CHESAPEAKE, Va. — By Monday afternoon, Chesapeake Police said all three children, including a toddler, who were injured in two separate drive-by shootings over the weekend, are expected to recover.
Investigators are still looking for the suspects involved in the shootings.
Police say a three-year-old was grazed by a bullet after a dark-colored sedan drove through Forest Cove Apartments firing several rounds Sunday afternoon.
Officers were called to the 2200 block of Farmer Lane near Shady Lane at the apartment complex just before 1:45 p.m.
The child was taken to a hospital after the bullet grazed its skin, police said.
“Don’t nobody want to see an injured child,” said a father who lives in the apartment complex and did not want to be identified. “Just send a prayer out, hearing he’s ok so that’s a blessing.”
The father said he was outside playing football with his two younger brothers when he heard the gunshots.
“A lot of bullets; you heard a lot,” he said. “It’s crazy. It’s just ridiculous.”
Just a couple of hours after Sunday's shooting, a Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event was held at the Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center, a short walk from the Forest Grove Apartments.
Community leaders took the opportunity to speak to parents about the recent violence.
“They have to see that and think 'My child could be next if I do nothing and say nothing,'" Terrell Cuffee, president of the Campostella Square Civic League stated. He added, "Because of the continued silence, there’s continued retaliation, but if we act, if we unify and come together, we can change that.”
Cuffee invited neighbors to their meeting at the Cuffee Community Center on Thursday, November 3 at 6 p.m.
"You come in and tell us what’s going on in your area, and you may just save a life," explained Cuffee.
Less than two miles away from the shooting at Forest Cove Apartments, police said there was another drive-by shooting on Acorn Street several hours beforehand.
Police say two teenage boys were shot and seriously hurt but are now recovering. The shooting happened in the 1700 block at 11:03 p.m. Saturday. Police said a hail of bullets came from a gold SUV.
Detectives are now investigating if the two drive-bys are connected.
Meantime, police are beefing up patrols in both neighborhoods. Mentors are also stepping up.
“They’re trying to help, just need a lot more help to stop this,” the neighbor at Forest Cove said.
Anyone with information leading to this incident is asked to contact the Chesapeake police department or call 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
