A peaceful evening at a Newport News shopping plaza turned to chaos and terror when gunfire erupted, leaving six people wounded in what authorities are describing as a targeted violent incident.
Scene of Chaos
The shooting occurred around 6pm on Tuesday at the bustling 6000 block of Jefferson Avenue, a commercial area frequented by local residents. Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple reports of gunshots, discovering victims with varying degrees of injuries.
Police Chief Steve Drew confirmed that all six victims, whose identities remain protected, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local medical facilities for treatment. "We have individuals who are going to survive this," Drew stated, offering some reassurance to a concerned community.
Investigation Underway
Newport News Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details about potential suspects remain limited, authorities have indicated they believe this was not a random act of violence.
"We do not believe this was a stranger-to-stranger event," Chief Drew emphasised during a press briefing, suggesting the incident may have stemmed from a targeted confrontation rather than indiscriminate violence.
Community Response
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Newport News community, raising concerns about public safety in commercial areas. Local business owners and residents expressed alarm at the violence occurring in what many consider their neighbourhood shopping destination.
Police have increased patrols in the area and are appealing to witnesses to come forward with any information that might assist their investigation. The department is particularly interested in security footage from nearby businesses that might have captured crucial evidence.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
