NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News police have recovered a firearm that was used in a shooting in which three teenagers were injured Wednesday night.
Police were called around 8:50 p.m. to the 800 block of 26th Street. They found a 17-year-old and two 15-year-olds who had been shot. Authorities also received an alert via Shotspotter technology.
During a press conference Thursday, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said investigators found what they believed to be a suspect vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, the investigators found a firearm inside.
Chief Drew said this does not appear to be a random act and that the individuals involved knew each other. He said investigators believe a prior argument led up to the shooting.
"The result is what we see here in Newport News and what we're seeing around the country, continuing with this epidemic that we're facing with gun violence," Drew said during the press conference. "Individuals not able to deescalate tensions, anger, frustrations, whatever it might be that causes harm to others."
The teenagers all had non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
"We have three teenagers that are currently in the hospital recovering," Drew said. "By the grace of God, we're not planning three funerals today. That's concerning to me."
Chief Drew thanked his officers and detectives for working hard on the case, but he also thanked neighbors who provided information about the incident to police.
An investigation into the shooting remained underway. Anyone with information about the incident should call the Crime line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip at P3Tips.
