Assault Rifle Seized During DUI Arrest

Michael Odom Smith

On May 17, 2012, at approximately 2:55 P.M., a Portsmouth Police Officer observed a blue Acura stopped in the roadway in the intersection of London Boulevard and Broad Street.  The vehicle made a u-turn and then stopped at a green light.  The Officer pulled the driver over in the 1100 block of Mt.Vernon Avenue and found him to be under the influence.

The driver was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence of alcohol, after failing to properly perform several sobriety tests.

During the traffic stop, the Officer recovered a loaded AR-15 assault rifle lying on the front passenger seat, hidden from view.  The driver was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon while intoxicated.

The rifle was seized for safekeeping and further investigation.  The driver has been identified as 28 year old Michael Odom Smith of the 100 block of Brittany Lane, Suffolk.

Second Suspect Identified In Theft From Vehicle Cases

On May 17, 2012, at approximately 12:53 A.M., Portsmouth Police Dispatchers received a 911 call from a concerned citizen.  The citizen reported a male walking around the apartment complex parking lot in the 300 block of Green Street, pulling on parked vehicle door handles.   The suspicious male was wearing a dark hooded pull-over and dark jeans.

Portsmouth Police Officers responded to the area and observed a male fitting the description, walking across Effingham Street.  When the first Officer on scene exited his vehicle to approach the suspect, the suspect ran.  The officer pursued and was able to apprehend the suspect in the 800 block of Crawford Parkway.

The suspect, identified as 21 year old Dontrel Lamont Walker of the 200 block of Elm Avenue, Portsmouth, was arrested and charged with grand larceny and carrying a concealed weapon.  At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a handgun, a knife, and latex gloves.  The firearm had been taken from a parked vehicle nearby.  The victim and owner of the vehicle was unaware that the handgun had been taken.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.  This is the second suspect this week apprehended for this type of crime.  The cases are unrelated.

The Portsmouth Police Department encourages citizens to lock their vehicle doors when parked unattended.  Keeping items such as cell phones, GPS devices, and currency out of view will assist in deterring crime.

Suspect In Larcenies Identified

On May 12, 2012, at approximately 1:10 P.M., several concerned citizens, in the area of City Park, observed a male pulling on parked vehicle door handles in a parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp and golf course.  The citizens called Police Dispatchers and relayed their observations, while keeping an eye on the suspect, as he walked around the parking lot at# 5 Cpl. J.M. Williams Avenue.

Portsmouth Police Officers responded and detained the suspect.  It was discovered that he allegedly removed an iPhone from one of the vehicles he tampered with.  The suspect had driven to the area in a red Chevrolet Impala.  The Impala was parked nearby.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with one count of grand larceny and one count of vehicle trespass.  He is pending additional similar charges.  He is 52 year old Albert Leeamzie Riddick, of Suffolk.   The vehicle he was using was not registered to him.  That vehicle is currently in police custody.

In recent past weeks, the same vehicle and suspect description were reported in the area of Victory Crossing, 1200 Frederick Boulevard (Wal Mart), and Chowan Drive parking lots.  Citizens watched a male suspect pull on parked vehicle door handles, attempting to gain access.

This is a case of citizens working with Police to stop crime.   The numerous citizen contacts and observations will assist the Detective in potential additional charges.  Anyone observing this type of suspicious activity is encouraged to call 911.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the CRIME LINE at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.  You may also text Portsmouth plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or go to portsmouthpd.us, click on the CRIMELINE link and enter your tip.  Your information is anonymous and we do no ask your name.  If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward up to $1000.