VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — An 18-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in connection with a shooting that hurt six people Saturday night at Oceanfront, according to Virginia Beach police.
Matheus F. Cavalcante of Norfolk turned himself in on Sunday, according to court documents, and was charged with five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, one count of malicious wounding, six counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and six counts of reckless handling of a firearm. Cavalcante is held in custody with no bond.
Court records also say Cavalcante had an argument with four other men on the sidewalk in the 1900 block of Atlantic Ave. The men had handguns and tried to take the handgun from Cavalcante’s waist when he shot at the men, hitting six unrelated people, according to court records.
Watch related: Dozens of teens taken into custody in Oceanfront curfew sweep
Officers patrolling the Oceanfront heard gunfire around 9:50 p.m. Saturday in the 1800 block of Atlantic Avenue. When they responded, they found five people who had been shot: four men and one woman. Their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
The victims are listed as an 18-year-old woman from Norfolk, a 19-year-old man from Suffolk, a 24-year-old man from Portsmouth, a 21-year-old man from Newport News, a 19-year-old man whose hometown is unknown, and a 22-year-old man from New Kent County.
“Matheus is a good kid from a good family. The evidence will show that he was the victim of a robbery attempt and acted in self-defense. We look forward to defending him against these charges," said Diane Toscano, of the Toscano Law Group, represending Cavalcante. "Our client has no criminal record and has never been in trouble with the law. He graduated from Granby High School, where he played football, and works for a respected local employer. He’s been building his life and trying to do the right thing.”
On Sunday, detectives identified a sixth victim who arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Police say that person is expected to recover.
Police released a photo of another suspect, not in police custody as of Monday afternoon. He's described as a man in his late teens to early 20s with dark skin and afro-style hair, who was wearing black shoes, black pants and a red shirt or sweatshirt at the time.
Virginia Beach police are continuing to investigate the shooting said they expect to arrest additional people.
VBPD officers detained more than 37 minors Saturday night and arrested three for violating the city’s current juvenile curfew. Police said two of the minors who were arrested were found with guns.
The enforcement effort came as police responded to large crowds that gathered in the Oceanfront area.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said an estimated 2,000 people gathered within about a three-block radius Saturday night, and officers believe a majority of them were under 18.
The enforcement comes less than two weeks before the city’s updated curfew takes effect. Beginning later this month, the juvenile curfew will move to 10 p.m. for those under the age of 18.
“We had 2,000 individuals descend upon us Saturday night in about a three-block radius that is incredibly difficult to manage for any police department,” Neudigate said. “We estimate that maybe 60% of those were clearly minors. If we could address and mitigate 60% of our problem down there, that would allow my officers to focus on those individuals that are bringing firearms and coming down there with felonious intent.”
Cavalcante is scheduled to have a bond hearing on Wednesday.
