VBPD Makes Quick Arrest for Malicious Wounding on Cedar Lake Court

On August 25, 2026, at approximately 2:41 p.m., Emergency Communications and Citizens Services received a report of gunshots heard in the 700 block of Cedar Lake Court.

Upon arrival, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officers located a 30-year-old Virginia Beach woman suffering from a gunshot wound and provided medical aid until fire and EMS personnel arrived. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Through investigative leads and the use of the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, VBPD Homicide Detectives identified the suspect vehicle and, mere hours later, arrested Monquell L. Wilkins (M/39), of Portsmouth. He was served with seventeen warrants, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied dwelling, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, and wearing a mask in public.

"This arrest highlights the great work of our detectives, augmented by technology such as our ALPR network, which serves a critical force multiplier for VBPD," said Chief Paul W. Neudigate. “By delivering immediate, actionable intelligence to our detectives right after a person was shot in our city in the middle of the day, they were able to track down an armed and dangerous suspect and remove him from our community in under 24 hours before he could harm someone else. This technology aggressively accelerates our investigations and arrests, helping to ensure that those who perpetuate violence in our community face swift accountability."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact VBPD at (757) 385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or P3Tips.com. 

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