VBPD Officer Involved in Shooting on Newtown Road

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – On Dec.1, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officer received an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) hit on a stolen vehicle. The officer initiated a stop in the parking lot of 665 Newtown Road. The officer attempted to detain the male driver who subsequently escaped his grip and fled on foot. The officer then attempted to detain the front seat passenger, a female later identified as Jacqueline Ortiz, F/20, of Norfolk, who had exited the stolen car and was walking away. The officer attempted to take Ortiz into custody, but she immediately resisted and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Ms. Ortiz repeatedly reached for a handgun she had concealed on her person.

As the struggle continued, the male driver returned, produced a firearm, and pointed it at the officer. The officer then discharged his service weapon, striking the male individual. This subject has been identified as Deshawn Whitaker, M/28, of Norfolk. Mr. Whitaker was transported to Norfolk General hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2022, shortly after midnight.

Ms. Ortiz was eventually taken into custody and her handgun was recovered. Ms. Ortiz was transported to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries before being released. She has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property, Concealed Weapon, Possession of Firearm After a Domestic Violence Conviction, and Brandishing a Firearm. Ms. Ortiz is currently being held on no bond in the Virginia Beach Correctional Center.

The VBPD Homicide Unit is conducting the law enforcement criminal investigation into this incident; the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney is also conducting its own parallel, independent criminal investigation. Upon conclusion of the criminal investigations, the VBPD Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct an administrative review.

The involved officer was treated for minor injuries and is currently on administrative leave which is customary in all Officer Involved Shooting incidents.

VBPD is grateful for the assistance of Norfolk Fire Rescue, Engine 4, who aided in detaining Ms. Ortiz and providing emergency medical assistance to Mr. Whitaker within a minute of the shooting.

If you have information about this case or other incidents that these individuals may be involved in, please contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at (757) 385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3tips.com.