Chaos in Virginia Beach: Multiple shooting incidents leave two dead and eight wounded by gunfire as cop is hit by a car on oceanfront party strip
- Two are dead and eight injured after a shooting on Friday night in Virginia Beach
- Cops confirm multiple victims with potential life-threatening injuries
- Police officer was also struck by a car but is expected to survive
- Large Spring Break crowds had gathered in the area to party earlier in the night
Multiple people have been shot and wounded and at least two are dead after a chaotic night in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said that the incidents unfolded over multiple crime scenes, and police were working to determine whether and how the events were connected.
In one incident at 20th and Atlantic Avenue, eight people were shot and injured, and the shooter was killed by police one block west of the scene, Neudigate told WVEC-TV reporter Ali Weatherton.
Another person was also shot and killed in another incident nearby, but the connection was unclear. A police officer was also struck by a car in the chaos, but is expected to survive.
Police converged on the shore in Virginia Beach on Friday night after a shootings left multiple people with potential life-threatening injuries
Dispatchers said the first call reporting a shooting came in at around 11.24pm from the 1900 block of Pacific Avenue, an oceanfront stretch with several fast food restaurants and bars.
Police have yet to comment on specifics of the shooting, but there were unconfirmed reports that at least two individuals with guns were in a dispute and began firing wildly, injuring bystanders.
Initial reports suggest that up to 10 people were injured in the chaos. There were unconfirmed reports that a police officer was injured.
‘VBPD is investigating a shooting involving several victims with possibly life-threatening injuries,’ the Virginia Beach Police Department said in a statement.
‘Large police presence at the oceanfront between 17th and 22nd St. Please avoid the area at this time. More to follow as it becomes available.’
After midnight, there was a massive police presence in the area, an oceanfront strip lined with budget hotels, parking lots, bars and fast food restaurants.
Emergency radio broadcasts indicated that there were multiple potential crime scenes and potential armed subjects on the loose.
Radio traffic suggested that a McDonald’s restaurant was considered one of the shooting scenes.
Social media posts from earlier in the evening show a crowded, Spring Break atmosphere in the area with large groups gathering by the shore.
Individuals were seen dancing on top of cars and stopping traffic to dance in the street before the shooting unfolded.
Virginia Beach Police Department has not yet addressed the media but is expected to hold a press conference shortly.
A mobile command post has been established at the intersection of 19th and Atlantic Avenue to coordinate the investigation.
Developing story, more to follow.