VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man who was fleeing from a Virginia Beach Police officer after stealing from a store in Virginia Beach is in custody and facing charges after he fired a gun at the officer.
According to a police department spokesperson, this began unfolding at around 8:45 Friday night. A representative for Kohl's Department Store contacted Virginia Beach Emergency Dispatch reporting an incidence of shoplifting in progress.
An officer from the Third Precinct responded to the store, but before the shoplifter could be taken into custody, he fled on foot from the store with stolen merchandise,
The officer saw the suspect and was chasing him in a marked police vehicle when the suspect fired a gun at the officer, and at least one round struck the police vehicle. The officer was not injured and didn't return fire. Other officers joined the pursuit and they were eventually able to take the suspect into custody.
The suspect was subsequently identified as 24-year-old Tyler Davis of Norfolk. Davis had been involved in a previous attempt from the store. He was charged with Attempted Aggravated Murder, Use of a Firearm by a Violent Felon, Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny and Grand Larceny.
Two women who were with Davis were also taken into custody in the store.
26-year-old Hayley Fernandez of Virginia Beach was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny. 22-year-old Jaclyn Anderson of Portsmouth faces charges of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny and Possession of a Schedule I/II Narcotic.
In a news release, Police Chief Paul Neudigate was quoted as saying: “This incident underscores the commitment of our officers to serve and protect this community, as well as the fact there is no such thing as a “routine” call. We are incredibly grateful that our officer was not killed or injured, and we ask the community and the rest of our criminal justice system to send the message that attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.”
Man in custody after shooting at Virginia Beach Police officer while fleeing after robbing a store
The officer was not injured and didn't return fire. Other officers joined the pursuit and they were eventually able to take the suspect into custody.