NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News police officers arrested 14 suspects in a coordinated take-down that started on December 20.
The operation resulted in over 27 charges.
The domestic-violence suppression operation was called Operation Mistletoe. It was a warrant operation executed to address the significant number of domestic-related aggravated assault charges throughout Newport News.
Members of the HIP Teams, Organized Crime Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit, and the Economic Crimes Unit participated in the sweep.
Here are the list of 14 people arrested and their charges:
- Darrin Eugene Springer, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Corey Andrew Traut, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Jayvold Lamont Royal, Felony Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
- Beale Henry Cater, Felony Strangulation, 2 counts of Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Perry Vanell Johnson, J&DR Capias (Misdemeanor)
- Marshall Anderson Edmunds JR, Probation Violation on Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Rontral Lamont Hunter, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- La'Vernal Teon Nicholson JR, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor), Damage Property (Misdemeanor)
- Dominique James Williams, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Brandon James Monroe, Felony Probation Violation (Distribution of Cocaine), and misdemeanor failure to appear
- Ava Latasha Wright, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor), Petit Larceny (M), Obstruction of Justice (M), Felony Threats to Bomb/Burn
- Thomas Whitehead, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor)
- Demonte Clark, Felony Strangulation, Assault and Battery Family Member (Misdemeanor), Damage Property(M), Felony Burglary
- Lorri Denise Smith, (All Felony Charges) Malicious Wounding, Maliciously shoot in Occupied Vehicle, Use of Firearm in Felony, Possession of Firearm with Protective order in effect, Violation of Protective Order
PHOTOS: Suspects in Newport News domestic-violence suppression operation
It's estimated that at least half of all aggravated assaults in Newport News are domestic-related.
"Domestic-related incidents are consistently in the top three calls for service and therefore are a major focus area in our efforts to keep the citizens of Newport News safe,” said Chief Drew.
According to Chief Drew, operations similar to Operation Mistletoe will continue, and future sweeps are being planned.
If anyone is in a dangerous situation, call 911. For help in dealing with domestic violence, call Transitions Family Violence Services’ 24-hour crisis hotline at (757) 723-7774.
