VBPD-Led Multi-Agency Sweep Disrupts Gang Activity, Seizes Illegal Weapons, and Gets Criminals Off the Street

On October 6, 2026, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) executed seven simultaneous search warrants across the City of Virginia Beach. The operation concluded a months-long investigation into illegal firearms, narcotics distribution, and documented gang activity. The coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of significant evidence linked to local street gangs.

The high-impact operation was executed safely and without incident, leveraging specialized resources from the VBPD Crime Suppression Squads (CSS), SWAT, Fugitive Apprehension Squad (FAS), K9 Unit, and Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), alongside the Virginia State Police (VSP) Tactical Team.

Arrests and Charges:

The following individuals were apprehended during the operation:

Juvenile Male (16, Virginia Beach): Charged with three counts of Possession of an Auto-Sear, three counts of Possession of a Machine Gun, three counts of Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm, three counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (PWID), and Possession of an Extended Magazine.

Justice Williams (M/18, Virginia Beach): Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (PWID).

Molicki Dozier (M/20, Virginia Beach): Charged with Assault by Mob, Furnishing a Firearm to a Felon, and Possession of an Extended Magazine.

Yetzen Serrano-Morales (M/20, Virginia Beach): Charged with two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Carlos Rivera (M/20, Virginia Beach): Charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Desean Merton (M/21, Norfolk): Charged with Assault by Mob and Carrying a Concealed Weapon (2nd Offense).

Rayanna Cooper (F/19, Virginia Beach): Charged with Assault by Mob.

Michael Acker (M/28, Suffolk): Charged with Domestic Assault.

Evidence Seized:

Detectives recovered substantial evidence of criminal operations during the raids, including:

Firearms: A 10mm Glock handgun equipped with an auto-sear, a 7.62mm AK "Draco" assault pistol and a .40-caliber Glock handgun equipped with an auto-sear.

Narcotics & Paraphernalia: Marijuana, drug packaging materials, and documented gang paraphernalia.

Assets & Electronics: Electronic devices and a 2024 Honda Civic.

“This operation reflects the strength of collaboration, preparation, and persistence across every unit involved," said Police Chief Paul W. Neudigate. “The individuals responsible for bringing violence and fear into our communities should know that the Virginia Beach Police Department, along with our regional partners, will continue to pursue them relentlessly. Our priority is the safety of our residents, and this coordinated effort is a clear example of the dedication our officers and detectives bring to that mission every single day.”

At this stage of the investigation, more than 30 charges have been filed, including firearms violations, narcotics offenses, and gang‑related crimes. Several offenses extend beyond the City of Virginia Beach, prompting close collaboration with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Second Precinct Crime Suppression Squad, and additional indictments and charges with associated offenses are anticipated.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the VBPD Second Precinct at (757) 385-2700 or Crime Solvers at 1(888)-LOCK-U-UP or P3Tips.com.

(All charges are accusations, and the arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.)