PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia State Police investigation into an October 2017 officer-involved shooting is complete.
Officers were responding to a burglary on Oct. 29, 2017 when they shot 19-year-old Deontrace Ward on Tatem Avenue.
Special Prosecutor André Wiggins said Ward and another person went into a home on that street while the residents were at church. Neighbors called police after hearing noises at the home.
Body camera video obtained by 10 On Your Side in April shows the moments officers confront the suspects. One of the officers in the video gives chase after one of the suspects sprints out of the house.
***NOTE: Body cam video of the incident contains images that may be disturbing for some. Watch the full video here***
The officer fired multiple shots after yelling, “He has a gun! He has a gun!”
Ward pleaded guilty to five felony charges in connection with the case in June, and was sentenced to 31 years in prison with 25 years suspended.
State Police launched an investigation following the October 2017 incident.
The Office of Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales said in a news release Wednesday they received and reviewed the state police investigation as well as a supplemental investigation from one of their investigators.
The release said Morales’ office is working to make a “prosecutorial determination.”
Stay with WAVY.com for the latest developments.
