Police Looking for Help in Identifying Robbery Suspects

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

On July 17, 2010 at 12:43 P.M., two black male suspects entered the Sunoco gas station in the 2900 block of Victory Blvd.  The suspects produced a shotgun and demanded money from the clerk.  The suspects left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in trying to identify the suspects.  Photos of the suspects are attached.

If anyone recognizes the suspects, they are asked to contact Portsmouth Crime Line.  Either by texting “Portsmouth” plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) or calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

National Night Out

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHEN:         Saturday, July 24, 2010, 3:00 P.M – 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:      North Ferry Landing / Portside

Water St. at Bill Deal Dr.

Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

WHO:           Portsmouth Police Department

WHAT:         National Night Out Kick Off Event

WHY:            Members of the Portsmouth Police Department will be providing demonstrations and displays to all citizens who come out.  The event is to designed as an awareness event to citizens for the upcoming National Night Out event, which will occur on August 3, 2010.

Portsmouth Police Investigate Homicide

For Immediate Release: July 12, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 757-718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

Portsmouth Police are investigating the death of Margaret Lineberry, 62, of the 2000 block of Rokeby Ave. Chesapeake, VA.  Based on information received from the medical examiner’s office, the investigation is being looked at as a homicide.  Mrs. Lineberry was admitted to a hospital in late April 2010 and was pronounced dead in May 2010.  At this time this is an initial report being investigated and there are no other details to be released.

When more information becomes available it will be released.

Portsmouth Police make arrest on Murder For Hire charges

For Immediate Release: July 12, 2010

Contact Information: Jan Westerbeck 757-393-8536, ext. 7226 757-235-5738 westerbeckj@portsmouthva.gov

On July 9, 2010, Portsmouth Police Detectives charged two individuals with Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Murder for Hire.  The investigation into the incident was done in co-operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I) and the Harker Heights Police Department, Harker Heights, Texas.

Portsmouth Crime Line received an anonymous tip in late June 2010.  The information received, led investigators to 39 year-old, Larry E. Lingenfelter of the 4300 block of Scott Street, Portsmouth, and 39 year-old Joseph Frampton of the 4600 block of Columbia Street, Portsmouth.

Based on information received, Larry Lingenfelter hired Joseph Frampton to murder a female who resides in Texas.  Frampton was to be paid cash for traveling to Texas and committing the murder.

Lingenfelter is in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department awaiting trial.  Frampton is currently in jail in Texas on charges related t to an incident in Texas.  Frampton will be served with the Portsmouth warrants this week.

A photograph of Lingenfelter is attached, however no photograph of Frampton is available at this time.  No information about the victim will be released.

Portsmouth Police Strategic Traffic Unit Continue License & Registration Checkpoints

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2010

Contact Information: Jan Westerbeck (757) 393-8536, ext. 7226 (757) 235-5738 westerbeckj@portsmouthva.gov

The Portsmouth Police Strategic Traffic Unit conducted another license and registration checkpoint on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.  The checkpoint took place in the 2500 block of Rodman Avenue between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.

As always the primary purpose of the checkpoint was to promote overall traffic safety in the community by preventing unlicensed motorist and unregistered vehicles from operating on public roadways.  The checkpoint allowed police officers to check the driver’s license and vehicle registration status of individuals passing through the checkpoint.

After a briefing the checkpoint was established by the participating officers.  During the checkpoint, officers issued a total of forty-two (42) summonses.  Included in the total were twenty-one (21) summonses for driving on a suspended license, five (5) for no operator’s license and sixteen (16) miscellaneous traffic violations.

Officers arrested seven (7) individuals for a variety of law violations.  They included one driving under the influence, driving while a habitual offender, concealing a handgun and possessing marijuana.

Traffic checkpoints are a constant in the Portsmouth Police Department’s enforcement strategy.  The traveling public may expect checkpoints on a weekly basis at any time of the day or night.  We are dedicated to keeping the roadways safe.

Portsmouth Police Conduct 3rd Narcotics Operation Since 2008

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 757-718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

Beginning in February 2010, the Portsmouth Police narcotics units began Operation Hericaine.  The operation focused on targeting sales of Heroin and Cocaine in the City of Portsmouth.  During the operation, the unit obtained evidence that lead to 59 people being indicted on a total of 241 felony charges. The unit also obtained and executed 2 search warrants based on the evidence.  One search warrant was executed 2900 block of Lansing Ave and the other at Johnson’s Crab Shack in the 1100 block of Harrell St.  The 144 indictments were obtained during a special Grand Jury held in June 2010.  As a result of the operation, Portsmouth Police were able to recover the following:

241 Caps of Heroin (24.1 grams) valued at $2,410

38    Grams of Cocaine valued at $3,800

2 ounces of Marijuana valued at $320

3 Firearms

2 Cars

1 Truck

1 Panel Truck

3 Flat Screen TVs

This makes the 3^rd narcotics operation conducted since August 2008.  The first operation was Operation Hammer from August 2008 to December 2008.  Operation Hammer resulted in the arrest of 61 persons on 69 indictments for a total of 86 felony charges.  The second operation was Operation Snowball conducted between July 2009 and February 2010.  As a result of this operation, 45 people were arrested on 49 indictments and a total of 75 felony charges.

As of this point, the 3 narcotic operations resulted in 262 indictments of 165 people on 402 felony charges.

Upon his arrival to the Portsmouth Police Department, Chief Hargis made a commitment and priority of targeting drugs, guns, and violent crimes in the City of Portsmouth.  As a result, the Portsmouth Police department is committed to making the city a safer place for its citizens to live, work and enjoy themselves.  With that goal in mind, Portsmouth Police narcotics officers will continue to target narcotic distributors in the city.

Summer Tips for Pets from Portsmouth Police Animal Control

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2010

Contact Information: Jan Westerbeck 757-393-8536, Ext. 7226 757-235-5738 westerbeckj@portsmouthva.gov

Portsmouth Police Animal Control Officers would like to remind pet owners of some important tips for keeping your pet safe and cool for the summer.

1. Make sure your pet has plenty of shade to relax in during the day. If you don’t have large trees or a covered patio in the yard, consider ways to keep your buddy inside as much as possible when it’s hot. Keep in mind that there might be days when even the shade is too hot to be comfortable.  Also, remove bedding from your dog’s crate. If your dog is crated, they will surely be much more comfortable laying on the cool crate bottom rather than a thick pile of blankets or towels.
2. Refill your pets water bowl with plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day. Please don’t make your pooch drink warm, stale water all summer! Your pet may also enjoy chewing on ice cubes, or even frozen peanut butter balls as a special treat.
3. Never leave your pet in a vehicle, especially when it is hot.  Even a few minutes can be deadly. Doing so is putting your pet at risk for heat stroke. Heat stroke is serious medical emergencies. If you’re traveling with your dog, make sure to stop at pet-friendly locations so that they can leave the car with you.
4. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. If you take your dog walking or jogging, remember that they are doing it in a fur coat, and the afternoon sun might be too much for them to handle.  The cement and asphalt can be incredibly hot; so don’t let their tender footpads get burned while walking.
5. Keep up with grooming. Don’t let your dog’s coat get overgrown and matted.  Don’t “shave” your dog completely. The dog’s fur is part of his natural insulation system that keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer.

1. Watch for signs of dehydration and heat stroke. Dogs can’t sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear  pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place. If you see that your dog is panting heavily, salivating or foaming, these may be the first signs of a heat related problem. Don’t wait for symptoms to progress. Get your dog into a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water and if they do not improve within a few minutes, contact your veterinarian right away.  Remember, older animals and the very young are more susceptible to heat related injuries.

If you keep these tips in mind, you and your pet will enjoy a fun and healthy summer together!

In recent weeks several stray dogs and cats have been found suffering from heat related trauma.  Anyone seeing a stray animal is encourage to contact Animal Control Officers at the Police non-emergency number, 393-5300.   As always the Portsmouth Police Departments Animal Control Unit is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the citizens and animals within our communities.

Johnson’s Crab Shack Search Warrant

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

On June 23, 2010 at approximately 9:00 P.M., Portsmouth Police executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Crab Shack in the 1100 block of Harrell St.  The search warrant was based on a narcotics investigation that concluded.  As a result of the investigation and search warrant, two individuals were arrested.  John T. Johnson, 48, of the 1100 block of Harrell St. was charged with (7) counts of Selling Heroin, (4) counts of Selling Cocaine and (5) counts of Conspiracy to Sell Controlled Substances.  Ethel R. Furman, 45, of the 1100 block of Harrell St. was charged with (5) counts of Selling Heroin, (5) counts of Selling Cocaine and (3) counts of Conspiracy to Sell Controlled Substances.

Photographs of the arrested persons are attached.

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Police Conduct D.U.I. Checkpoint

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2010

Contact Information: John Doyle 718-8091 doylej@portsmouthva.gov

The Portsmouth Police Strategic Traffic Unit conducted a D.U.I checkpoint on Thursday June 17, 2010.  The checkpoint was conducted in the 4900 block of George Washington Hwy. between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M.

The participating officers were briefed at the Strategic Traffic Unit prior to establishing the checkpoint.  Officers made 2 arrests for Driving Under the Influence.  Officers issued a total of 42 summonses.  There were 16 summonses issued for driving on a suspended license, 10 summons for not having a driver’s license, and 12 summonses for other traffic violations. Officers also made 1 arrest during the checkpoint for Driving after being declared a Habitual Offender and 1 arrest for an outstanding warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.

Traffic checkpoints are a constant in the Portsmouth Police Department’s enforcement strategy.  The traveling public may expect checkpoints on a weekly basis at any time of the day.  We are dedicated to public safety.

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Portsmouth Police need assistance from the public to locate missing male

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2010

Contact Information: Jan Westerbeck (757) 393-8536, Ext. 7226 (757) 235-5738 westerbeckj@portsmouthva.gov



UPDATE:  On Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 5:48 p.m., the body of Randy Donald Hines was located in the Elizabeth River near the Renaissance Hotel.  Citizens staying at the hotel saw the victim in the water and notified Portsmouth Police Officers.

On Monday, June 21, 2010 Portsmouth Police Detectives charged and arrested 35-year-old Ihar Sotinikau with second-degree murder, related to the death of Randy Hines.  Ihar Sotinikau was located in the 1200 block of London Blvd., at 3:10 p.m. today.  He is in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office awaiting trial.

The details of the incident are still being investigated, however based on evidence, and witness accounts, Ihar Sotinikau was responsible for causing Randy Hines to go into the water and drown.

A photograph of Ihar Sotinikau is attached.

UPDATE
Randy D. Hines was located on 06/19/2010.  There is an ongoing investigation.

On June 18, 2010 at approximately 8:00 a.m., 44 year-old, Randy Donald Hines, was reported missing by several of his friends.  He was last seen on June 17, 2010 between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the boardwalk between Admirals Landing and the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Patrols are assisting the Portsmouth Police Department in the search for Mr. Hines.   He is 5’7” tall and approximately 130 to 140 lbs.  He frequents the 1000 block of High Street and has no known home address.

A photo is attached.

If anyone has information, please contact Crime Line by texting “Portsmouth” plus their tip to CRIMES (274637) or calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

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