Posts Tagged ‘richmond police’
Police Chief Magnus, Richmond, cleared of wrongdoing in racial discrimination suit
Police Chief Chris Magnus, retired Deputy Chief Lori Ritter and the city of Richmond were cleared by a Contra Costa County jury on Tuesday of racial discrimination and harassment charges. Seven high-ranking African American police officials had sought damages of around $18 million for what they alleged were a series of racial digs as well…
Read MorePlaintiffs ask for millions in damages in closing arguments of Richmond Police discrimination suit
The attorney for six of the seven plaintiffs in the discrimination lawsuit against the city, Police Chief Chris Magnus and former Deputy Chief Lori Ritter said his clients should be awarded about $1.5 million each for the emotional toll of enduring six-plus years of alleged discrimination and a hostile work environment. But the total should…
Read MoreMan shot, two arrested as federal investigation turns violent near Hilltop Mall
A federal agent shot and critically wounded a man in the parking lot of a restaurant of a Hilltop area restaurant, Richmond police said Wednesday. “Agents were here conducting an investigation involving three suspects,” Richmond Lt. Bisa French said during a curbside press conference about an hour after the 3 p.m. shooting. “At some point,…
Read MoreRichmond police captain describes intimidation, sabotage in department in 2006-7
A Richmond Police captain described a command staff so toxic with animus and distrust that by the time the chief hosted a September 2006 management meeting aimed at easing tensions, a lawsuit was inevitable. “What we didn’t know was (the plaintiffs) already had attorneys,” Capt. Mark Gagan testified Monday. “I went into the Napa retreat…
Read MoreDueling economics in Richmond police discrimination suit
Just how much money have the seven African-American police commanders suing the city of Richmond lost due to alleged discrimination stalling their promotions? It depends on which economic expert you ask. Whose numbers the jury buys could heavily weigh the outcome the lawsuit against Police Chief Chris Magnus, former Deputy Chief Lori Ritter and the…
Read MoreRetired cops, deputy chief, testify to divisions within Richmond police
Two retired white officers and the current second in command testified Wednesday that racial divisions have persisted in the Richmond Police Department for decades, but that Chief Chris Magnus didn’t favor any racial groups over any other. But the testimony of the three defense witnesses did further expose an environment of embittered, highly paid police…
Read MoreHigh-ranking African American cop comes to Magnus’ defense in discrimination trial
In their first full day presenting their defense, attorneys representing Police Chief Chris Magnus, former Deputy Chief Lori Ritter and the city of Richmond called to the stand an African American police captain who praised Magnus’ leadership and rejected claims the chief or deputy chief are racists. “I have no reason to believe (Magnus) has…
Read MoreLt. Whitney: ‘We screwed up as an agency’ in ’08 investigations
A Richmond Police lieutenant on Thursday testified that systemic failures within the department were to blame for a botched investigation into serious crimes in the city. Lt. Charles “Chuck” Whitney testified he is friends with the seven high-ranking African American officers who are suing the city, Chief Chris Magnus and former Deputy Chief Lori Ritter,…
Read MorePolice searching for suspect, motive in killing of Richmond college student
A curbside memorial marks the spot where Edwin Martinez was fatally shot earlier this week, but who is responsible and why it happened remain unknown. “He appears absolutely innocent,” said Capt. Mark Gagan. “Totally uninvolved in what was going on.” At around 6:45 p.m. Monday night, the 22-year-old Richmond man was shot and killed while…
Read MoreTestimony in case of murdered rapper centers on day of bloodshed
By the time for the Richmond Police Department’s evening shift change, the city was on high alert. Bloodshed had started just before 9 a.m., when gunfire at the Pullman Apartment complex sent two alleged gang members to Kaiser Hospital. About two hours later, a 30-year-old man and his 10-year-old niece sitting in a green Buick…
Read MoreRichmond man accused of ’09 crime spree set to face trial
Joe Blacknell III, age 20, is accused of a slew of crimes committed in the spring and summer of 2009, including the murder of Marcus Russell, a 21-year-old rap artist who was shot and killed as he drove west on I-580 on a weekday afternoon.
Read MorePublic safety leaders seek peace – among themselves
City Manager Bill Lindsay said late Wednesday he’ll order an investigation into who leaked information to the press and a councilmember about a non-criminal Sheriff’s stop involving an Office of Neighborhood Safety staff member. The move is aimed in part at easing the concerns of ONS staff, who have complained publicly and privately about what…
Read MoreMan wounded in officer-involved shooting near Hilltop Mall
Richmond police shot a 22-year-old man at a hotel near Hilltop Mall after 911 reports that a man with a gun was involved in a disturbance with hotel staff, according to police.
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