Portsmouth, Virginia – A doorbell camera captured the harrowing moments following the tragic shooting of a 10-year-old boy in broad daylight in Portsmouth on Friday. The incident led to the arrest of 31-year-old Shawnday Ross on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, with authorities still searching for a person of interest identified as 26-year-old Cleon Deonte Banks, considered armed and dangerous.
Local police responded to the shooting on Farragut Street at approximately 6:15 p.m., where the young boy was found with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
John Morin-Leidig and Jennifer Dunleavy, residents in the area, captured the sound of gunfire on their doorbell camera. The footage showed a group of children fleeing the scene as gunshots erupted, with Morin-Leidig mentioning the panic they felt, mistaking the incident for an active shooter situation.
The neighborhood where the shooting occurred had previously experienced incidents of gun violence, but the daytime nature of the shooting added an extra layer of fear for residents. The shocking event resonated deeply with the community, with emotions ranging from fear to grief over the senseless loss of a young life.
Police Chief Stephen Jenkins expressed his outrage over the tragic outcome, highlighting the recurring issue of youthful disputes escalating into violent acts involving firearms. The incident spurred a sense of urgency among community leaders, including Darrell Redmond of Give Back 2 Da Block, who witnessed firsthand the impact of such violence on families and neighborhoods.
Redmond, who has strong ties to the victim’s family, emphasized the devastating repercussions of the shooting, underscoring the loss of innocence and potential for a child’s bright future. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent youth involvement in gun violence across communities.
As investigations continue and the community reels from the repercussions of the senseless act of violence, residents and leaders alike are left grappling with the profound impact on families, neighborhoods, and the broader community. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.