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Virginia Beach police officer in vehicle fired upon while doing plainclothes surveillance

Crystal Graham
police lights at night
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A Virginia Beach police officer was treated for lacerations Wednesday from broken glass after his unmarked vehicle was struck by gunfire while doing surveillance related to a recent theft from a vehicle.

Officers from the VBPD Fourth Precinct Crime Suppression Squad were conducting plainclothes surveillance in the 1100 block of Craftsman Drive around 2:15 a.m. when suspects fired numerous gunshots. The officer, according to police, discharged his service weapon from inside the vehicle in response to the incoming gunfire.

The officer immediately left the scene after the gunfire, and the suspects reportedly fled on foot.

A subsequent search of the area by responding officers located two individuals who were detained.

Both subjects have been charged as follows:

  • A 16-year-old male of Norfolk has been charged with two counts of tempering with an automobile, shooting at a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of an extended ammunition magazine in public
  • A 16-year-old male of Virginia Beach has been charged with two counts of tempering with an automobile, shooting at a vehicle and possession of a firearm by a juvenile

It is not believed anyone was struck by police gunfire at this time. However, the VBPD homicide unit is conducting a criminal investigation into this incident.

The VBPD Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct an administrative review to determine whether the actions in this incident complied with department policy, procedure and training.

Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at (757) 385-4101.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.