UPDATE: The following are some of the key points from Police Chief Steve Drew’s press conference:
- The suspect, 42-year-old Jean Alcindor, is listed in “critical but stable condition.”
- Alcindor is facing three counts of attempted malicious wounding, three counts of felony use of a firearm and drug charges.
- Alcindor was under the influence and had a gun when officers were dispatched to the scene for reports that he had suicidal tendencies.
- Drew says Alcindor fired several shots during the incident, including two during the struggle for his gun.
- Officers fired and struck the man twice after one of his bullets hit an officer’s Taser.
- The officers were uninjured and are on administrative leave.
- The suspect’s gun was recovered at the scene.
- Chief Drew visited the suspect in the hospital. He also spoke with the suspect’s wife.
- Police say officers’ body cameras were on.
- “No one in this professional wants to use deadly force,” Drew said. “The measures they took to try to deescalate before that had to occur was just extraordinary.”
- Detectives have met with the commonwealth’s attorney, who may bring more charges in the case.
This article is breaking. Look for more updates soon.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – The Newport News Police Department is investigating an incident that led to police shooting a man on Cleveland Avenue.
On Dec. 19 at approximately 8:01 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Cleveland Avenue for an armed suicidal person inside a vehicle, police say.
According to officials, the Tactical Apprehension and Confrontation (TAC) Unit and negotiators were both called to the scene once the incident began to escalate.
While officers were on the scene, police say the individual exited the vehicle and began walking towards officers with a firearm in his hand. The person then discharged his firearm near the officers while they were attempting to de-escalate the situation.
After this, shots were exchanged from both parties while a struggle ensued over the firearm.
Officials say that the subject was struck by gunfire during the altercation. Officers on the scene then rendered care until medics arrived. The suspect was eventually transferred to a local hospital where he is still undergoing treatment.
One officer’s Taser was shot, located on his duty belt, but did not require any medical attention.
No officers were injured during the incident, police say.
The Newport News Police Department will be holding a press conference in the afternoon regarding this incident.
Officers are still investigating this case, and charges are pending.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.