NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk Police officer who was allegedly shot on the job by an active-duty sailor while responding to a Child Protective Services (CPS) Saturday investigation has been identified.
Sean Blackwell, 57, has been with Norfolk Police for 19 years, according to the Norfolk Police Department (NPD). Officer Blackwell is currently recovering at home, NPD added.
Watch: Man, woman charged in shooting of Norfolk Police officer
Police arrived to a house on Arcadia Street around 3:20 p.m., when two suspects, a Norfolk man and a woman, became combative with Blackwell.
The male suspect, Samuel M. Burton, 29, fired at officers and Blackwell returned fire, police say.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) confirmed to News 3 that Burton is an active-duty sailor assigned to MARMC. He's been there for about six years, according to a MARMC spokesperson.
Burton was shot in the altercation and sustained life-threatening injuries. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be held at Norfolk City Jail without bond, says NPD.
Watch: Norfolk officer hit 'multiple times' in shootout with suspect on Arcadia Street: NPD
Burton was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer, and use of a firearm.
The female suspect, Cassandra Smith, 23, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice.
Watch: Heavy Norfolk police presence on Arcadia Street Saturday afternoon
All other officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave as Virginia State Police investigated the incident.
"People need to stop shooting at the police. I hate to be that blunt about it but it's that simple," said Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi. "Each of these things is its own things, with its own facts. It depends on what happens on a given day, but the common denominator is people are shooting at the cops and they need to stop."
Those who know Blackwell like Alfreda Thomas said he is a resource officer for Booker T. Washington High School.
She said when she learned her friend had gotten shot she was asking the community for prayers and is thankful that he will recover.
"I know he's going to have a long load of recovery physically and mentally because I couldn't imagine doing your job, your passion something that you love could have almost taken your life," Thomas said.
