VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Multiple people have been shot in two separate incidents at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, according to Virginia Beach Police.
Police said a call came in at around 11:20 p.m. regarding gunshots on Atlantic Avenue at 20th Street. Investigation has revealed that a group of people were involved in "some type of conflict" that escalated into a physical fight in which several people began shooting at each other, leaving multiple people wounded.
Several minutes later, officers heard additional gunshots in the vicinity of the 1900 block of Pacific Avenue. When officers investigated, they found an additional shooting victim in the 300 block of 19th Street near Pacific Avenue. 29-year-old Deshayla E. Harris, of Norfolk, died on scene. Police say Harris was a bystander of the shooting.
While the above was happening, a VBPD officer stationed nearby encountered and shot an armed citizen, killing him. Police later identified the man as 25-year-old Donovon W. Lynch, of Virginia Beach.
According to an update from VBPD, they say the officer did have a body camera on but it was not on. Police Chief Neudigate admitted during the press conference that he doesn’t have the answers the public is looking for.
As standard procedure, the officer involved will be placed on administrative assignment pending the outcome of the investigation. The involved officer is assigned to the Special Operations Division and has been with the department for 5 years.
Police have confirmed that eight people were injured in and hospitalized as a result of the shooting. A VBPD officer was also taken to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle, and has since been treated and released.
According to an update from officials, 22-year-old Ahmon Jahree Adams, of Chesapeake, 18-year-old Nyyquez Tyyon Baker, of Virginia Beach, and 20-year-old Devon Maurice Dorsey Jr., of Virginia Beach, were arrested in connection to the shooting on Atlantic Avenue. They have been charged with seven counts of felonious assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and reckless handling of a firearm.
They are being held in custody at the Virginia Beach City Jail.
According to a spokesperson with Sentara, the victims are being treated at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Of those eight, six were transported by ambulance and two walked in on their own.
Sentara updated News 3 Saturday evening that four patients remain at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in good condition.
Update from @PaulNeudigate https://t.co/rFsX3vZBcD pic.twitter.com/mGxkXPn00r
— Brendan Ponton (@brendanponton) March 27, 2021
Police say there will be enhanced police coverage at the Oceanfront after the incidents. They are working to determine if the three events are related or if there are any additional suspects.
Stay with News 3 for more updates on this breaking story.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). You can also submit a tip via P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app available in Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores. Tipsters will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
