VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia State Police and the Chesapeake Bureau of Criminal Investigations said they are investigating a shooting off the interstate in Virginia Beach overnight.
The incident happened sometime after 1:27 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 264 west near Birdneck Road, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Anaya said.
A man was driving a grey 2004 Toyota Camry and traveling in the westbound lanes of I-264 when someone shot at him multiple times.
The man was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with injuries considered life-threatening.
Family members at the hospital identified the victim as 21-year-old Elijah Hodges.
Hodges is the youngest of four children. He is a graduate of Granby High School in Norfolk. His mom, Anjenette, said he loves his family and loves people. Hodges was just getting ready to start back playing semi-pro football, which is a passion of his. Hodges has aspirations of making it to the NFL.
"I plead to all the young men who call me 'ma dukes', somebody knows what happened," Hodges said. "If you don't help, there's a God that I serve that I know will find out who did it."
The only description police have on the suspect vehicle is that it was a dark-colored sedan.
Police said there is no threat to the community and it is an isolated incident.
Hodges along with other family members and friends say they want answers and information that could help Virginia State Police arrest the shooter.
“This gun violence that is happening around Hampton Roads needs to cease,” Hodges said. “Justice will come to you who did this.”
Anaya said state police is asking any witnesses driving in the area of Parks Avenue and westbound I-264 to come forward.
Anyone with information about this shooting and/or may have witnessed this incident are asked to contact Virginia State Police at 757-424-6800 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.