VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Chaos erupted at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront late Saturday night as a violent confrontation between two groups escalated into a mass shooting. Police say eight people were injured in the crossfire, and while one suspect is in custody, a manhunt is currently underway for two others.
The incident occurred in the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue, a popular tourist and nightlife destination, around 9:50 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 11.
A Night of Terror on Atlantic Avenue
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the violence began as an altercation between two “unrelated groups of young adults and juveniles.” What started as a verbal dispute quickly turned deadly when at least three individuals pulled out firearms and began exchanging shots in the crowded area.
Officers arriving at the scene discovered eight victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims represent a wide range of ages, highlighting the young demographic involved in the incident:
- Two 17-year-olds (one male, one female)
- Two 18-year-old men
- A 20-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman
- A 24-year-old woman
Emergency medical services rushed the victims to local hospitals. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that all eight are expected to survive, though their injuries range from moderate to serious.
Arrests and Ongoing Manhunt
In a swift investigative move, police arrested one of the individuals involved—who was also shot during the exchange. 18-year-old Jamaya Williams of Henrico County, Va., is currently in custody.
Williams faces a staggering list of charges, including:
- Seven counts of aggravated assault
- Seven counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Three counts of violating a protective order
- Illegal possession of two firearms
However, the threat is not entirely over. Detectives have identified a second suspect as 18-year-old Isaiah Charity of Richmond, Va. Charity is currently wanted for eight counts each of aggravated malicious wounding and reckless handling of a firearm. A third unidentified male suspect also fled the scene and remains at large.
A Pattern of Violence?
This shooting comes as a major blow to the city’s efforts to keep the Oceanfront safe. It occurred just weeks after a March 7 incident where six bystanders were injured in a similar shooting on the same street.
In response to the rising violence, city officials had already enacted a strict weekend curfew through the end of April, prohibiting unaccompanied minors from the Oceanfront area between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Despite these measures, Saturday’s shooting took place just blocks away from heavy police patrols.
Community Safety and Calls for Information
Deputy Chief William Zelms addressed the public’s growing anxiety, stating, “We know that when an incident like this happens, it causes concern. We will do everything we can to continue to ensure the public’s safety.” He emphasized that there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general community, as the shooters were targeting each other.
The VBPD is now turning to the public for help. They are asking anyone who may have captured video of the shooting on their smartphones to come forward.
How to help: If you have any information, please contact the VBPD at (757) 385-4101 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Is the Atlantic Avenue curfew enough to stop the violence, or does Virginia Beach need more police presence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
