Suspect Attempts to Murder VBPD Officer

On October 20th, 2023, at 8:43 P.M., the Virginia Beach Emergency Communications and Citizen Services (ECCS) received a call from Kohl's Loss Prevention, reporting a shoplifting. The call indicated that a suspect, later identified as Tyler Davis (M/24) of Norfolk, who had previously been involved in a theft from the store, had returned and was currently engaged in another shoplifting attempt.

A Third Precinct officer from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) quickly responded to the scene and attempted to apprehend Davis, who had fled from Kohl's with stolen merchandise. While the officer wasfollowing behind Davis in a marked police car, Davis fired a handgun at the officer. At least one round struck the police car; fortunately, the officer was not struck. There were no shots fired by officers. The pursuingofficer eventually apprehended Davis with the help of other responding officers.

Davis has been charged with Attempted Aggravated Murder, Use of a Firearm by a Violent Felon, Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny and Grand Larceny.

Davis was accompanied by Hayley Fernandez (F/26) of Virginia Beach and Jaclyn Anderson (F/22) of Portsmouth. Fernandez was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny. Anderson faces charges of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny and Possession of a Schedule I/II Narcotic.

The VBPD commends our officer for his dedication and bravery in the face of danger. Police Chief PaulNeudigate stated, “This incident underscores the commitment of our officers to serve and protect thiscommunity, as well as the fact there is no such thing as a “routine” call. We are incredibly grateful that our officer was not killed or injured, and we ask the community and the rest of our criminal justice system to send the message that attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

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