NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Norfolk Police Department (NPD) confirmed officer Sean Blackwell, 57, is at home recovering at after being shot multiple times on July 6.
Sound from a police scanner captured the chaos on Arcadia Street.
“I need medics right now. Blackwell was hit,” could be heard by an officer who was at the scene.
After reviewing the scanner audio on Tuesday, 10 On Your Side confirmed with the Norfolk Police Department spokesperson “Officer Blackwell was taken to the hospital by officers.”
Police said around 3:22 p.m., officers were helping child protective services with a case in the 3800 block of Arcadia Street. While on scene, 23-year-old Cassandra J. Smith became combative outside.
Around 3:43 p.m., an officer could be heard yelling about gunshots.
“Suspect went back inside the house,” an officer said. “He might grab some more guns.”
While police were engaged with Smith, 29-year-old Samuel Burton walked outside and started shooting at police. Officers then shot back and hit Burton multiple times, leaving Burton with life-threatening injuries.
3:44 p.m.: “I need medics right now. Blackwell was hit.”
3:45 p.m.: “Suspect went inside the house I think. I’m pushing up and I’ll hold what I got. Do you have a description? Black male shirtless with a white female.”
3:46 p.m.: “We have Black male and one white female coming outside. They appear injured.”
3:47 p.m.: “Two are being taken into custody. We have a second victim here as well.”
3:49 p.m.: “Notify Norfolk General. We have an officer in route. Gunshot wound to his arm and two to his right leg. Tourniquet has been applied.”
“The officers were confronted with lethal force directed against them in a way that if they didn’t do what they did, they would have lost their lives,” said Mark Talbot, Norfolk Police Chief. “So, it’s something that weighs heavily on me as police chief, and certainly the officers who were out there doing the job.”
Talbot also said officers have to live with the reality that policing can be life-threatening.
“I’m confident that any police chief would say it’s the worst possible phone call for you to get,” Talbot said. “It’s the worst phone call you can get. And you suspect that sooner or later you’re going to get it and you are stuck with the same sick feeling.”
Burton, who is still in the hospital, was charged with aggravated assault and malicious wounding on an officer.
Smith was also arrested and charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. She declined an interview with 10 On Your Side.
Virginia State Police is investigating the shooting.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
