The following was reported earlier today from a neighbor on University Drive

“My neighbor just came over to alert me that he had seen three young African American men walking on University Drive. He watched two of them walk into the backyard of the house next door. They then crossed his yard and stood beside his truck. When he opened the front door all three ran. Several times they looked back to see if he was watching them. They all had on white shirts, one had a red cap.” 

This is in the area of University between Hope Valley and Cornwallis that borders our neighborhood.

The DPD dispatched a patrol car.

Please be vigilant

From Marianne Bond of the DPD. This impacts those in our neighborhood who use the Tobacco trail, and precautions to take:

On June 7, 2016, at approximately 8:00 p.m., an adult male and his young son were exercising on the American Tobacco Trail. They were approached by three males, one implied he had a gun and demanded money. The adult victim was punched, but he was able to pick up his son and run away.
The suspects took the young victim’s bicycle and were last seen on E. Cornwallis Rd near Industry Lane.

The suspects are described below:
#1 – black male, 6’ to 6’2”, 16-18 years old, lighter spots on his face, black hat, gray sweatshirt, and jeans
#2 and #3 – black males, 5’8” to 5’9”, 16-18 years old, dark skin, one with a red t-shirt and the other had on a black jacket both wearing jeans.

Investigators are actively working on this case.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.  CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.

The Durham Police Department would like to share the following personal safety tips:
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Call 911 to report any suspicious activities
• Do not walk alone
• Try to remain in well-lit areas
• Trust your instincts
• Do not walk/run with earbuds or headphones
• Bring a cell phone

Greetings;

Keithen Ralph Benntte 10/21/95

District 3 Investigators obtained warrants on Keithen Ralph Bennett charging him with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Breaking and Entering and Larceny After Breaking and Entering.  This case started with a burglary which occurred in the 1400 block of Valley Run. The homeowner came home only to find Bennett in his home stealing his valuables. The homeowner got in a fight with Bennett. However, Bennett was able to break free and run into the woods a short time later. Further investigation revealed the identity of Bennett leading to subsequent charges. Bennett is still at large. If you see him DO NOT attempt to apprehend him. Bennett is considered armed and extremely dangerous, call 911 immediately and give them a good description and the place where you saw him.

 On another note we have experienced more break-ins to motor vehicles especially in the Hope Valley Community. Most of these cars have been unlocked but all have had valuables in plain sight of the thieves. A couple of these cars were unlocked in the garage which makes it a burglary. Please put away your valuables and lock your cars before your leave your car for the night. It is always a good idea to secure your garage by lowering the door before you turn in for the night.

Remember don’t be an easy target…take care of your property and be safe.

 Finally, this is my last newsletter for a few weeks because of a medical condition which requires a surgical procedure. The newsletter however will continue and I look forward to returning very soon. Keep my family and I in your thoughts.

 Until next time…take care.

 Keith,
Sergeant K.L. Johnson
Durham Police Department
Criminal Investigations Division
District 3
8 Consultant Place
Durham, North Carolina 27707
919-560-4583 ext 29359 (Office)
919-907-9810 (City Cell)

Good Soggy Morning to Everyone:

Over the weekend, we had 7 vehicle break-ins around the Hope Valley area.  2 of those were done when the vehicles were actually sitting in the garages.  At this time, none of them had any signs of forced entry or damage.  District 3 Investigators are currently following up on leads in these cases.

Just a few tips:

1. Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle. 

2. ALWAYS lock your vehicle- no matter where it is parked or how secure you think the area is.  Yes, lock your car while in the garage……

3. If you are not currently in your garage, secure the doors.  It is spring time and many of us are doing yard work, gardening, etc and leave our garages open.  Suspects will take advantage of the situation.

4. As we always stress, you know who belongs in your neighborhoods. Call 911 if someone or something seems out of place.  We would be happy to investigate it for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you.

Lt. Mark Morais
Assistant Commander- District 3
919-560-4583 x29354
mark.morais@durhamnc.gov

The PowerPoint presentation is available here – http://bit.ly/1QPeQQC

 Greetings;

 Jeremy Devon Riddick 09/11/93

After an extensive investigation which included other agencies, District 3 Investigators obtained warrants on Jeremy Riddick charging him with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, Assault by Pointing a Gun and Robbery With A Dangerous Weapon. In January 2016, Riddick walked up to a Hispanic victim brandishing a handgun while the victim was leisurely sitting in front of his apartment and demanded money from the victim. The victim took out his wallet to give it to the suspect, Riddick began to shoot the victim several times. The victim survived but our investigation was able to develop and locate Riddick and now he lives with the Durham County Sheriff as it turns out other detectives were looking for this guy. Riddick is under a $6,500,000.00. Riddick is also a burglary suspect in several District 3 burglaries our investigation continues and he will be hearing from us again shortly.

 Ladarius Samuel 5/24/98

District 3 Criminal Investigations have obtained warrants on Ladarius Samuel charging him with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Conspiracy and Assault By Pointing A Gun. This is an ongoing investigation as we continue to uncover suspects involved in a spree of recent armed robberies involving our Hispanic citizens. Samuel is still at large and we think that he commits these crimes with a least 2 or as many as 4 other suspects. If you see him do not attempt to apprehend him. Call 911 immediately. Samuel should be considered armed and

 Until next time,

 Keith,
Sergeant K.L. Johnson
Durham Police Department
Criminal Investigations Division
District 3
8 Consultant Place
Durham, North Carolina 27707
919-560-4583 ext 29359 (Office)
919-907-9810 (City Cell)