VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Two Virginia Beach Police officers are on administrative leave for an investigation after they reportedly shot at an armed suspect early Tuesday morning, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) said.
VBPD said officers responded to a call for a shooting at Trace Court around 3:42 a.m., in the area of Bonney Road. When officers arrived they heard shots coming from the dead end of the street.
Police said that while the officers searched the area, two people inside a parked car said they saw someone fire shots and who had then fled into a nearby apartment.
VBPD said officers established a perimeter around the apartment and used a megaphone, ordering the person inside to exit the building.
About 20 minutes later, police said a man, later identified as 18-year-old Elijah Santiago of Virginia Beach, exited the rear of the home and allegedly pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at police. Two officers fired shots at Santiago, who then ran back inside.
According to VBPD, Santiago eventually exited the apartment and surrendered peacefully. He was not struck by the officers' gunfire and was overall unhurt.
Santiago is charged with four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, extended magazine in public, discharge of a firearm within city limits, brandishing, and solicitation of a straw purchase.
Police will continue their investigation both into Santiago and the officers firing their weapons. The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's office will also conduct its own independent investigation into the shooting.
VBPD said that once both investigations are concluded, its Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review to determine compliance with department policy, procedure, and training.
If you have any information about this shooting that may help detectives, you're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887. People can also use P3 Tips to submit a tip online.