The Norfolk community is grappling with the news of a fatal police shooting that claimed the life of 31-year-old Dwayne D. Harris on Friday in the Hewitt Farms area, near Ocean View. Authorities officially confirmed Harris’s identity following the incident, which remains under active investigation.
According to a news release from the Norfolk Police Department, the series of events began shortly after noon when officers were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress. Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered Harris, who was allegedly attempting to break into a residence. Police say Harris was armed during the encounter.
Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot, speaking during a Friday afternoon press conference, stated that Harris quickly entered a vehicle and fled the location. Officers pursued Harris for approximately two blocks, eventually reaching the intersection of the 8300 block of Meadow Creek Road.
At that point, Chief Talbot reported that Harris exited the vehicle while still armed. According to police accounts, Harris then “aimed the firearm at police officers”, prompting multiple officers to discharge their weapons. Harris was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The Virginia State Police have been called in to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, which is standard protocol in officer-involved deadly force incidents. Investigators will review body-worn camera footage, interview witnesses, and examine all physical evidence to determine the precise sequence of events and assess the officers’ actions.
Community Impact
The incident has left a deep impact on the Hewitt Farms neighborhood and surrounding areas. As details continue to emerge, community members are processing the news, with emotions ranging from grief to concern over public safety. Authorities have urged residents to allow the investigative process to unfold fully before drawing conclusions.
Police officials have emphasized that their primary focus remains on transparency and accountability as they work alongside state investigators. Additional information, including the names of the officers involved, is expected to be released once the investigation progresses and in accordance with department policy.
The Norfolk Police Department has extended condolences to all those affected by the incident and has encouraged anyone with additional information or witness accounts to come forward.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a more personal, obituary-style version that focuses on Dwayne D. Harris’s life story rather than just the incident. That would balance the public safety details with a remembrance of the person behind the headline. Would you like me to create that?
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