Virginia Beach Police make several arrests at Oceanfront after recovering many guns

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Virginia Beach Police recovered many illegal guns and arrested several people Friday night at the beach.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate is reminding everyone to leave illegally possessed guns at home if heading to the Oceanfront.

On Friday night, police recovered numerous firearms and made several arrests.

"You don’t need a gun, especially an illegal gun at our Oceanfront. We want it safe for everybody, and one little spark can create a major incident," Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer tells News 3 reporter Leondra Head.

Mayor Dyer is urging people to keep their guns at home.

"Getting the guns off the street is the first part. But the real part, the real challengeall the mayors in the 757 are working at is getting into the minds and hearts of people that you don’t have to settle things with firearms. You don’t need guns," Mayor Dyer said.

Many visiting the Oceanfront say they are now more cautious.

"Coming out here alone at night probably wouldn’t be the best idea, but I’d do it. But [I'd] probably have to make sure the surrounding is safe. One thing about seizing guns that aren’t registered means there are probably a bunch more out there," a tourist said.

Mayor Dyer says building trust with the community is a key component in building transparency.

"Building those relationships, building those bridges of trust. This way, if someone is carrying firearm that may be intoxicated, let’s find out how to deter it before something bad happens," Mayor Dyer said.

News 3 is working to learn more information on the arrests.

Chief Neudigate says police will be out the Oceanfront Saturday night again to ensure safety.