VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man is dead after Virginia Beach police shot him late Wednesday night, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) confirms.
Police responded to a call of a drug overdose in the 1200 block of Quarter Way just after 10:20 p.m. Wednesday.
When officers arrived, they heard commotion coming from inside a residence. An officer entered the building and saw a man and a woman struggling over a knife. That officer gave several orders to drop the knife, and police say the man then charged at the officer with the knife in hand. The officer then shot at the man, who police identify as 61-year-old Robert Miller of Virginia Beach.
Miller was given aid at the scene and was then taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident. We offer our comfort to the grieving family, our officer, and the community during this incredibly difficult time”, said Police Chief Paul Neudigate.
Jhoy Santana and his son, Jaiden, were working in their garage when police arrived in the neighborhood. "I was so shocked," said Jhoy. "I saw police running, parking their cars right there, everywhere." Jaiden added, "I saw a lot of officers and caution tape."
Another neighbor, Edithe Pitzer noticed the commotion. She told 13News Now her son works in law enforcement and warned her about the situation. She explained, "He said, ‘Mom, look out the window, don’t go out, [there's] a lot of cops, something is going on.'"
The officer who shot Miller was not injured in the incident and has been placed on routine administrative leave.
“For the second time in less than 48 hours, VBPD officers have been thrust into a situation requiring them to respond to deadly force encounters. In these events, officers are forced to make split-second decisions to protect their lives and the lives of others. This event is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers our officers face every day while serving our community,” said Neudigate.
Pitzer said she still feels safe in the area, saying, "I’ve lived in this neighborhood for more than 30 years. It’s quiet, I walk my dog every afternoon."
The VBPD Detective Bureau is conducting one of two criminal investigations into this incident.
The Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney will conduct a parallel independent criminal investigation.
Anyone who has information that could help with this investigation is asked to call the VBPD Detective Bureau at (757) 385-4101.