obviously not a case of being hit by a car or killed by another animal, for the bodies are unremarkable except for the incision line,” the report, dated Jan. 8, says.

There were no broken bones or evidence of gunshot wounds, according to the report.

Caroline Animal Control Deputy Assistant Officer J. Heffler said the office began an investigation after a call last week alerting them to the deaths.

“We canvassed the area, but nobody had seen anything particular,” Heffler said.

The officer said they have asked neighbors to let them know if there is suspicious activity, but right now, “there’s no proof to tie it to anybody.”

While no charges have been filed in the case, according to Virginia code, if someone is found to have tortured and killed the cats, he could be charged with a class 6 felony and serve up to five years in prison.

Heffler said all they can hope for is that it doesn’t happen again.

“Hopefully this is a one-time incident,” she said.

Yeah, one-time incident until you find someone’s body in the weirdo’s freezer.

Bartz said Shadow Cat Advocates will be offering a reward for information connected to the cats’ deaths.

Mikkelsen said she will be keeping her remaining cats in the house until she can build another enclosure for them on her property.

Lashawn Monroe appeared in court today — will update.

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Man charged with teen’s slaying to appear in court:

A man charged with killing a 16-year-old outside a Ruritan clubhouse in Caroline County will appear in court today.

Lashawn Monroe, 22, is charged with murder and illegal use of a firearm in the November slaying of Raquel Hunter.

Hunter’s body was found on the ground outside the Madison Ruritan Club hall in Ladysmith about 11 p.m. Nov. 10. The hall had been rented for a birthday party for another teen. That party started about 7 p.m. and was just ending when the shooting occurred.

Monroe told an investigator that he fired shots during the incident, according to a court affidavit filed in connection with a search warrant issued in the case.

Busy Week: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008:

On January 6, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. After a narcotics canine alert and further investigation, Latoya A. Price, 27, of Landover, MD was charged with possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy. She was ordered held under a $3500 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy T. J. Ketchem stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Kevin L. Gray, 46, Georgetown, SC was charged with possession of marijuana -2nd offense and driving on a revoked driver’s license. He was ordered held under a $1600 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Randolph V. Liles, 30, of Bowling Green was charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license – 8th offense. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 8, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller stopped a vehicle fro a traffic infraction. After investigating, Paul E. Barnett, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with being a fugitive from South Carolina. He was ordered held without bond to await extradition.

On December 27, 2007, Deputy J. K. Miller handled a breaking and entering. After investigating, Jermaine T. Brown, 20, of Ruther Glen was charged with breaking and entering and grand larceny on January 9, 2008. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of January 16, 2008 was set.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Allyson B. Durham, 24, of Stafford was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Also charged was Daniel M. Fallon, 33, of Ruther Glen. He was charged on a probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and obstruction of justice. Both were ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set for both.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to a residence in Ruther Glen for a reported disturbance. After investigating, Lindsay A. Stanley, 50, of Ruther Glen was charged with brandishing a firearm. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 10, 2008, Deputy M. M. Ellett stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Brian K. Hopson, 36, of Madisonville, TN was charged with felony driving under the influence – 5th offense; refusing to submit to a chemical test and drinking while driving. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a disturbance at a business in Carmel Church. After investigating, Terrance Mosley, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with trespassing. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. Imed Chama, 43, of Brooklyn, NY was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 16, 2008 was set for both.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy G. J. Hamilton stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Andre During, 19, of Ruther Glen, was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and a court date of January 23, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb responded to a Bowling Green residence for a domestic. After investigating, Dana C. Bailey, 41, of Bowling Green was charged with domestic assault and battery. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and an arraignment date of January 15, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Judy F. Thompson, 52, of Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence – 2nd offence and refusal to submit to a chemical test. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of February 21, 2008 was set.

Security guard shot and killed in Fredericksburg

From NBC4 in Washington, D.C.: Security Guard Shot Dead At Va. Restaurant:

A security guard was shot dead early Saturday in the doorway of a city restaurant and police are searching for his killer, police said.

Officers were called to the Mi Casa Restaurant in the Central Park shopping center about 1:15 a.m. for several reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found the victim just inside the front door, suffering two gunshot wounds to the chest, police said.

Police said 30-year-old Dasan Ka’Wila Richardson, a restaurant security guard, died a short time later, despite live-saving efforts at the restaurant and in an ambulance.

Detectives identified a possible shooter based on witness interviews. Police obtained a search warrant and the SWAT team made their way into a teen’s home in Riverside Manor about 11:15 a.m., police said. No one was there.

Police have obtained warrants charging Brandon Lee Smith, 19, with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Fredericksburg police at 540-372-1122.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 5, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 5, 2008:

On December 29, 2007, members of the Caroline Sheriff’s Office under the supervision of Sergeant S. L. Cary held a checkpoint to remove impaired drivers from our highways. A total of 56 summonses were issued and 3 criminal arrests were made. Sheriff Lippa commends all personnel involved for their dedication to making our highways safer.

On December 30, 2007, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge responded to a domestic in Dawn. After investigating, warrants were obtained. On January 2, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller served the warrant on Angela M. Brown, 41, of Dawn. She was charged with malicious wounding and ordered held without bond. Her arraignment date was srt for January 3, 2008.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy F. L. Brennan encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, William C. Herndon, Jr., 20, of Ruther Glen was charged with underage possession of alcohol. He was released on a summons and a court date of February 6, 2008 was set.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy D. W. Mundie encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, Octavio E. Martinez, 28, of Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence and driving with no driver’s license. He was ordered held under a $3000 bond and an arraignment date of January 2, 2008 was set.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy W. M. Jones stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Andrew N. Taylor, 30, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 1, 2008, Deputy R. L. Hixson stopped a vehicle fro a traffic infraction. After investigating, Michael D. Carpenter, 20, of King George was charged with driving under the influence and underage possession of alcohol. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date was unavailable.

On January 1, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, Reinaldo R. Moreno, 53, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence and driving on a revoke license. He was ordered held under a $2000 bond and an arraignment date of January 2, 2008 was set.

On January 4, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller responded to a traffic crash in Ruther Glen. After investigating, Parish D. Freeman, III, 27, of Ruther Glen was charged with leaving the scene of a crash, driving under the influence, failing to submit to a chemical test, and failure to wear a seat belt. Also, Tracy F. Carter, 41, of Ruther Glen was charged with obstruction of justice. Both were released on personal recognizance bonds and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 5, 2008, Deputy G. J. Hamilton stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, a male juvenile was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and his court date information was unavailable.