News

Actions

Businesses say that they’re glad College Beach Weekend is over

Posted at 11:46 PM, Apr 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-01 06:55:56-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Businesses along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront are recovering after a wild weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Police lights filled the air on 18th Street after receiving a call of a shooting. They arrived just before 11 p.m. on Saturday night.

“We just heard a whole bunch of gun shots and everybody running. It was very chaotic,” said witnesses.

Four people were shot, but police tell News 3 all of those hurt are expected to recover.

Business owners and employees nearby saw when the gunfire started, as people immediately were running inside.

“Everybody was hiding underneath tables, behind racks, trying to go behind my counter in the back,” said Melinda Cassidy, a manager at the Body Piercing Store. “It was honestly terrifying and I was stuck. I didn’t know what to do.”

Some other store employees along the Oceanfront say they were forced to close their doors early following the shooting.

However, it was back to business on Sunday. And although employees have resumed working, some say that they’ve been on edge during the entire College Beach Weekend.

“I usually work every single day and I’ve decided to not work as much this week just because my mom is worried about my safety and I’m a high school student.”

Since Saturday night’s shooting, people say that they’re ready for the weekend to end. Store managers mentioned to News 3 that the College Beach event hasn’t made an impact in sales.

“A lot of people don’t come in and spend money during beach week,” added Cassidy. “It was like our numbers were basically the same as last Saturday. I didn’t see an increase.”

“It was scary, but it was very predictable. You expect it with all the large crowds,” said other witnesses who felt differently about Saturday night’s shooting.

RELATED: 

Thousands sign online petition to stop Virginia Beach College Beach Weekend

Man shows up to Virginia Beach hospital with stab wound

Four people injured in shooting at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia Beach Oceanfront traffic rerouted due to heavy congestion Saturday night

Virginia Beach Police bring additional help to ensure safety during College Beach Weekend