Two suspects are behind bars after a helpful tip from a citizen led police to a car break-in in progress. Early Monday morning Richmond Police found the suspected thieves making a getaway in a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Hanover Ave and Nansemond St. Upon seeing Police approach their vehicle both suspects bailed on foot from their still moving getaway car and scattered into the dark night. Thanks to a helpful assist from K9 units both suspects were apprehended shortly thereafter in addition to numerous GPS, iPod and other electronic gear in the stolen car.

View The Video

Music will be in the air this June when the famed Jumpin' outdoor concert series returns to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Every Thursday in June from 6-9 PM the VMFA will host a concert in the Lora Robins Sculpture Garden.

This year's lineup of musical acts features:

June 3
Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys
Eclectic guitarist and singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo has spent four decades as a performer and his music has ranged from punk, western, alternative country, cow punk and hard-hitting rock and roll.
“Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys have hit it into the stratosphere with the new disc, Real Animal.” – Belinda Accosta, South by Southwest Music Festival

June 10
Marcia Ball
Marcia Ball is a sensational, saucy singer, superb pianist and compelling storyteller who melds Texas stomp-rock and Louisiana blues-swamp.
“Ball’s music is “rollicking, playful, good-time blues.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

June 17
The Krayolas with the West Side Horns
From the very first notes they play, The Krayolas kick out Texas sounds with Tex-Mex rockin’ conjunto jostling with British Invasion contrasting to roadhouse swing, country, Motown, and jacked-up rock and roll.
“…effortlessly mixing Tex-Mex, Motown and British invasion sounds into a winning concoction.” – Jeff McCord, KUT/NPR “Best of Music 2009”

June 24
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
One of zydeco’s most soulful vocalists and fieriest accordionists, Terrance Simien infuses his sound with R&B, funk, gospel and reggae.
“Simien is a zydeco master.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

Jumpin’ tickets are $14 (VMFA members $12). Children age six and under are free. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 804.340.1405, online or at the museum’s Visitor Services desk. Parking for the event is available in the museum’s deck for $3 (VMFA members free with membership card).

Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 6:30 p.m. Jumpin’ tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. No pets, lawn chairs or coolers will be allowed in the garden.

Richmond Police confirm that there is a "strong possibility" that the five armed robberies in Boulevard area neighborhoods are connected. Says Lt. Timothy Morley with the Richmond Police Department's 3rd Precinct Robbery & Property Crimes Team, "We had two sets of robberies, on two different days which were minutes apart. There is a strong possibility these are related, due to the proximity to each other, the times and physical descriptions given by the victims. There was one robbery which occurred in the same area but at a different time. It would be premature to say the same suspects were involved in all of the robberies, but we are looking carefully at the similarities."

Lt. Morley tells us that in each case the suspects were described as:

• young black males
• around 6 feet tall
• one suspect was stockier than the other
• wearing dark clothing

Police are taking proactive measures to prevent further robberies and capture the suspects in the recent rash of robberies. Says Lt. Morley "Our officers have been briefed on the locations and suspect information regarding recent robberies. This may not, however, be the best indicator of where and when any suspects may strike again." Morley adds, "Our Third Precinct officers are going to be conducting regular checks in the area. We would ask our area residents to assist us with their eyes and ears to report any suspicious activity, cars or persons in their neighborhoods."

Police say the best thing you can do when you observe suspicious persons around you or your vehicle is to call 9-1-1. Your detailed description of persons and vehicles could prevent one of your friends or neighbors from becoming a victim of crime.

 **DEVELOPING**

Crime hit the Fan this weekend as Richmond Police report a significant number of armed robberies between the VCU campus and the Boulevard. The rash of robberies on Friday and Saturday all share similar characteristics: two suspects armed with a gun robbing an individual.

 Richmond Police Report The Following Incidents:

ROBBERY
5/7/10 11:15 p.m.
1700 block of Grove Avenue
A male reported he was robbed at gunpoint by two unknown males.

ROBBERY
5/8/10 5:34 a.m.
100 block of North Morris Street
A male reported he was robbed at gunpoint by two unknown males.

ROBBERY
5/8/10 5:34 a.m.
1800 block of Grove Avenue
A male reported he was robbed at gunpoint by two unknown males.

ROBBERY
5/9/10 8:28 p.m.
315 N. Boulevard
A female reported she was robbed at gunpoint by two unknown males.

ROBBERY ATTEMPT
5/9/10 9:28 p.m.
3000 Monument Ave.
A female reported she was assaulted during a robbery attempt by two unknown males with a gun.

Police have not yet confirmed a link or provided suspect descriptions for these crimes.

Do you live along or near the Boulevard? Well be sure to claim your parking spot tonight because this weekend is going to be a very busy one on our grand avenue.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts grand opening celebration on Saturday and Sunday will draw thousands of residents and tourists to the Grove through Kensington blocks of Boulevard. The expanded museum features a 600 car parking garage however we can expect many visitors to utilize free street parking.

Further south on Boulevard traffic and parking will also be more of a challenge than usual as Byrd Park hosts Arts in the Park. The 38th annual art show will feature more than 450 artists and will also draw thousands of people to the Carillon area in Byrd Park.

Arts in The Park will provide free parking and free shuttle service from the City Stadium parking lot to Byrd Park.

Pollen isn't the only springtime problem afflicting residents in neighborhoods west of the Boulevard according to the Richmond Police Department's Sector 311 newsletter. The March report prepared by Sector Lt. Michael Stith tells us that property crimes and bank robberies increased significantly in our area:

Sector 311 experienced four violent crimes (bank robberies) during the month of March. One of the incidents have been cleared by arrest, thanks to a good description of the suspect given by witnesses. We had 52 property crimes for the month, compared to 46 this time last year, which is a 13% increase.

Thefts from motor vehicles remain the most popular criminal behavior in our area:

Feb. 28-Mar. 1: 100 Block of N. Dooley Av., 10:00 am– 7:10 am
Mar. 1: 4900 Block of Grove Av., 2:00 pm– 7:00 pm
Mar. 1: 1000 Block of Lafayette St., 5:20 pm– 7:40 pm
Mar. 1: 4200 Block of Cary Street Rd., 7:15 pm– 7:20 pm
Mar. 1-2: 5300 Block of Snowden Ln., 8:00 pm– 7:00 am
Mar. 1-2: 00 hundred Block of Oak Ln., 9:00 pm– 1000 am
Mar. 3-5: 3500 Stuart Av., 7:45 pm– 3:00 pm
Mar. 4-5: 4100 Block of Kensington Av., 12:15 pm– 08:50 am
Mar. 15-19: 6900 Block of Forest Hill Av., 5:00 pm– 3:56 pm
Mar. 16: 1100 Block of N. Hamilton St., 2:25 pm– 2:30 pm
Mar. 17-18: 4700 Block of Kensington, Ave., 6:00 pm– 7:00 am
Mar. 18: 3500 Block of Floyd Ave., 2:15 pm– 2:40 pm
Mar. 26-28: 700 Block of N. Belmont Rd., 5:00 pm– 1100 am

You can find the full report & tips on how to avoid becoming the next victim of a motor vehicle theft at the Richmond Police Department website

According to Richmond Sports Backers one of the greatest road races in the nation is nearing capacity with more than 35,000 runners already registered and registration will end much earlier than expected. Registration for the Monument Ave 10k race on March 27th costs $35 and includes a collectable Ukrops sponsored t-shirt commemorating the race.

Interested in participating in this year's race? You can register online at Sports Backers website.

The ever popular French Film Festival attracts people from all of the East Coast and beyond. If you are coming from out of town for the French Film Festival, you will need a nice place to prop up your feet and relax. Fortunately, you are in luck.

Richmond’s Museum District is home to several charming Bed & Breakfasts. Within walking distance of the Byrd Theatre and Carytown, these B&Bs offer Francophiles the perfect place to lay their heads down after a long day of watching French films.

Museum District Bed & Breakfast is on Grove Avenue near the intersection with Boulevard across the street from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

The Kensington Bed & Breakfast is located at the corner of Kensington Ave and Sheppard Ave.

Maury Place at Monument can be found where Franklin St, Monument Ave and Belmont Ave intersect across the street from the Maury Statue on Monument.

All three B&Bs offer luxuriously furnished suites, freshly prepared breakfasts and refreshments throughout the day.

Be sure to make your reservations early as suites at these popular B&Bs will go fast!

The post is part of a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond.

Concerned about crime trends in neighborhoods west of the Boulevard? Lt. Michael Stith with the Richmond Police Department has the latest news from Sector 311 (Carytown, Museum District neighborhoods) in his February newsletter:

Noteworthy incidents from January 2010:

Kidnapping/Abduction

Jan. 28: 3400 Block of W. Grace Street-Arrest made

Burglary/B&E/Commercial

Jan. 02: 5600 Block of Patterson Ave., 0240 am

Burglary/B&E/Outbuilding

Jan. 18: 4400 Block of Hanover Av., 0000-0700 am

Theft from Motor Vehicle

Jan. 07: 4000 Block of Kensington Ave., (6:10 pm)
Jan. 07: 30 Block of Willway Ave., (5:00-5:25 pm)
Jan. 10: 100 Block of S. Blvd., (11:10-11:30 am)
Jan. 11: 5500 Block of Grove Ave., (10:10-10:35 am)
Jan. 11: 100 Block of N. Auburn Ave., (11:00 am-1214 pm)
Jan: 11: 200 Block of Roseneath Rd., (12:30 am– 12:00 pm)
Jan. 12: 300 Block of Lexington Rd., (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
Jan. 12: 0 Block of Patterson Ave/Sauer Ave., (7:45 pm-9:00 pm)
Jan. 12: 0 Block of Patterson Ave/Sauer Ave., (7:45 pm-9:00 pm)
Jan. 13: 4500 Block of Wythe Ave., (9:00 am-2:00 pm)
Jan. 14: 3200 Block of Stuart Ave., (8:28 pm)
Jan. 14: 3900 Block of Patterson Ave., (8:15 pm-8:30 pm)
Jan. 15: 3100 Block of Hanover Ave., (9:20 pm-9:45 pm)
Jan. 15: 6700 Block of Kensington Ave., (8:00 pm-1159 pm)
Jan. 19: 900 Block of Maple Ave., (9:35 pm-1048 pm)
Jan. 19: 800 Block of Maple Ave., (10:00 pm-11:15 pm)
Jan. 21: 500 Block of Matoaka Rd., (11:00 am-2:21pm)
Jan. 22: 100 Block of Westmoreland St., (1:30 pm-1:45 pm)
Jan. 24: 3500 Block of Stuart Ave., (6:00 pm-11:00 am)
Jan. 25: 5700 Block of Grove Ave., (9:45 am-10:25 am)

Read More From Lt. Stith's February Newsletter and Check Out Some of Our Area's 2009 Crime Trends

The trees of the Museum District usually loom overhead as silhouettes of benevolent giants but on Monday morning one area resident incurred the wrath of a not so friendly arboreal menace. According to reports from NBC 12 a new Honda Civic was parked beneath one of the old trees on the 3100 block of Patterson Avenue when the unthinkable happened:

A chopped up tree limb fell down early this morning, smashing right through Lindsay Sterling's windshield, ending on the dashboard. Residents who are forced to park on Patterson Avenue are now worried, their car could be next.

Forget the nice weather. People strolling along Patterson Avenue are checking out Lindsay's brand-new car.

"I'm devastated for her. It's unbelievable," said resident Lillian Shirley.

Read More From NBC 12

In an updated report officials with the Richmond Urban Forestry Department accept responsibility for the arboreal attack:

The city's public works office says the tree has Dutch Elm disease and has had it since 2008 when it was last inspected but wasn't on the schedule to be removed.

Crews will now remove the tree Wednesday, January 20.

Get Details On Filing Claims Against The City From NBC 12

Tonight marks the beginning of a series of inaugural celebration events in Richmond including a Ball on the Boulevard! The Attorney General's Inaugural Gala will be hosted at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - Marble Hall from 7-10 PM tonight. The open bar and hors d'oeuvres event is black tie optional with tickets ranging from $65 to $25,000.

For more details on the event visit the Inaugural reservation site.

Our senior party crashing strategist rates this as a highly desirable event to partake in and the venue offers many stealth entrance opportunities.

"If the open bar and hors d'oeuvres starts at 7PM I'd say optimal [party] crashing starts at 8:30 PM. Everyone will be sloshed and have their guard down," says our strategist.

TRAFFIC ALERT: There are a number of street closings in downtown tomorrow (h/t to Adam for the tip):
Saturday, January 16 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grace Street between Jefferson Street and 9th Street

Franklin Street between Jefferson Street and 9th Street

8th Street between Main Street and Broad Street

7th Street between Main Street and Broad Street

6th Street between Main Street and Broad Street

5th Street between Main Street and Broad Street

4th Street between Main Street and Broad Street

3rd Street between Main Street and Broad Street

2nd Street between Main Street and Broad Street

1st Street between Main Street and Broad Street

Foushee Street between Main Street and Broad Street

NBC 12 reports that Richmond police apprehended several individuals in connection with graffiti vandalism in Boulevard area neighborhoods.

Says NBC 12:

Police arrested 31-year-old Michael Atkinson of Richmond, 22-year-old Ricky Portillo of Richmond and 21-year-old Noah Fiel of Richmond, all for graffiti vandalism. Police tell us Atkinson tagged the Davis and Main restaurant. Meanwhile, police say Noah Fiel tagged the Chanello's Pizza Place at the intersection of Broad and the Boulevard.

...

Police say there are several things you can do to stop this. First, be on the look out for someone stopping in the alleyways for unknown reasons. Secondly, if you see someone hiding or ducking from passing cars, that's a sign someone may be tagging. Third, you need to know that the graffiti tagging usually occurs in the early morning hours.

For more on these arrests and an interview with Fan District leaders visit NBC 12

The Times-Dispatch and Richmond Magazine are both reporting that the highly rated fine dining establishment One North Belmont closed their doors for good after the holidays. Owner Frits Huntjens tells the RTD that it was the sour economy that defeated the venerable French eatery:

"It's absolutely the economy and it doesn't look like it's getting much brighter," said Frits Huntjens, owner and chef of 1 North Belmont, located at 1 N. Belmont Ave. in Richmond...."I certainly don't want to go through another 2009," he said.

The closure of One North Belmont leaves behind a gaping hole in the promises of many husbands, boyfriends and significant others who always said "We'll go there for something special one day." For more on this aspect, Richmond Magazine's Jason Tesauro jabs his finger at would be customers for letting Richmond lose this establishment.

WTVR is reporting that high level officials at the Byrd Theater will neither confirm or deny rumors of a New Year's Eve event outside of the famous entertainment venue.

Says WTVR:

...Many are speculating that Schall-Vess will raise the ball anyway.

"Yes it's true...there are rumors out there to that effect," said Schall-Vess. But are they true? Will Richmonders gather anyway as they cast their eyes to the top of the Byrd Theater? "I can neither confirm or deny rumors. We'll just say, we'll see...yeah, we'll see," said Schall-Vess.

Police say they haven't heard about any revived celebration plans and have placed officers in other areas across the city, instead of focusing on Carytown. "We would be prepared to deploy people from other areas should a large crowd converge that we're not prepared for," said Major Peggy Horn.

Will the Carytown tradition continue despite the lack of support from merchants and city officials? Time will tell.

Get more on this developing news story from WTVR 6

TWITTER UPDATE 1 PM: A well connected source near the Byrd Theater reports that there are two people on the roof of the Byrd working on something.

Nansemond Ave on a bright and sunny Tuesday afternoon is usually a quiet street with light traffic. On this sunny Tuesday though there would be no traffic at all after 3:15 pm, it was at that time that an eastbound Subaru SUV mysteriously flipped onto its roof.

An eyewitness to the bizarre accident tells us that the driver was "not traveling fast or dangerously" and it "just sort of happened."

The mysterious crash closed Nansemond Ave for several hours between Hanover Ave and Stuart Ave as crews righted and removed the wreckage from the narrow two lane street.

No other vehicles were involved and the driver was treated at the scene after being shaken up in the crash.