VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man was assaulted at a busy shopping center Wednesday morning, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD).
Jude Brenya, a spokesman with VBPD, said officers responded to the Fairfield Shopping Center around 6:50 a.m. That's near the intersection of Providence Road and Kempsville Road.
Brenya said medics took a man to the hospital following the assault. Police haven't released how serious his injuries are.
Kempsville High School student Wyatt Wilkins told 13News Now that he witnessed the aftermath while riding his bike to school.
“He was covered in blood himself as well as the guy on the floor," he said. “It’s pretty nerve-wracking.”
Larry Shreve lives nearby and frequents the Fairfield Food Lion. He said he saw police and first responders fill the parking lot at around 7 a.m.
“I actually took my bicycle past here and there was all kinds of emergency lights right over there," Shreve described. "At least six to ten. You know, we’re talking police cars, we’re talking rescue squads.”
VBPD says they already have a suspect in custody. While some call it a relief, others who shop in the area say they're still uneasy.
“It’s surprising and it’ll make me be more on guard," said Virginia Beach resident Ophelia Mosley.
The details surrounding the assault are still unclear. The department spokesman said he will provide more information once detectives finish their report.
Anyone with information about the incident can reach out to the Crime Line by calling 1-888-562-5887 or by using P3 Tips online.