NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Two teenagers have been arrested after a 14-year-old was shot Thursday night on a light rail train in downtown Norfolk, police say.
Police say officers located the victim on a Tide light rail train, after the driver of the train flagged them down in the 100 block of Bank Street at 10:40 p.m. Police confirmed the victim was on the train at the time of the shooting, and the suspects never boarded.
The victim was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound considered non life-threatening, police say.
Police were able to find the suspects, a 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old male, around 11:15 p.m. in the 500 block of Tidewater Drive. They are both currently being held at the Norfolk Detention Center. Both have been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
“This unfortunate incident was the result of two groups of juveniles that do not get along spotting one another at the Light Rail stop in Downtown Norfolk,” said Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot. “Fortunately, however, Norfolk police officers were nearby and swiftly responded to the scene which ensured that the victim received the necessary medical assistance to sustain his injuries, and all others on the train were out of harm’s way. This rapid response by the officers not only aided the victim tremendously, but is what led to an arrest taking place less than an hour after the incident occurred.”
“We appreciate the prompt and professional response of our light rail operator who quickly assessed the situation and obtained medical care for the victim,” added William Harrell, President and CEO at Hampton Roads Transit.
Dominique Vaughan, an anti-violence activist with Gloves up Guns Down, said the adults of our community need to be better role models for our youth.
“To hear that it was children that did this, it lets me know that the role models that we have, we need to step up,” Vaughan said. “The young guys look up to, they listen to their music, the follow them on social media, they just need to change. There just needs to be a whole culture shift.”
Hampton Roads Transit says passengers can expect to see increased security in the aftermath of the shooting.
“HRT employs an internal and professional security team, comprised of transit security administrators and transit security officers for all bus, light rail, and ferry service,” said HRT spokesperson Angela Gregory. “HRT security team professionals have an extensive background in security, enforcement, and emergency response, including years of uniformed service within area police departments and the U.S. military.”
Hampton Roads Transit is now increasing security, both at the MacArthur Square stop and all along the light rail line. Amy Jordan with HRT said they are actively hiring more security officers.
Jordan told 10 On Your Side only a handful of other passengers were on board during the shooting. She commends the driver for quickly getting the victim help. They regularly carry out drills in the event of shootings.
“Because this is endemic across the country to see this type of violence and youth violence, and it could have happened anywhere,” Jordan said.
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