VBPD Officers Discharge Firearm During Armed Confrontation on Riverfront Court

On Jan. 12, 2024, at approximately 7:04 p.m., officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) were dispatched to the 1300 block of Riverfront Court for a 911 call for a dispute in progress. Upon arrival, officers repeatedly knocked on the door and announced their presence. A male subject in the residence opened the door and confronted the officers with a firearm.

Two VBPD officers discharged their firearms, striking him. Once the scene was stabilized, the officers provided life-saving measures until the Virginia Beach Fire Department and EMS personnel took over and transported the suspect to a local hospital, where he is currently in critical but stable condition. The firearm involved was recovered at the scene.

This individual has been identified as Brian Besecker (M/32) of the 1300 block of Riverfront Court, Virginia Beach. Mr. Besecker has currently been charged with three counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and one count of Domestic Assault. Additional charges stemming from this incident are expected.

All VBPD officers involved were uninjured and placed on Administrative Leave, as is standard in these incidents.

The VBPD Homicide Unit is conducting one of two criminal investigations into this incident. Upon completion, the complete VBPD investigation will be reviewed by the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney (OCA) for compliance with existing law. In addition to the VBPD investigation, the OCA is conducting its own parallel, independent criminal investigation.

Upon conclusion of the criminal investigations, the VBPD Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review to determine compliance with policy and training.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at (757) 385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3tips.com.