5 Juveniles Charged in Carjacking Investigation
On April 16, 2022, approximately 1:24 p.m., Newport News police responded to Walmart, in the 12400 block of Jefferson Avenue, in reference to a reported carjacking. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, a 51-year-old female. The victim stated she was sitting inside the vehicle when an unknown male opened the door, brandished a firearm, and demanded she get out of the vehicle. A second male then approached the vehicle and demanded she get out. The victim complied, and the suspects drove away in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Further investigation revealed a second vehicle –reported stolen out of Norfolk — was involved in this incident. A vehicle matching the description of that vehicle was located in South Precinct a short time after the carjacking occurred. Officers attempted to stop that vehicle, but the driver did not comply. Officers pursued the vehicle onto Interstate 664 and into the City of Portsmouth. The suspect vehicle experienced an equipment failure near City Park in Portsmouth, and the occupants attempted to flee on foot. With assistance by Portsmouth police, two of the suspects were immediately detained and a third individual was detained a few blocks away. A fourth individual was not detained.
After further investigation, a 17-year-old Norfolk male, a 16-year-old Newport News male, and a 14-year-old Suffolk male, were issued juvenile petitions for one count each carjacking and conspiracy to commit a felony. They were subsequently turned over to Juvenile Intake.
A vehicle matching the description of the vehicle stolen from Walmart was located in the City of Chesapeake shortly before 10:30 p.m. and pursued into the City of Virginia Beach. The vehicle was stopped in the 2400 block of Shell Road and two occupants were detained. After further investigation, a 14-year-old Suffolk male and a 14-year-old Virginia Beach male were issued juvenile petitions for one count each carjacking and conspiracy to commit a felony. They were subsequently turned over to Juvenile Intake. The investigation remains ongoing.
“Thanks to the hard work and determination by Newport News officers — with the assistance of our law enforcement partners in Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach — we were able to quickly make arrests in this case. Newport News and the other police departments in this region continue to work together to combat gun violence. The Hampton Roads law enforcement community is united in this effort,” Chief of Police Steve Drew said.
