Officers Arrest Female At Douglas Park Elementary School

Tena Lin Neese Artise

Portsmouth Police Officers arrested 22 year-old, Tena Lin Neese Artise, of the 800 block of Brighton Street, today at 3:20 P.M.  Ms. Artise was leaving Douglas Park Elementary School, where she worked as a substitute teacher, when Officers took her into custody.

The charges of burglary, abduction/kidnapping, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony were filed after Officers responded to the 1300 block of County Street on October 21, 2011, at approximately 5:41 P.M., for a suspicious situation.

A 14 year-old female, who was home alone, reported that she heard a knock on the rear door.  When she opened the door, a black female walked in and pointed a handgun at her.  A second female suspect stood in the open door and did not enter the home. The armed suspect made an inquiry about the whereabouts of other family members.  Both suspects left after finding no other individuals inside the house.

After an investigation by Detectives with the Robbery Unit, Ms. Artise was identified as the suspect who entered with the handgun.  No injuries were reported.  The motive for the crime appears to be money owed to the suspect.  A handgun was recovered by Detectives at the suspect’s residence.

Any questions related to the employment of Ms. Artise should be directed to Maureen Mizelle, Spokesperson for the Portsmouth Public Schools.

Detectives are still looking to identify the second female suspect.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, or TEXT “Portsmouth” plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

Assistance Needed In Locating Wanted Person

Anthony Thomas Ruffin

The Portsmouth Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating Anthony Thomas Ruffin.  He is currently wanted on two felony warrants for felonious assault, and one misdemeanor warrant for violation of work or educational release.

On January 9, 2012, at approximately 9:45 P.M., an adult male and an adult female went to Maryview Hospital for injuries sustained during an altercation with Anthony Ruffin.  Portsmouth Police Officers responded to Maryview Hospital, at which time a police report was generated.

Officers discovered all three individuals were involved in an altercation in the 2700 block of Barclay Avenue earlier that evening.  The suspect allegedly bit one victim on the finger causing a serious injury.  The second victim sustained bruising and lacerations to the upper body from the assault.

Mr. Ruffin is also wanted for failing to return to the Portsmouth Sheriff’’s Department work release program as required.

Anthony Thomas Ruffin is 30 years-old and from the 2700 block of Barclay Avenue, Portsmouth.   He is 5’11” tall and weighs approximately 180 lbs.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect 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.

School Resource Officer Arrests One After Investigating Threat At School

Victor Darnell Jordan

On January 18, 2012, shortly before 9:00 A.M., an 18 year-old male went to Woodrow Wilson High School, located at1401 Elmhurst Lane, to retrieve school transcripts.  While inside the school, the male became confrontational with a school employee, and was asked to leave.  The male, at first, refused to leave, but did so after the Portsmouth Police School Resource Officer (SRO) was notified by school employees.

While leaving the building, the male made a telephone call on his cellular phone.  School employees overheard the male telling the other unknown party that he was going to get a gun from his home and come back to the school.  The employees notified the SRO with details of the conversation they heard.  The SRO, who was already en route to the scene, immediately notified the Police Dispatcher.  Additional Police Officers were dispatched to the school and surrounding area.  A search for the male was conducted.

While some Officers were dispatched to the school, others went to the male’s home, located in the 1000 block of Hodges Ferry Road, Portsmouth.  The male was located inside his home.  With the assistance of his family members, the Officers searched the home for weapons.  No weapons were found.

The 18 year-old male, identified as Victor Darnell Jordan was taken into custody by the SRO.  He was transported to a Portsmouth Magistrate, where a warrant for making threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property was secured.

Mr. Jordan is not a student at the school.

Portsmouth to Host Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy Graduation

On Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 4:00 P.M., forty-three new police officers will be joined by their families, friends, and a variety of law enforcement individuals as they celebrate their graduation from the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.  The ceremony, hosted by the Portsmouth Police Department, will take place in the auditorium of I.C. Norcom High School, located at1801 London Boulevard, Portsmouth.

The ceremony will include the Portsmouth Police Department’s Honor Guard and the Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Band.  Steve Sterling, Director of Operations, Norfolk Airport Authority, will address the graduates and audience as guest speaker.  Jeffrey Talley, a Portsmouth Police candidate, was chosen by his participating class to speak as class representative.

After four months of rigorous training in the classroom and in practical scenarios, seventeen Portsmouth Police candidates will join members of the below listed agencies to as they step into an exciting career in law enforcement.

Accomack County Sheriff’s Office

Christian Broadcast Network Police Department

Christopher Newport University Police Department

EasternVirginiaMedicalSchool

Hampton University Police Department

Kingsmill Police Department

Mathews County Sheriff’s Office

Newport News City Sheriff’s Office

Newport NewsPark& Recreation

Northampton County Sheriff’s Office

Old Dominion University Police Department

Suffolk Police Department

Virginia Marine Police Department

Williamsburg Police Department

York/Poquoson Sheriff’s Office