NORFOLK, Va. — A suspect has been arrested and charged following the killing of a man in Norfolk late Tuesday morning, authorities announced. It's the second deadly shooting to happen within the Mermaid City within a week.
27-year-old Michael Lewis Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm after Norfolk police's investigation. Police say Lewis Jr. was taken into custody around 3 p.m. on the same day as the shooting. He is being held in Norfolk City Jail without bond.
The Norfolk Police Department (NPD) shared in a social media post that officers were called to the shooting at around 10:15 a.m. in the vicinity of Kimball Terrace and Wiley Drive. That's steps away from Chesterfield Academy Elementary School.
A man, identified as 32-year-old Bobby Hill of Chesapeake, was found shot and was pronounced dead at the scene, NPD said.
Neighbors said they knew this man well, calling him a pillar in the Norfolk community. They said he was often seen riding a mobility scooter and waving high to neighbors.
"He was literally disabled, how can someone target that man?" questioned one neighbor. "He wouldn't hurt a fly, people loved him, our children loved him, it's just not right."
Neighbors questioned if this was an example of a botched robbery, but Norfolk police could not confirm.
A spokeswoman with the Norfolk Police Department said it remains part of an active investigation.
"So far we do not have any suspects in custody," said Karen Parker-Chesson, Norfolk Police Department. "We do know there is surveillance in the vicinity and we hope to glean information from that soon."
A neighbor said they saw a man run towards Chesterfield Academy following the shooting, but Norfolk Public Schools did not respond to comment.
Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk's Commonwealth Attorney, walked the scene alongside investigators and said he expects criminal charges will follow.
"It's very early in the process, there's no way to know a timeframe, or offer anything other than best efforts," said Fatehi. "However, I have full faith in Norfolk Police and in time I believe we will have some answers."
Hours after the shooting Norfolk police announced a person of interest had been detained but did not say how the person is connected.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887 or submit an anonymous tip online using P3 Tips.
