7/20/11 @ 0733 hours

Physical Assault/Attempted Larceny

1300 block of Sherrod St.

Victim: Male, age 59

Suspects: Three male juveniles (ages 13, 15 and 15)

The victim alleged he was assaulted by three male juveniles on bicycles.  The suspects were arrested after the commission of two similar crimes (listed below).  All three suspects were charged with simple assault and attempted larceny on juvenile petitions and were released to their parents. The victim did not require medical attention.

7/20/11 @ 0811 hours

Physical Assault

700 block of Shearin St.

Victim: Male, age 75

Suspects:  Three male juveniles (ages 13, 15 and 15)

The victim alleged he was assaulted by three male juveniles on bicycles.  All three suspects were charged with simple assault on juvenile petitions and were released to their parents. The victim did not require medical attention. 

7/20/11 @ 0834 hours

Physical Assault

Victim: Male, age 62

600 block of Paul St.

Suspects:  Three male juveniles (ages 13, 15 and 15)

The victim alleged he was assaulted by three male juveniles on bicycles.  All three suspects were charged with simple assault on juvenile petitions and were released to their parents. The victim did not require medical attention.

If You Are The Witness To A Crime:   

• Remain calm but be as alert and observant as possible.
• Do not try to be a hero.  You may jeopardize your own or someone else's safety.
• Make as many mental notes as possible to help identify the suspect(s).
• Try to determine age, height, and weight by comparing the suspect to yourself or someone you know.
• Note any peculiarities such as tattoos, scars, birthmarks and prominent physical features.
• Note the type, style, and color of clothing.
• Note any special jewelry such as rings or objects with names or initials.
• Note the type, style, and color of the weapon.
• Note the suspect's direction of travel.
• If you can get a look at the vehicle, note the make, model, color and tag number if possible.
• Report the crime immediately to RMPD and stay close by until authorities arrive! Call 911 for emergencies or 972-1411 for non-emergencies.
• Identify yourself as a witness to the police officer and be patient while he/she obtains information about the crime.
• Be prepared to testify in court.  We need your help in making our community safe!

CASE UPDATES: REWARDS OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO AN ARREST

A $5000 reward is offered for information in each of the listed 2011 unsolved homicide cases.  These cases are all current, ongoing investigations.

If you have information on these four cases previously shared in E Policing, contact Crime Stoppers at 977-1111 or crimestoppers@rockymountnc.gov or contact the lead investigator listed within each case summary listed below.

5/19/11 @ 0051hours (Thursday)

Homicide Investigation

2053 Raleigh Rd. - Karim's Food Mart Store

Victim: Abdul Karim Alwarrak, age 47

Suspect: Unknown; possibly operating a green or dark colored minivan

Officers responded to a call of a robbery and unresponsive male found inside Karim's Food Mart Store located at 2053 Raleigh Rd. Upon arrival, officers located the victim and owner of the store, Abdul Karim Alwarrak, inside the store, deceased. The victim was transported to the Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C. for an autopsy by the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the official cause of death, which was attributed to fatal gunshot wounds.  The lead investigator in this case is Detective Timothy Bunt.  To contact Det. Bunt with information on this case, call (252) 972-1478.

4/26/11 @ 2033 hours (Tuesday)

Homicide Investigation

2028 Brandon Lane

Victim:  James Tony Cooper, age 46

Suspects:  Two unknown black males, dark complexions, medium build, wearing dark clothing; suspect one was described as clean shaven; suspect two described as having a goatee

Officers responded to the listed residence in reference to a shooting.  The victim, James Cooper, was shot by two unknown suspects upon opening the door to the residence.  The suspects fled towards Mobile Drive and Toms Trail on foot. Victim, James Tony Cooper, age 46, was transported to Nash General Hospital and was pronounced deceased, cause of death attributed to a fatal gunshot wound.  The lead investigator in this case is Detective Darius Hudgins.  To contact Det. Hudgins with information on this case, call (252) 972-1461.

4/13/11 @ 1941 hours (Wednesday)

Homicide Investigation

Sunset Avenue @ Lee St.

Victim:  Shakeem Devonte Avent, age 18

Suspect:  Two unknown black males

At 1941 hours on 4/13/11, the Rocky Mount Police Department received calls in reference to shots being fired in the 200 block of Lee St. and also received calls related to a vehicle accident in which the driver of a burgundy Cadillac allegedly collided with a white BMW and then collided with a brick wall at the corner of Sunset Avenue and Lee St.  Initial investigation has revealed that the driver of the Cadillac, victim, Shakeem Avent, had been shot.  EMS responded to the scene, however, victim, Avent, died at the scene.  The driver of the BMW did not require medical attention.  Avent's cause of death was attributed to a fatal gunshot wound. The lead investigator in this case is Detective Timothy Bunt.  To contact Det. Bunt with information on this case, call (252) 972-1478.

3/8/11 @ 0049 hours (Tuesday)

Homicide Investigation

1100 Old Wilson Rd. - Sammy's Food Mart

Victim:  Rafiq Salim Soufan - "Sammy", age 47

Suspects:  Two to three unknown black male suspects; possibly operating a dark colored, SUV type vehicle

The Rocky Mount Police Department is investigating the homicide of Rafiq Soufan, known in the community as "Sammy", the owner of Sammy's Food Mart.  Officers responded to a shooting after two individuals observed the victim lying in the doorway of the store. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who was deceased.  The autopsy was conducted on Wed. March 9, 2011 and the cause of death was attributed to fatal gunshot wounds.  The lead investigator in this case is Detective Robert Rothrock.  To contact Det. Rothrock with information on this case, call (252) 972-1465.

The RMPD is pleased to host the Fourth Annual

Back to School Jump Off

Friday, August 5

6:00-9:00 pm

Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium

For more information call (252) 972-1436 or visit www.rmjumpoff.com

Kicking off a successful school year! 

Free event!

Food, fun and games!