VBPD Investigating Fatal Crash on Virginia Beach Boulevard

On Sept. 29, 2025, at 11:36 p.m., officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) responded to the 2400 block of Virginia Beach Blvd. for a crash involving a pedestrian — a 72-year-old male who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The subsequent investigation determined that one vehicle struck the pedestrian, who was in the roadway, and then fled the scene. A second vehicle involved remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The driver of the first vehicle, Anthony Smith (M/39) of Virginia Beach, was located and was charged with Driving Under the Influence (First Offense) and Hit & Run Resulting in Death.

The pedestrian was determined to be the causative factor in this crash for failing to yield the right of way. To date in 2025, VBPD personnel have investigated five fatal crashes involving pedestrians; in all five, the pedestrian was found to be at fault.

“This is a troubling and preventable trend,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate.” We are deeply concerned by the number of serious crashes caused when basic pedestrian traffic laws are ignored. Safety is a shared responsibility: drivers must stay alert and cautious, and pedestrians must follow the laws designed to protect them. Our goal is to prevent these tragedies, but it requires accountability and awareness from everyone using our roadways.”

This incident is being investigated by the VBPD Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact VBPD at (757) 385-4606 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or P3Tips.com.

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