Arrest made in southside break-ins and assaults

From RPD:

Thanks to the vigilance of neighbors, a Richmond man suspected of entering homes through unlocked doors then exposing himself or physically assaulting women has been arrested.

“We always urge community members to call the police when they see something suspicious,” said Lt. Jason Hudson with the Major Crimes Division. “The citizen who called about this person reported something that seemed out of the ordinary, and that information led us to arrest a suspect in multiple sexual assaults.”

Yesterday evening, a concerned citizen in the The Crossings at Bramblewood apartment complex called police to report a suspicious individual. Officers detained the man, who was later identified as Saevone S. Brown, 22, of the 500 block of Rossmore Drive.

Further investigation led detectives to link Brown to the series of six incidents that took place between August 29 and September 11 in the St. John’s Woods, Ashley Park and Crossings at Bramblewood neighborhoods.

Victims in those incidents reported that in the early morning hours on those dates a man was seen either outside or inside their home exposing himself or they were awakened by a man inappropriately touching them.

Brown is charged with sexual battery, trespassing and two counts of breaking and entering. Additional charges are expected. His booking photo is attached.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

Original Post 9/12/16

From RPD:

Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who is entering homes through unlocked doors and exposing himself or physically assaulting female occupants.

Six incidents have occurred between August 29 and September 11 that detectives believe are connected. All of these incidents have taken place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Ashley Park, Bramblewood Estates and St. Johns’s Wood neighborhoods off of Jahnke Road.

“The suspect in these incidents is knocking on windows and taking advantage of unlocked doors,” said Captain James Laino with the Major Crimes Division. “We urge residents to secure their homes by locking all doors and windows and report any suspicious persons or activity by calling 911.”

On August 29, officers responded to a report of a break-in and assault in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The victim stated she was awakened around 6:15 a.m. by an unknown black male inappropriately touching her. She screamed and when another resident entered the room the suspect fled.

Another break-in and assault with a similar sequence of events was reported on September 2 in the 500 block of Harrow Road. At approximately 2:15 a.m. the victim woke to an unknown black male touching her inappropriately. Another resident came into the room and scared the suspect away.

Four days later on September 6, two incidents were reported in roughly an hour. The first took place at about 6 a.m. in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The second happened around 7 a.m. in the 1400 block of Brownleaf Drive. Both victims reported hearing knocking at a bedroom window.

The victim on Marlowe Road turned on the outside light and saw an unknown black male, who ran away as the light came on. Police found signs of an attempt to force entry into the residence in a torn porch screen.

On Brownleaf Drive, the victim told police she saw an unknown male outside of her window exposing himself. He was last seen walking toward Whitesand Drive.

Around 1 a.m. on September 9, officers were called to the 500 block of Rossmore Drive in reference to a break-in and indecent exposure. The victim advised that an unknown black male entered her apartment, exposed himself and then fled on foot.

Yesterday morning just before 5 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of St. Ann’s Drive for a reported break-in and assault. The victim stated an unknown black male entered the home, touched her inappropriately then fled through the back door of the residence.

In each case, the suspect has been described as a black male with a small but muscular build and short hair in twists or curls. At the time of the incidents, he has worn all black or dark clothing. He may also be wearing a beanie or stocking-style hat.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.