Richmond police cruiser set on fire in Barton Heights
A parked Richmond police cruiser was found early today on fire and with its rear windshield smashed out by a brick.
No injuries were reported in the vandalism, which was discovered about 12:50 a.m. in the 2900 block of Barton Avenue, Capt. Dave Martin said.
The cruiser had been parked along the street in Barton Heights for a short time as part of the department's strategy of placing unmanned cruisers in neighborhoods as crime deterrents.
"One of the sergeants came back and saw smoke coming from the vehicle," Martin said.
After the fire had been extinguished, police found a brick on the floor of the car, Martin said.
It was not immediately clear what had been used to start the fire, Martin said.
"We've towed it to hold for an investigation, but we couldn't tell," he said.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (804) 780-1000.
-- Joe Macenka
Reader Reactions
Good thing they got those 40 illegal police cars.
STRATEGERY! Oh, this is funny.
As a resident who lives in the neighborhood a few blocks over, I can say that the RPD has some management decisions to reconsider. Local residents have stepped forward and given police detailed info. regarding hot drug houses/club spots for years, and they will not shut them down. The current police chief has said that property crime is their major focus. But, if no one was selling pharmaceuticals, then there would be no reason for theft to pay for the drugs. Maybe now that the RPD’s own property is at stake, they will listen?!?
here is a crazy idea…how about putting someone in that cruiser as a deterrent to crime.
How long do you think it took the criminal element to figure out it was empty? My guess is; just after the officer parked it and drove away in another vehicle…lol
I have heard of law enforcement parking empty cruisers on highways because the sight of them makes people slow down.. but I am not so sure that would be as effective when you are up close and personal to the car in your neighborhood. I would think that having the car fitted with a motion sensing recording device and posting that in the window might be a good idea if they decide to continue this strategy.
LOL!!! They put a scarecrow in the neighborhood. RPD, gotta lov’em!
They are damned if they do, damned if they don’t! Hey, at least they ARE trying!!! Instead of critiquing, how about you offer up some suggestions?!?!
STRATEGY? Department’s strategy of placing unmanned cruisers in neighborhoods as crime deterrents. You thinks it’s going to work now since you have given the “STRATEGY” away.
WHY RICHMOND!!!!!
“The cruiser had been parked along the street in Barton Heights for a short time as part of the department’s strategy of placing unmanned cruisers in neighborhoods as crime deterrents.“
As Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that workin’ for you?“
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