Shooting Exposes Vulnerabilities (Image Credits: Wavy.com)
Virginia Beach – Police Chief Paul Neudigate urged city leaders to approve an emergency curfew for unaccompanied minors at the Oceanfront resort area, citing imminent threats from large youth gatherings.[1][2]
Shooting Exposes Vulnerabilities
Last Saturday night, gunfire erupted around 9:52 p.m. at 1800 Atlantic Avenue. An 18-year-old from Norfolk fired six shots during a dispute, injuring six bystanders aged 18 to 24. The shooter claimed self-defense after someone tried to take his openly carried handgun. He now faces 18 felony charges, and authorities continue to search for a second suspect.[1][3]
The incident unfolded amid a crowd of 1,500 to 2,000 people concentrated in a three-block stretch from 16th to 19th streets, with roughly 60 percent under 18. Officers shut down Atlantic Avenue early for crowd control. More than 70 police responded, including over 50 on overtime pulled from other duties based on the chief’s intuition.[1]
Enforcement of the existing 11 p.m. curfew for minors began around 11:30 p.m. Police removed 37 unaccompanied teens, issuing warnings to most and arresting three – one for drugs and alcohol, two for illegal firearms. Fights spilled into the precinct lobby as parents arrived.[4]
Details of the Emergency Measure
Neudigate proposed a weekend curfew starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until 5 a.m. for those 17 and younger without adult supervision. The measure would apply through the end of March and could extend into April. Activation requires approval from the police chief, city manager, and Mayor Bobby Dyer, limited to 24 hours initially, with council approval needed for longer periods.[1][2]
This precedes a permanent shift in the youth curfew to 10 p.m. starting March 19. Exemptions would align with current rules, such as for those with parental permission or en route to work. The chief described it as the department’s primary tool to reduce crowds and focus resources on persistent disorder.[3]
Social media posts advertising pop-up events, combined with mild weather forecasts, heightened concerns for repeats this weekend. Neudigate requested deputy support from Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and aid from other departments for traffic management.[1]
Persistent Challenges at the Boardwalk
Violent crime at the Oceanfront fell 32.7 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, continuing a downward trend. Yet March and April consistently bring crowds that strain understaffed forces – down about 100 officers ahead of peak season.[1]
Past disruptions include:
- A 2021 mass shooting that killed two and injured eight.
- A 2022 Boardwalk stampede.
- A 2024 shooting and crowd surge.
- April 2025 arrests of over 50 people on more than 200 charges, including 28 firearms and three shootings.
Neudigate warned of inevitable tragedy from stampedes: “It’s not if, but when” someone suffers serious harm.[1]
Leaders Rally for Action
City Council discussed the proposal Tuesday, with a vote slated for Thursday. Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson and Councilman Michael Berlucchi backed an April extension. Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse called for proactive community efforts beyond policing.[1][3]
Mayor Dyer blamed state lawmakers for blocking tools like special enforcement zones. “We’ve got to go to the source of the problem,” he said.[2]
Chief Neudigate emphasized compliance over arrests: “That is the only tool that we have right now.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- Proposed 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekend curfew targets unaccompanied minors through March.
- Aimed at reducing Oceanfront crowds amid shooting risks and pop-up events.
- Builds on recent curfew tightening to 10 p.m. starting March 19.
As Virginia Beach balances tourism vibrancy with public safety, the curfew decision could set a precedent for handling seasonal surges. What measures would you support to keep the Oceanfront safe? Share your thoughts in the comments.
