VBPD Makes Arrest in Firearm / Animal Cruelty Case

On September 6, 2023, at 8:40 A.M., officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) responded to a ShotSpotter Alert in the 900 block of Atlantis Drive.

Upon arrival, units located a dog that had been shot multiple times in both his front and rear legs. On September 7, 2023, the canine did not survive surgery.

Detectives were able to identify a suspect and sign warrants on Elijah Spellman (M/30) of Virginia Beach.

On September 12, 2023, the VBPD Warrant Fugitive Squad was able to track Spellman to Georgia, where they coordinated with the Atlanta Police Department to take him into custody. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Virginia Beach. Spellman is charged with Felony Animal Cruelty, Discharging a Gun within City Limits, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Violent Felon.