NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Police say they're investigating an overnight shooting in Newport News that left a man dead.
On Tuesday, Dec. 26 around 1:30 a.m., officers got calls about shots fired in the 1400 block of Saint Michaels Way, according to police. That's at Chesapeake Bay Apartments, not far from City Center.
Police say when officers arrived, they found a man who was shot at least once. He was taken to the hospital but didn't survive, according to police.
Neighbors like Logan Ericksen said they were woken up by gunshots and screaming.
"At first I thought it was fireworks or something and then I realized it was gunshots," Ericksen said.
Car windows were broken out around the complex and a bullet hole could be seen in the window of one home.
"It's pretty terrifying, it's normally pretty quiet around here, nothing like this happens," Ericksen said.
The department says they don't have suspect information to share yet.
This is the 45th homicide this year in Newport News. By comparison, there were 31 in 2022.
Last Friday, Chief Drew told us while the number of homicides this year is up, there are fewer shootings compared to last year.
“Most of these individuals were known to each other, indicating that they were close in proximity vs. random shootings," said Chief Drew. "Although we have seen a rise in homicides, it should be noted that shootings are down by 20, 94 in 2022 compared to 74 in 2023. Also, 18 teenagers were shot in 2022 compared to 11 this year – a 38% decrease."
He added that it's important to remember that these are people - not just numbers.
"Each one is a person with a family – a part of our community. They matter,” said Chief Drew.
Community activists against gun violence say they are tired of seeing that number go up.
"It just doesn't affect the person, the perpetrator It affects the shooter and those of the deceased," Chris Moore, with Bagz4dakidz, said. "It affects them and ripples down into our community. People such as myself don't feel good about that at all."
Moore said his organization looks to get children away from gun violence in Hampton and Newport News.
He said change is needed in the new year to stop this from happening but it will take more than just one group.
"I wanted to try and get a coalition of all of us to get together and just do something to make awareness to the people to think better," Moore said. "Let's not have a bad year. Let's change your mindset and your thinking."
An investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to call 911 or 757-247-2500. You can also leave an anonymous tip with the Crime Line by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or visiting P3TIPS.com.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
