PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Portsmouth Police are investigating a shooting in the 2900 block of Berkley Avenuethat took the life of a young victim Friday afternoon.
Around 2:31 p.m., officers responded to the area for a report of a gunshot victim. They arrived on scene to find a juvenile, a male, suffering from a critical gunshot wound.
Officers began performing life-saving measures, and the juvenile was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His next of kin has been notified.
Portsmouth Vice Mayor De'Andre Barnes told News 3 reporter Leondra Head the victim was a teenager he knew.
"He was a good kid. He always spoke. He went to school with my children at Cradock Middle School, and also he played in my organization. I run a youth non-profit for kids in basketball," Barnes said.
Barnes says he's shocked to learn the young boy was a victim to senseless gun violence.
"It is heartbreaking to see kids that you see grow up be in this situation. I knew his mom. I went to school with his mom. So, I know she’s heartbroken."
Detectives obtained photos of a possible suspect vehicle, which appears to be a 2019 or newer Nissan Altima with unknown registration. Authorities say there may have been at least three people inside the vehicle at the time of this crime.
On October 2, detectives say they've located the suspect vehicle, which is currently being recovered near the 1500 block of Columbus Avenue.
This latest homicide comes less than 24 hours after a 17-year-old boy was killed after a shooting in the 2900 block of Elm Avenue Thursday night.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are asking anyone who knows anything about this shooting to call the Portsmouth Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (757) 393–8536 or to submit an anonymous tip through the Portsmouth Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). Tips may also be submitted anonymously via the P3Tips app or at the Portsmouth Crime Line website.
