Long-Term Gang Investigation Results in Dozens of Indictments

Earlier this month, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies and specialized units, executed a multi-day operation targeting violent crime and gang-related activity.

Stemming from several months of intelligence gathering and investigative work, the operation took place between July 14 and July 17, 2025, during which members of the Second Precinct Crime Suppression Squad (CSS) coordinated the service of eight residential search warrants in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. The targets of the operation were members of the EBK (Everybody Killer) gang, which claims association with the Bounty Hunter Watts gang. The investigation focused on a top-down enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling gang membership and leadership.

In coordination with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, over 74 direct indictments were obtained, to include charges of gang participation, gang recruitment, weapons violations, and narcotics distribution.

The following individuals have been charged in relation to the indictments:

• Quadeyr Tyus (M/21) of Virginia Beach – Charged with multiple counts of Gang Recruitment, Participation in a Gang, and Conspiracy to Recruit for a Gang.
• Devon Bennett (M/24) of Virginia Beach – Charged with multiple counts of Gang Recruitment, and Conspiracy to Recruit for a Gang.
• Tyler Ricks (M/27) of Norfolk – Charged with multiple counts of Gang Recruitment, and Conspiracy to Recruit for a Gang.
• Leionte Smith (M/24) of Virginia Beach – Charged with multiple counts of Gang Recruitment, and Conspiracy to Recruit for a Gang.
• Tyquan Cabarrus (M/26) of Virginia Beach – Charged with Falsifying a Firearm Transaction Record.

Additional individuals were later arrested for various offenses including drug distribution, illegal possession of firearms, and gang-related activity.

• Demarih Lockhart (M/21) of Virginia Beach was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute.
• Domario Sanderson (M/20) of Virginia Beach was charged with carrying a Concealed Weapon without a Permit, Illegal possession of extended magazine, and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang.

The search warrants executed during the operation led to the recovery of 13 firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and other evidence linked to organized criminal activity.

“This operation demonstrates our department’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who choose to engage in violence and lawlessness in our city,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul W. Neudigate. “We will continue to apply pressure through strategic enforcement operations to remove dangerous individuals from our neighborhoods and hold them accountable.”

This operation would not have been possible without the outstanding collaboration and support of the various law enforcement agencies:

• VBPD Crime Suppression Squads, SWAT, Special Investigation Bureau and Forensics
• The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Office
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
• Chesapeake Police Department
• Norfolk Police Department
• Virginia State Police Tactical Team

Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.