May 27, 2025

VBPD Makes Two Arrests in Straw Purchase of a Firearm

While investigating a shooting that occurred May 14, 2025, on Standard Lane, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) Gun Crime Investigative Squad detectives began tracing the purchase of the firearm used in the incident.

This investigation led to charges for two individuals that facilitated the straw purchase of the firearm for a convicted felon. Christine Howell (F/50) of Virginia Beach was arrested and charged with Straw Purchase of a Firearm and Lying on a Firearms Consent Form.  Rahsheda Scott (F/47) of Virginia Beach was arrested and charged with Soliciting a Straw Purchase of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

“The purchase of firearms for prohibited persons helps fuel the recurring cycle of gun violence, putting our community at risk.” VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate said. “VBPD will continue to aggressively investigate straw purchases of firearms and hold those individuals accountable for introducing guns into the hands of those who cannot possess them.”

(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.)

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