NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk police officer was arrested after an incident of child abuse at a local grocery store on Saturday night, according to a Norfolk city press release.
On November 18, around 9:10 p.m., police were sent to the Harris Teeter store located at 1320 Colonial Avenue for the report of a violent domestic situation. Officer Jonluke W. Beasley, 33, was arrested following the incident.
When officers arrived, they say the involved parties were no longer inside of the store; however, staff provided officers with security footage of the incident, and it was determined the suspect was a Norfolk police officer.
As a result of the investigation, a police sergeant arrested Beasley, of Norfolk, around 11:10 p.m., the night of the incident. Beasley was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and released on bond.
"As Chief of Police it is my highest duty to ensure that the Officers who are sworn to serve the residents of Norfolk are bound by strong moral and ethical codes and are choosing to live in such a way that represents our organization's values, said Chief Mark Talbot. I want to reassure the public that any time an Officer exhibits any level of misconduct, it will be dealt with swiftly. I will only tolerate honest and reputable behavior from the men and women serving within the ranks of the Norfolk Police Department."
The Norfolk Police Department placed Beasley on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
News 3 reached out to Norfolk Police Tuesday to learn more. Police said an arrest means there are documents that will be filed with the court. When News 3 stopped in to get those documents the clerk, multiple times Tuesday, said she had not seen anything come through the system.
The Commonwealth's Attorney has also not seen documents related to the case. He said his office won't see those until Beasley's arraignment, which has not yet been scheduled.
Someone who knew the child told News 3 that while they don't know the whole story, the child appears to be physically okay.
The security footage has not been released.
News 3 will continue to follow up on this case as more information becomes available.
