VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A teen has been arrested and accused of shooting another teen to death Tuesday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The suspect, a 16-year-old boy from Virginia Beach, has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, police say.
The shooting happened just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday in the 1000 block of Bryce Lane, police say. That's not far from Level Green Park.
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Neighbors said the street was flooded with police cars.
"I've never seen so many in one place... there were at least four at that end and then there were four or five over here, and then even at that entrance of the neighborhood as well. They were just everywhere," said Briana Chavez, a neighbor.
When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old from Virginia Beach who had been shot to death, police say.
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"One of our neighbors went over to him and called 911 and was encouraging him to not fall asleep," said Jessica Hunley, a neighbor. "It gives me kind of comfort that somebody was there with him."
Officers and detectives later found and arrested the teen suspect, police say.
It's unclear what led to the violence.
Hunley said later in the evening, the teen's family came to the street and she could hear how emotional they were.
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She said she offered the family comfort because she knows what it's like to lose a child.
"You should understand that a child's life was lost to guns which they shouldn't even have," Hunley said. "I just wanna send that out there and I want to send out love and comfort to the family in this time of losing their child. I know they're grieving and it's a lot to process, and they have a long road ahead of them... I just hope they get justice for it."
Following the shooting, Police Chief Paul Neudigate emphasized the importance of securely storing guns.
“A 16-year-old losing their life to another 16-year-old with a gun; we cannot accept this as the normal for our community, but unfortunately this is the reality," said Chief Neudigate. “The abundance of unsecured firearms in homes and unlocked vehicles allows easy access to those who should not possess them. I urge parents and guardians to actively check their children’s rooms and belongings for firearms, and if found, surrender them to the appropriate authorities. Please help us be proactive in saving lives.”
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The teen was arraigned on Wednesday on his charges, which include first-degree murder. He's due back in court on May 29.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
