City Wide Patrols & Checkpoints Targeting Impaired Drivers This Holiday Weekend

Portsmouth Police Officers will be out in full force this Memorial Day weekend.  In order to make celebrations safe for everyone in the City of Portsmouth, ten (10) additional uniformed officers will look for impaired drivers.  The Click It or Ticket Champagne will also continue during the weekend.  Drivers not utilizing proper restraint for themselves and their passengers could be ticketed.

Officers will conduct patrols at all hours of the day and night starting Friday, May 24th, through Monday, May 27th.  The officers will be focusing on locations where impaired drivers are more likely to be operating a vehicle.

The aggressive alcohol enforcement is grant funded by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.  The Portsmouth Police Strategic Traffic Unit and assigned officers will be working in an overtime capacity.   Citizens will see marked and unmarked police vehicles along with police motorcycles conducting traffic stops and checkpoints in their neighborhoods.

Drivers are reminded to take responsibility when it comes to driving under the influence.  Designate a driver and make sure that you take the keys when a friend has had too much to drink.  Host responsible parties and immediately stop serving alcohol to any guest who is displaying obvious signs of intoxication. 

The Portsmouth Police Department is dedicated to making the City safe for everyone.  These operations, which will continue throughout the year, will help reduce alcohol related crashes and save lives. 

Don’t Drink and Drive

Nuisance Call Leads to Narcotic Arrest

Angelique Jeanette Faulcon

On May 23, 2013, at approximately 2:42 A.M., Portsmouth Police Communications received a 911 call related to a loud party in the 3000 block of Portland Street.  Additional calls were received related to firearms violations.

Responding officers immediately noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence.  A search warrant was obtained allowing the officers access.  During a search of the residence, heroin, marijuana, packaging material consistent with drug distribution, and three handguns were found.   One of the handguns was reported stolen on May 14, 2013.  It had been taken during  a burglary in 60 block of Lexington Drive, Portsmouth.

The resident, 27 year old Angelique Jeanette Faulcon, was arrested.  She has been charged with possession of stolen property (firearm), possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.   She is currently in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.

Portsmouth Detectives Investigate Shooting Death

Dennis L. Smith

On May 12, 2013, at approximately 11:20 P.M., Portsmouth Police Communications received 911 calls related to gunshots in the area of the 3700 block of Magnolia Drive.  Additional calls were received related to an individual being shot.

Responding officers found and detained a male, later identified as 60 year old Dennis Laverne Smith, in the front yard.  A second male was found on the rear steps of the home, unresponsive, and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  He was transported to Sentara Norfolk General, where he was pronounced at 1:54 A.M. The victim was 19 years old and the nephew of Dennis Smith.  Both the victim and the suspect lived at the residence.

Detective determined the suspect and victim had been arguing.  At some point during the argument the suspect retrieved a handgun and shot the victim, while the victim was in rear of the home socializing with others.

Dennis Smith has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.  He is currently in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.