Gunfire between two groups leaves eight wounded in Virginia Beach

Eight people were injured after gunfire erupted between two groups near Virginia Beach, authorities confirmed, with one suspect in custody and two others still at large.

Officers responded to reports of shots fired around 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, in the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. At the scene, police found eight victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

The injured included individuals ranging in age from 17 to 24. All were transported to nearby hospitals and are expected to survive, with injuries described as ranging from non-life-threatening to serious.

Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two unrelated groups of young adults and juveniles, during which at least three individuals exchanged gunfire.

Authorities arrested 18-year-old Jamaya Williams, who was among those shot, alleging she was in illegal possession of two firearms. 

She faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm causing injury and violations of a protective order.

Police said they are continuing to search for two additional suspects, including 18-year-old Isaiah Charity, who is wanted on multiple felony counts tied to the shooting.

The incident marks the second recent outbreak of gun violence in the Atlantic Avenue area. Just weeks earlier, six bystanders were injured in a separate shooting, prompting city officials to impose a temporary weekend curfew for unaccompanied minors in the Oceanfront district through the end of April.

Despite the violence, Deputy Chief William Zelms said there is no ongoing threat to the public, adding that authorities are taking the situation seriously and remain committed to ensuring community safety.