PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 22 in the 500 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue, according to the Portsmouth Police Department.
On December 22, around 10:34 a.m. officers responded to a violent domestic incident involving the stabbing of a 65-year-old woman, near the 500 block of Mt. Vernon Ave.
While on the scene, officials say an officer-involved shooting occurred, and a 45-year-old man was fatally wounded.
The 65-year-old woman is the mother of the 45-year-old suspect, Deshawn L. Jones.
Officers began to provide medical aid to the woman when they were immediately made aware Jones was inside the residence, armed with a knife. Officers say they immediately began to give verbal commands ordering him to drop the knife. Officials say Jones began walking toward the officers as they continued verbal commands. At some point, the two officers fired at Jones, striking him several times.
Police say the mother was taken to an area hospital, where she remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Jones succumbed to his injuries.
As a result of this officer-involved shooting, Interim Chief Stephen Jenkins contacted the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations for their assistance.
Gracie Solomon, a mother of two who lives a few doors down said she came home to the street blocked off and filled with investigators, including State Police.
“My daughter discovered all this was happening outside,” Solomon said. “I’m not sure what about but I do know this is not something unfamiliar for this area.”
Many neighbors, including Solomon are left feeling uneasy.
“I hear gunshots regularly and it makes me scared for my child as well as for me,” said Solomon.
If anyone has any information, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
We are working to learn more about the incident. Stay with News 3 for updates.
