VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Police are investigating a double shooting after shots were fired at 18th Street and Atlantic Ave. early Friday morning.
Around 2 a.m., officers in the area heard gunfire and raced to 18th Street where a crowd was seen dispersing.
Officers say they found a number of shell casings on the 200 block of 18th Street and witnesses a car speeding away from the scene.
When officers stopped the car, they found one of the men injured inside the vehicle. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A short time later, the second man shot showed up at the hospital. Police say both men’s injuries are not life threatening.
During the July 4 weekend, police reported to WAVY.com that six people were shot around the same area.
Visitors in town for the Labor Day weekend say it makes them think twice about stay out along Atlantic Avenue late at night.
“That’s scary to hear that we were out playing last night and I brought my kids up to bed and back out this morning and I had no idea that happened,” said Willow Baer, visiting from New York.
Colleen Lester-Albarillo, who has worked at Candy Kitchen for 22 years, says the continued violence has contributed to the store’s slowest year on record.
Due to the rowdy crowds, Lester-Albarillo says Candy Kitchen closes about two hours early each night to protect employees. The store is also closing a month earlier than normal because of slow sales, she says.
“It actually angers me that the beach is being taken away from bad publicity,” she said. “The beach is very family friendly. It’s just that switch that happens at night.”
Police tell WAVY.com they are not aware of a motive.
Anyone with information that can help solve this crime should call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-YOU-UP.
