Police cite efforts in Jefferson Davis area

Two Richmond police officers were patrolling Jefferson Davis Highway on foot late Wednesday night when a resident alerted them to a suspicious car in the area of Yorktown Avenue.

Acting on the tip, officers stopped the car, seized drugs and guns and arrested four people, police Cmdr. Steve Drew told nearly 100 people at a community forum last night at the Satellite Restaurant on Jefferson Davis in South Richmond.

Seeking to calm rattled nerves after two shopkeepers were shot this month on Jefferson Davis, Drew pointed to Wednesday night's arrests as an example of a crucial partnership between police and residents that will make the Jefferson Davis corridor safer.

"I need the criminal element to see this neighborhood united," Drew told a receptive audience that applauded several times.

Drew and other city officials sought to assure residents after one shopkeeper was shot and killed and another clerk was shot six times, within a period of three days and only a few blocks apart.

No arrest has been made in either crime.

He said the Richmond Police Department has bolstered its presence along Jefferson Davis, including uniformed and plainclothes officers. Authorities are focused heavily on robberies, prostitution and burglaries, he said.

Drew also pointed out that the department recorded 19 violent crimes in May along the corridor south of Harwood Street, compared with eight violent crimes so far this month. He said Jefferson Davis had seen no commercial robberies in about two weeks.

"That's entirely too many," Drew said of the 19 violent crimes. "And that's in May -- we haven't even gotten to the summer yet."

Attending the meeting last night was Mike Shaban, owner of the Superior Outlet and Pawn Shop on Jefferson Davis. He said he shot and wounded an armed robber in December. Police have not yet placed charges in the robbery, although Drew said they had strong suspects.

In April, Shaban said burglars stole jewelry and guns from his store.

"I do have safety concerns," Shaban said. "I'm a little optimistic, though."

Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood told residents last night that their concerns were priorities for the police department. Councilwoman Reva Trammell, whose 8th District includes the Jefferson Davis corridor, also spoke.

"We're here for you all," she said. "We're not going to forget you. It's got to be solved."

Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .