NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Two people with ties to the U.S. Navy are facing serious charges after a weekend shootout with police that resulted in a Norfolk officer being shot several times.
Samuel Burton, 29, is now the hospital facing a long list of charges, including attempted aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and gun charges. Navy officials confirm Burton is stationed at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (Fleet Maintenance Support) in Norfolk. He enlisted in the military in August 2013.
Cassandra Smith, 23, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice.
Smith appeared in court Monday morning for an arraignment, in which a judge determined she will not be released or have a bond hearing given the nature of the charges.
Smith is scheduled for another court appearance in September.
“The accused was cooperative during the hearing. However, due to the nature of some of the alleged offenses, it is deemed that the accused’s liberty will constitute an unreasonable danger to the public. The accused was told if they were not satisfied with my bail decision, they may talk with their attorney about appealing my bail decision.”
Court Documents obtained by 10 On Your Side’s Investigation
Court documents show Smith is a disabled veteran of two years. She lived in the area with her spouse and child. She is now facing a long list of charges for her role in hurting Officers Thang and [Sean] Blackwell. Navy officials confirm Smith was previously stationed Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 in Norfolk until 2022.
Norfolk Police Officer Sean Blackwell is recovering at home after he was shot twice in the arm and leg on Saturday.
Blackwell is beloved in the Mermaid City, working as a school resource officer at several different schools.
Alfreda Thomas, a Norfolk educator, shared his photo on social media after learning Blackwell was hurt. Thomas reflected on working with Blackwell at the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority, William H. Ruffner Middle School and more recently at Booker T. Washington High School as a school resource officer.
“Just went into prayer because I believe in faith,” Thomas said. “Just the outpour for this city that we appreciate what he does.”
He added: “I don’t know if he knew it or not, but I hope he knows it now that we are giving him his flowers while he is here because some people are saying some wonderful things about this officer, some wonderful things about him. We just want him to know that we appreciate him.”
Pastor Joseph Casper told 10 On Your Side’s Kiahnna Patterson that Blackwell is a military veteran and father of two sons.
“Sean was raised up in a Godly family,” Casper said. “He has not forgotten his roots. He has always been respectful and responsible. He came up in the ranks. He served in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan from there to Norfolk police force. He’s a good young man and I’m proud that he’s my nephew.”
Said Mary Casper: “He’s always treated me with respect. He is just a lovely person. He is sweet and considerate and always willing to help whenever he can, especially around at the church. Anything he could do to help us he was there. The people at Bethel [Baptist Church] love him.”
The couple is turning to their faith during this time.
“When things happen, I go in prayer and talk to the Lord,” Joseph Casper said. “Just praying, hoping and trusting that things will come out well, which so far, it has. He’s doing well. He’s home.”
He is also praying for those charged in this case.
“I have prayed for the person responsible for that,” Joseph Casper said. “That’s the way I was raised. God has been good and has forgiven me and each of us. It is our duty and responsibility to be that same way towards anyone, regardless of what the circumstances.”