HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – Henrico is a large county, but there have been four murders within a two-mile stretch since August 17 this year – just over a three-week period. There were three murders in the entire Fairfield section of Henrico County in 2014, not far from the Richmond International Raceway (RIR).
Henrico police met Wednesday to discuss how they can address the recent spike in crime.
Henrico is a huge county, but there have been four murders within a two-mile stretch since August 17 this year – just over a three-week period.
Henrico Police spokesman Lt. Chris Eley said there will be more community engagement and more resources devoted to the area as well. Police hope to identify the common denominators with all of the homicides.
In an interview Tuesday night, Henrico Police Chief Douglas Middleton called the area "a hot spot." But he added that fans coming to RIR this weekend should not be worried.
"There are always extra patrols during NASCAR weekend, in fact most of the neighborhoods that surround the race track have individuals officers assigned to their neighborhood," Middleton added.
There have been 10 homicides so far in Henrico this year. The county had a total of eight last year.
"Sad, very sad to hear that news," said Robert Stroble, 82, who has lived in that section of the county for 40 years.
"You don't know who is around you," Stroble added and pointed to the rise of rental properties, apartments as a source of woes – bringing strangers into the neighborhood.
"Parents need to set an example for kids," Stroble said.
Anyone with information about crime in Henrico was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
