NORFOLK, Va. — Two teens are facing charges after a 14-year-old was found on the Tide light rail with a gunshot wound, according to Norfolk police.
Police say they were flagged down by an HRT Light Rail driver on Thursday around 10:40 p.m. This was in the 100 block of Bank St., according to police.
Officers say they found a 14-year-old boy on the Light Rail who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital, and they say he’s expected to recover.
Less than an hour later, around 11:15 p.m, police say they arrested two teen males: a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old. They were arrested in the 500 block of Tidewater Dr. and are being held at the Norfolk Detention Center, police say.
Police told News 3 that the 14-year-old was on the train when he was shot, but the suspects were never on the train.
The two teens face the following charges, according to police: malicious wounding, use of firearm, and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot has since commented on the shooting:
"This unfortunate incident was the result of two groups of juveniles that do not get along spotting one another at the Light Rail stop in Downtown Norfolk. Fortunately, however, Norfolk Police Officers were nearby and swiftly responded to the scene which ensured that the victim received the necessary medical assistance to sustain his injuries, and all others on the train were out of harm's way, said Chief Mark Talbot. This rapid response by the Officers not only aided the victim tremendously but is what led to an arrest taking place less than an hour after the incident occurred."-Chief Mark Talbot
According to Hampton Roads Transit, there was no other passengers were targeted and there is no present threat.
On Friday, more security was present at the Tide Macarthur Square Station.
In addition to added security, Amy Jordan the director of communications for HRT says technology has and will continue to be a safety tool.
"We provide cameras and we will continue to upgrade and increase all of our systems and all of our modes so that we are providing a very safe environment not only for our transit rider but for our operators as well," said Jordan.
Hampton Roads Transit told news 3 the train operator would not be available to speak about the incident.
They are predicting that more information may be available in the future. For now HRT says there will be more security within their system for the time being and into the new year.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
