Latest news with #VirginiaBeachPolice
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ODU to honor first responders in region at Crown Gala
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — It will be a night to remember for first responders as Old Dominion University unveils its first-ever Crown Gala Saturday at Chartway Arena, marking the culminating celebration of its National Endowment of the Arts initiative. Crown is one of 50 programs ODU has created in the last academic year through a $20,000 NEA grant. This final project is dedicated to those who aid and protect Virginia communities. 'I said, we cannot leave out our first responders,' said Millicent Lee, ODU director of community relations. 'And, understanding that with mental health, our first responders can sometimes be a little patchy for them to look at … because they are these superheroes that sometimes are not able to take their capes off.' Inside Norfolk's Chartway Arena, dozens of first responders will gather from across the region with area leaders, representing 16 localities in the Commonwealth. 'I'm hoping they feel when they walk in the room that everything was done with intention, that every single thing was thought out just for them,' Lee said, 'and that when they walk in, they can maybe loosen their tie even though it's black tie, loosen their tie just a little bit to really take in everything that's going to be done.' ODU will present 19 public service awards to the first responders, from categories like mental health, leadership and resiliency. The university will also introduce a brand new partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department's 4th precinct, but its public relations director only gave a hint of the big reveal. 'It's going to be very community-based and community-minded what we're planning on doing with our first responders,' she said. 'And I'm almost willing to say that in the state of Virginia, I don't think anyone else has thought to do this yet.' U.S. Army veteran and life coach Derick Johnson will deliver the Crown Gala's keynote address, with live entertainment provided by the Fuzz Band. The event starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. It is not open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fallen VB officers honored in memorial ceremony
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The city of Virginia Beach held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, honoring officers who have died in the line of duty — including two recently fallen officers whose loss is still being felt deeply across the community. Complete Coverage: Fallen VBPD Officers Reese and Girvin . Their names were recognized during the ceremony, as families laid roses on the memorial wreath to commemorate their service and sacrifice. 'I brought Cameron with me today,' said Barbara Girvin, the mother of Cameron Girvin. 'He's in my bracelet. And I brought him with me so he could be part of this.' Barbara Girvin also reflected on a recent gathering with her son's former colleagues. 'We got together yesterday with his fellow officers for breakfast,' she said. 'We had a seat at the end of the table that was empty. And we knew Cameron was there in spirit.' Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate spoke about the ongoing impact the officers' deaths have had on the department and the broader community. 'To see the heartbreak on the faces of the mothers and the fathers, knowing that they entrusted their sons to this police department and to this city — and unfortunately, we didn't live up to it,' Neudigate said. 'Time does make it a little bit better. But when you see them, it's all fresh and raw again.' According to Neudigate, the department is working to address these challenges by expanding support services. 'Twenty-five years ago, we would never admit that we were having trouble,' he said. 'That just wasn't part of our profession.' Virginia Beach Police have since hired a full-time clinician and are adding new mental health resources for officers. 'It's not only needed — it's expected,' Neudigate said. 'And if we don't address it now, we'll be addressing it later.' The ceremony was held at the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Memorial at the Oceanfront on 35th Street. Community members, city leaders and families of other fallen officers were also in attendance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Death investigation underway after woman found dead in Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach police are conducting a death investigation after a woman was found dead on Oleander Circle Saturday afternoon. Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services received a call for service in the 600 block of Oleander Circle at approximately 12:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found one woman deceased on scene. The investigation is currently active and ongoing. There is no known threat to the community. 10 On Your Side is on the way to the scene to obtain more information. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Local police issue warning as ‘Senior Assassin' game returns
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – You've likely heard of or even participated in the popular annual tradition for high schools seniors known as 'Senior Assassin.' It's basically a school-wide game of tag seniors play ahead of graduation. Students use water guns, or other safe 'weapons' like nerf guns, to eliminate their assigned targets from the game by squirting them with water. The last student standing who avoids being eliminated typically wins a prize and bragging rights. The game can last several weeks. Now that we're nearing the end of the school year, it's game time. While it is meant to be all in fun, the live-action game comes with safety concerns for law enforcement. Virginia Beach Police sent out a warning this week. Players using water guns that look like real weapons run the risk of being mistaken for actual threats, potentially causing confusion among bystanders or law enforcement. The game may also promote dangerous actions, such as sneaking around homes, hiding in bushes, or chasing others across streets, heightening the risk of injuries and accidents. Additionally, trespassing is a frequent concern, as players might enter private property without consent, leading to legal issues or conflicts with homeowners. Virginia Beach Police VBPD is trying to get the word out to the community to help curb risky behavior. Earlier this year, Florida law enforcement held a news conference to talk about the dangers of 'Senior Assassin' after a Jacksonville high school football player was shot by an off-duty officer while the teen was playing the game. Fortunately, the student was not seriously hurt. Because of the dangers, in 2024 the founders ofannounced the launch of a new, free mobile app 'Parabellum-the-Game' to provide a safer way to play the viral game. According to the app website it was designed using feedback from players, communities and first responders. It's available on Google Play and the App Store. If you are planning to play, here are some safety tips from police: Use brightly colored water guns Do not disguise yourself Do not aim at people who are not participating Do not trespass on private property or play in business areas Do not go into someone's house without permission Avoid playing after dark Tell your parents you're playing and where you will be Use common sense Have fun Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to 10 years after attempted murder of Virginia Beach detective
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A man recently convicted of trying to kill a Virginia Beach Police detective in 2023 was sentenced on Monday to 10 years in prison. Man shoots at officer during car theft investigation in VB A jury found 20-year-old Thomas Davenport Jr. guilty of attempted second-degree murder, maliciously shooting at an occupied building, maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle, use of a firearm, vehicle tampering and unlawfully destroying property in December of 2024 after shooting at an detective's vehicle on Aug. 2, 2023. According to officials, Davenport was with three juveniles in the Level Green area of Virginia Beach. In the early morning hours of Aug. 2, officers were searching the area after reports of car break ins. During the search, a police detective located Davenport, who had been recently suspected of stealing a rifle from a vehicle, along with three other juveniles. The detective began to return fire after a male shot towards the detective's vehicle, police said. The group then began firing towards the detective. Around 25 bullets were shot, but the detective was not struck. While in court on Monday, Judge Duffin said Davenport did not need to choose the path that he took and sentenced him to an active total of 10 years in prison. Two other defendants were also in court, one of whom pleaded guilty on Monday to a similar charge as Davenport and will be sentenced in June. Another codefendant is currently in the juvenile system and was just 14 years old at the time of the incident. 10 On Your Side's Chris Horne was in the court room and will provide more updates throughout the day. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
