VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Shoppers at Virginia Beach's Town Center expressed trepidation in going to their local shopping center after a violent weekend at Pembroke Square.
A Virginia Beach Police spokesman said they have two suspects in custody after a reported shooting and stabbing occurred in what they believe to be two separate incidents.
The violence began Friday night after detectives said 24-year old Tyler Davis of Norfolk shot at a Virginia Beach Police officer, while trying to get away with stolen merchandise.
According to police, Davis fled the Kohl's store in Pembroke Square Sunday night and allegedly shot toward an officer as he attempted to escape. The officer was not injured and didn't return fire. Other officers joined the pursuit and they were eventually able to take the suspect into custody.
"When is this violence going to stop?" questioned one shopper on Monday. "It feels like the violence is only escalating."
Virginia Beach Police returned to Pembroke Square just two days later on Sunday after they received a 911 call for a possible stabbing.
By the time officers arrived at The Fresh Market on Sunday night, they found a 21-year old man in critical condition. He had been stabbed multiple times in the store.
Detectives later arrested a teenager in connection to the stabbing, and charged him with malicious wounding.
"I try to do most of my shopping during daylight hours nowadays," said another shopper. "I just don't feel as safe as I used to at night."
A spokesman with Virginia Beach Police said in a statement: "We understand the concerns for safety in that area and officers will conduct periodic patrols through that area to ensure safety."
Pembroke Square has a private security service that monitors the immediate area. A spokeswoman with Pembroke Square said their security is monitoring the parking lots, but most stores have their own security teams.
Virginia Beach Police have not identified the juvenile suspect for the alleged stabbing. Tyler Davis is set to appear before a judge for the alleged shooting on December 29th.