NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Three teens are hurt after a shooting in Newport News on Wednesday.
It happened on 26th Street just before 9 p.m., according to the Newport News Police Department.
Chief Steve Drew held a press briefing late Thursday afternoon, shedding new light on the case.
He said detectives have been working around the clock. They found what is believed to be the suspect car, and recovered a firearm from it after filing search warrants, Drew told reporters.
The chief said they are confident there will be an arrest in this case.
Neighbor Zarist Willis recalled hearing several gunshots. He moved to the East End neighborhood around four months ago.
"I'm new. It's crazy," Willis said. "Sad. It's like a war out here. It's bad."
When officers arrived, they found three teenage boys, two 15-year-olds and a 17-year-old, with gunshot wounds. Two victims were located outside a home and a third inside.
Chief Drew said investigators believe this all stemmed from a beef between people who know each other.
"This was not a random act. We believe the individuals involved know each other, have known each for quite some, have had some arguments going on and escalated," said Drew.
The boys were taken to the hospital; they are expected to survive.
"That pain still sticks with you," said Adrian Cook with the nonprofit Let Our Voices Empower. He spends a lot of time advocating for young people on the Peninsula.
Cook said he is thinking of the teens and their families.
"This one is a setback, but it's not the end," he said. Not the end, because Cook told 13News Now he feels even more motivated to keep up efforts in the community alongside other advocates.
"Continue to plant new seeds. Hopefully, over time, we'll start to see the change in where our youth can be out here and feel safe, don't feel like they have to be shot," said Cook.
Chief Drew also emphasized an all-hands-on-deck message, in the fight against gun violence. He also expressed concern over what he called a lack of respect for life and a lack of conflict resolution.
“By the grace of God, we’re not planning three funerals today," Drew said.
Meanwhile, neighbors are staying on high alert. Willis said he is considering getting a doorbell security camera, for peace of mind.
"Something to protect me and my family. It's sad. It's sad. I pray for the families. I pray for the families," Willis added.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to call the Crime Line at 1–888-562-5887 or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com or through the P3Tips app.
Chief Drew thanked the people in the community who have already come forward with information.