VP reporting Officer involved in shooting on Texas streets

September 6, 2011

The Pilot is reporting:

Police are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in the 400 block of Fort Worth Ave, dispatchers said.

The incident happened around 7 a.m., but police have not released any information.

It was unclear whether anyone was injured.

Fort Worth Avenue is near East Little Creek Road.

Update, 9/6/2011 @ 11:26am:

The Virginian-Pilot has the following details:

An officer was sent to the South Wind complex in the 400 block of Fort Worth Ave. around 7 a.m. on a report that someone was tampering with a vehicle, said Officer Chris Amos, police spokesman. The officer parked perpendicular behind the vehicle, had gotten out of his patrol car and began verbally challenging the man when he put his vehicle in reverse.

The car went backward and hit the police vehicle, pushing it into the officer, who fired, Amos said. The officer wasn’t hurt.

The man pushed the patrol car out of the way and was able to turn around and head west on Fort Worth a short distance before crashing into a vehicle parked on the street, Amos said. The officer followed, but no other shots were fired.

Police broke out the driver’s side window of the vehicle to try to help the man, who died inside the car.

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City takes a bite out of crime in Wards Corner

August 15, 2011
316, 320, 324, 336, 340, 360 and 362 San Antonio Boulevard, highlighted in blue, are being purchased by the City of Norfolk

316, 320, 324, 336, 340, 360 and 362 San Antonio Boulevard, highlighted in blue, are being purchased by the City of Norfolk

In accordance with the 2004 Wards Corner Comprehensive plan, the City is purchasing property in Denby Park.

Below is the full press release:

NORFOLK – City Council members and the Wards Corner Task Force have partnered on the need to acquire properties within the Denby Park neighborhood, specifically the Texas Streets section.   The acquisition is part of the city’s plan to build safe, healthy neighborhoods that will sustain future generations.

Total units being acquired are 68 apartment units located in seven buildings and the grounds.   The parcels include 316, 320, 324, 336, 340, 360 and 362 San Antonio Boulevard.

The acquisition price is a total of $2,686.000.   The City Council appropriated in the past two fiscal years for this purchase and those funds were made available July 1.   Additionally, the city is seeking council permission to encumber an additional $30,000 ($15,000 for each Agreement) for any related closing costs bringing the total to $2,716.000.

Of the 68 apartment units, 16 are currently occupied.  The landlord has agreed to work with the tenants to provide them with equal or better apartments within different properties he currently owns.  All of the current leases expire no later than July 2012.

As apartments become vacant or are vacant upon the City taking possession, each unit will be boarded, secured and monitored.   Once the buildings are vacant, an environmental study will be conducted and the buildings demolished.

Pertinent quotes from a Virginian-Pilot article on the property purchase:

Councilman Andy Protogyrou made the redevelopment of Wards Corner the focus of his 2010 election campaign. Although his ward does not include Denby Park, he represents much of Wards Corner.

“This is something we’ve waited for years to happen in the Wards Corner area. It’s the beginning all of us have looked forward to,” he said.

“Marcus really deserves a lot of credit for making this happen. This shows we can make things happen when we have the political will.”

Crime in Denby Park has been a major factor in the deterioration of the Wards Corner commercial area, city leaders have said.

“Until we take care of the crime issue in Denby Park, we’re not going to make progress in the Wards Corner commercial corridor,” said Martin Thomas Jr., vice president of the Wards Corner Civic League. “So this sounds like really good news.”

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Crime in the 300 blocks of E. Little Creek Road, Fort Worth Ave, and San Antonio Blvd

July 11, 2011

Much has been said about the crime (and/or perception of crime) emanating from the three criminal cancer infected blocks of 300 E. Little Creek Road, 300 Forth Worth Ave, and 300 San Antonio Blvd.

Below is the crime report for the 300 blocks from June 1, 2011 – July 9, 2011.

Crime description:	Location:	                Date/time:
LARCENY (ALL OTHERS)	300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	7/9/2011 11:00:00
LARCENY-PARTS FROM AUTO	300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	7/8/2011 6:00:00
ROBBERY-INDIVIDUAL	300 BLOCK FORT WORTH AV	        7/6/2011 21:50:00
NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS	300 BLOCK FORT WORTH AV	        6/30/2011 20:55:00
LARCENY (ALL OTHERS)	300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/29/2011 18:40:00
LARCENY-PARTS FROM AUTO	300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/29/2011 7:20:00
ROBBERY-INDIVIDUAL	300 BLOCK FORT WORTH AV	        6/26/2011 1:30:00
VANDALISM	        7800 BLOCK GALVESTON BLVD	6/25/2011 16:00:00
VANDALISM	        300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/22/2011 12:06:00
BURGLARY-RESIDENCE	7600 BLOCK GALVESTON BLVD	6/22/2011 7:30:00
VANDALISM	        300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/21/2011 14:00:00
VANDALISM	        7800 BLOCK DALLAS ST	        6/12/2011 11:00:00
VANDALISM	        300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/9/2011 20:00:00
LARCENY-PARTS FROM AUTO	300 BLOCK E LITTLE CREEK RD	6/7/2011 6:00:00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT	300 BLOCK E LITTLE CREEK RD	6/6/2011 23:20:00
BURGLARY-RESIDENCE	300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/4/2011 22:00:00
VANDALISM	        300 BLOCK SAN ANTONIO BLVD	6/1/2011 5:00:00
Crime in the 300 blocks of E. Little Creek Road, Fort Worth Ave, and San Antonio Blvd

Crime in the 300 blocks of E. Little Creek Road, Fort Worth Ave, and San Antonio Blvd

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Add murder charge to burglary suspect

July 1, 2011

Eugene Williams who is also charged with burglarizing Louis A. Daniel, Jr at the Cromwell House on June 15th is now also charged with his murder. Williams is due in court again on July 15th.

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Denby Park’s KaBoom Park to be moved?

June 29, 2011

Citing continued crime at the KaBoom park, the City and the Denby Park Civic League are making moves to close the park and relocate it to a safer portion of Monticello village.

 

The park was built in August 2008 by over 400 volunteers and with a grant from the Chrysler Foundation.    It is located at 352 San Antonio Blvd.

As a reminder, page 28 of the 2003 Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan:

[T]he high-density walkup apartments constructed in the Texas Streets section of Denby Park are, for the most part, not desirable housing.  They have been built too close together, without appropriate provision of open space, and without amenities. The maze-like character of the resulting development, its proximity to highly-travelled Little Creek Road and to Interstate – 64 make it unfortunately suitable for drug dealing and for serving as a base for other criminal activity. The Norfolk police report that the situation in these buildings is getting worse. They recommend major change: the acquisition and demolition of these buildings, before the situation has even more adverse impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods.  The many respectable people who are living in these buildings are being victimized by the current situation.

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Update on Homicide at Cromwell House

June 23, 2011
Eugene Williams Jr

Eugene Williams Jr

Originally reported on June 16, 2011 as Homicide at Cromwell House, the killer of Louis A. Daniel, Jr. has not been caught and police ask that anyone with information on the death call (757) 664-7023.

Nonetheless police have arrested a man in connection with the homicide and charged him with burglary.  The alleged criminal is Eugene Williams Jr. of the 1400 block of Long-dale Drive.  He is currently being held without bond in the Norfolk City Jail.

See the Virginian-Pilot article and the WVEC article.

 

 

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Homicide at Cromwell House Apartments

June 16, 2011
Cromwell House Apartments

Cromwell House Apartments

Residents and neighbors of Cromwell House Apartments have been complaining about increasing and persistent crime for some time now.

WAVY, WTKR, and WVEC are reporting that a homicide occurred there on Tuesday night between 11:00 and 11:30pm.  The victim was an elderly man who rarely left his apartment according to neighbors.

Police have not released details or a motive at this time.

 

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Report all suspicious activity

March 30, 2011

With the increase in reported robberies and burglaries in and around the Wards Corner area, please be reminded to report all suspicious activity to the police.  What is suspicious?  Below is an excerpt from the Norfolk Neighborhood Coordinators’ Manual, developed  by the Crime Prevention Division of the Norfolk Police Department.

WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?
“Basically, anything that seems even slightly out of the ordinary . . . could be criminal activity.”
Examples (not a complete list):
  • ƒA stranger inspecting or entering your neighbor’s home while your neighbor is away.
  • Someone trying to open a neighbor’s door or window.
  • A moving truck or van pulled up to a  neighbor’s home while they are gone.
  • Remember, burglaries often occur at times when they should be most obvious (broad daylight, in full view of observers).
  • Someone carrying property such as televisions, stereos, etc., at an unusually late hour or in an unusual place, especially if it does not appear that the property is newly purchased.
  • The sound of shattering glass could signal a possible burglary, vandalism or larceny in progress.
  • Anyone peering into vehicles as they walk down the street or someone removing tags, gasoline or parts from a vehicle.
  • Someone attempting to enter a vehicle using a coat hanger or other device.
  • Never assume that it is the owner who has locked his keys in his car.  Be suspicious of anyone tampering with the hood or trunk of a car.
  • An improperly parked vehicle or abandoned  vehicle or someone leaving one vehicle and driving away in another may be signs of a stolen vehicle.
  • Anyone being forced into a vehicle could be a victim of possible abduction.
  • Persons loitering around schools, parks, and isolated areas or in the neighborhood.  These loiterers could be possible sex offenders or burglars.
  • Business transactions conducted from  vehicles, especially around schools, playgrounds or parks.
  • A steady flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis could indicate drug sales or a fencing operation (purchasing
  • of stolen goods).
  • Offers of goods or repair work at an unusually low price could indicate stolen property or some type of fraud.
  • All fights, screams and loud noises (such as explosions) should be reported.
  • Door-to-door solicitors without properly issued licenses and identification should be suspected.
“DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE  TO CALL.  CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT IN PROGRESS SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”
Emergency:  911    Non-Emergency:  441-5610

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Robbery at Wards Corner business

March 24, 2011

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that La Botica in the 7500 block of Virginian Drive was robbed today.

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Police search for murder suspect that frequents Denby Park

December 1, 2010

In 2004, the Comprehensive Plan stated: ” The blighted high-density apartments that have become a high-crime area at the western end of the Texas Streets district in Denby Park are . . .  the highest priority location for a new initiative.”

Ali Ridley

Ali Ridley

According to WVEC:

Norfolk police are seeking assistance from the public in locating an individual wanted in connection with a murder that occurred in October of 2010.

On October 17, 8:45 P.M., police responded to the 3900 Blk E. Princess Anne Rd. in reference to an unconscious person. Officers located a gunshot victim that was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was identified as Travis Taylor, age 19, 1500 Blk. Rush St.

Investigators have secured warrants for Murder and Use of a Firearm against Ali Ridley aka “Bull”, in connection with this death. Ridley is described as a black male, age18, 5’5″, 140 lbs., with short, natural black hair. He frequents Rush St., Peacan Point, Nicholson St., Denby Park and the surrounding areas.

Anyone with information on Ali Ridley’s whereabouts is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

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Police looking for Denby Park resident, Mario “Rio” Fox, in connection with Timothy Drive shooting

November 29, 2010

 

Mario "Rio" Fox, image from WAVY.com

Mario "Rio" Fox, image from WAVY.com

Per the Virginian-Pilot:

 

City police are looking for a 26-year-old man in connection with a shooting Nov. 4 in the 500 block of Timothy Drive.

They have a pending warrant for the arrest of Mario “Rio” Fox on charges of robbery, armed burglary, aggravated assault and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Fox is black, 6 feet 4 inches tall and 215 pounds, with long dreadlocks.   Police said he is often seen around his residence on San Antonio Boulevard, along with East Bayview Boulevard and Ben Moreell housing.   He should be considered armed and dangerous, police say.

Anyone with information about Fox is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).

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Father charged in senseless death of 5 month old

November 26, 2010

Pilot Online has reported that Darrell Marvin Brown Jr., 27, of the 300 block of Fort Worth Avenue was charged with the malicious wounding of 5 month old Asia Brown. Norfolk Fire-Rescue responded Sunday to the 300 block of Fort Worth Avenue and said that Asia Brown was having difficulty breathing. She was admitted to the hospital in serious condition. Asia Brown died Wednesday evening. Additional charges are expected against Darrell Marvin Brown. He is being held in Norfolk City Jail.

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Credit Union at Wards Corner robbed

August 20, 2010

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that the Langley Federal Credit Union at 7420 Granby Street was robbed Friday, August 20, 2010 shortly after noon.

The man received an unknown amount of money and fled, Amos said. Shortly afterward, a dye pack with the money exploded.

The description of the man was vague. Police were looking at surveillance camera images to get a description of the man.

Anyone with information can call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).

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Wards Corner mentioned in Norfolk’s State of the City address

February 20, 2010

Mayor Fraim gave the State if the City Address on Friday, February 19, 2010.  It included the following information regarding the Wards Corner area:

More than $13 million has been invested in the Greater Wards Corner area since approval of the Comprehensive Plan.  Last year, police presence and code enforcement activities were stepped up, surveillance cameras installed in Denby Park, and a neighborhood watch begun with 60 residents participating.  As a result, violent crime in Wards Corner dropped 35% and property crime 6%.

Three residential rehabilitation programs were begun for Denby Park, Oakdale Farms and Monticello Village to assist residents in upgrading their homes.  The programs were so successful that within six months, the first $1 million was committed to 21 homeowners.  Another $1 million was committed this fiscal year to assist 40 homeowners, and there’s already a waiting list for next year.

On the commercial side, the department of development is in active discussions with major property owners in the heart of the Wards Corner business district, and we expect new development opportunities to be identified later this year.

The Mayor had this to say about crime:

We were disappointed and concerned by last year’s increase in the homicide rate.  With that exception, overall violent crime was down 14%.

In a very positive sign, juvenile arrests dropped significantly in selective enforcement areas – 83% in Huntersville; 41% in Denby Park and 14% in the Pleasant Avenue corridor.  Overall juvenile arrests were down 52%.  But the problem is still severe, it affects our children and school safety.  That is why I will ask the city council to establish a task force on youth and gang violence to be chaired by the vice mayor, Anthony Burfoot.

Not surprisingly, the Mayor touted the real estate purchases in Ocean View:

The City and NRHA continue to acquire dilapidated properties in Ocean View for redevelopment.  Recent examples include a 16 unit apartment on First View, a 15 unit apartment in Willoughby and the old Ramada Inn property on Ocean View Avenue.

Successful resolution for use of the property along 5th and 7th Bay Streets now makes it possible to begin thinking about preparing a development plan that includes public open space for this very desirable site.

But the purchase of property in the worst area of the Texas Streets portion of Denby Park continues to move at a snails pace (no properties have been purchased, no offers made).  Remember that the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan’s first listed priority was the redevelopment of those Texas Streets.  From page 30 of the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan:

We have identified three critical areas for the future of the Greater Wards Corner Area:
1. The Texas Streets portion of Denby Park and related areas extending along East Little Creek Road to the Southern Shopping Center,…

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ICE busts fake ID ring running out of Wards Corner area

January 26, 2010

According to the Virginian-Pilot, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have investigated a fake ID ring at least partially being run out of  a house in the Wards Corner area.  Three suspects are being charged in relation to running the “document mill”.

They are alleged to have produced hundreds of bogus identifications, Social Security and green cards enabling illegal immigrants to live and work here.

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