VBPD Recovers Firearm During Arrest on Atlantic Avenue

On April 5, 2025, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officers were dealing with a crowd of approximately 200-300 teenagers/young adults in the 1700 block of Atlantic Ave.

At 11:06 p.m., while officers were present monitoring the crowd, they heard possible gunshots and ended up chasing a suspect on foot.  Officers were able to successfully apprehend Xavier Gatling (M/19) of Georgia and recover a firearm.  Mr. Gatling has been charged with Unlawful Concealment of a Firearm, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Possession of an Extended Magazine, Public Intoxication, Underage Possession of Alcohol, Underage Possession of Marijuana, and Obstruction of Justice.  Additional charges are currently under review.

There were no reported shooting victims or injuries from this incident.

This incident is being investigated by the VBPD Detective Bureau.  Anyone with information is asked to contact VBPD at  (757) 385-4101 or Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or P3Tips.com. 

(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.)