NORFOLK, Va. — Members of the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) are keeping Officer Sean Blackwell in their thoughts.
The officer is still recovering at home days after someone shot him multiple times.
According to Norfolk police, a child protective service call turned violent Saturday afternoon. Police say a man started shooting at officers on Arcadia Street, hitting Officer Blackwell. Officers fired back, wounding the gunman.
“Unfortunately, anytime one of us is hit, it affects all of us," said Norfolk Police Captain J.T. White.
13News Now caught up with Captain White during one of NPD’s community outreach events called "Chat and Chew" on Wednesday evening. Captain White said while it wasn’t the first time he’d seen one of his fellow officers shot in the line of duty, it didn’t make it any less difficult.
“Just knowing that one day it could happen and then being in a situation where it has happened, definitely makes it real," Captain White said.
Captain White calls NPD a family. He said the whole department has wrapped their arms around Officer Blackwell.
“[Officer Blackwell] loves spring water. So, we’re going to make sure he has, you know, cases of it in his house," Captain White said. "We’re going to call and check on him. If he needs his grass cut, we’re going to go over there and do that. Those are the things we do for each other.”
Captain White noted despite a recent uptick, violent crime is down in the city. He wants the community to know that they can always turn to officers for help.
“We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to keep our foot on the gas with all of our efforts, engagement, enforcement, all of our outreach programs. If you need us, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Officer Blackwell has served NPD for the past 19 years. He’s also served as a school resource officer at Booker T. Washington High School.
Two people are facing charges in the shooting that injured Officer Blackwell.
The man accused of shooting at officers, 29-year-old Samuel Burton, is charged with attempted aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and use of a firearm. Burton is still in the hospital with serious injuries.
Cassandra Smith, 23, is facing several charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.