NORFOLK, Va. — Portsmouth police said a shooting involving at least one of their officers happened at a Norfolk cemetery on Friday afternoon.
The incident happened on the grounds of Riverside Memorial Park, where multiple police agencies were called to the scene. 13News Now reporters witnessed multiple people handcuffed at the scene, as well as a silver BMW that appeared to have several bullet holes through the front windshield.
A Portsmouth police spokeswoman said officers were trying to arrest Malachi Elliot, 18, when the officer-involved shooting unfolded.
Elliot was shot and taken to the hospital. The teen is expected to survive.
Elliot was wanted for contempt of court. Following this incident, he was charged with grand theft auto, possession of a firearm by a felon and attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer.
During the incident, officers also arrested 18-year-old Cedric Davis Jr. He was wanted for charges in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The charges include possession of a stolen automobile, failure to appear in court and two counts of carjacking and use of a firearm.
No officers were hurt during the incident.
Spokespersons from both Portsmouth and Norfolk police said Virginia State Police will investigate the shooting because an officer is involved.
“This is very strange. Here’s why: normally you think about a police presence in a more residential area, but now we see this activity right here on the cemetery,” Bilal Muhammad said, a community activist who happens to be a part-time worker at the park.
Muhammad showed up early for his shift but was surprised by the police presence.
Onlookers, like Norfolk resident and minister Bernard "Pee Wee" Thompson, watched crime tape surround the Campostella-area cemetery.
"I was wondering what was going on. I'm always alarmed if it's any type of tragedy. [If] anybody gets hurt, we certainly do wish their family well and hope and trust that they are okay," Thompson said.
Locals like Thompson said they pray and wish for peace.
Officers with Virginia State Police have not yet told 13News Now exactly how Portsmouth police and the BMW ended up in the middle of the Norfolk cemetery.
If you know anything about the shooting that might help detectives, call the area's Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. You can also leave a tip online.
Callers to the Crime Line can stay anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.