NORFOLK, Va - On Thursday, March 10, 2016, Norfolk dispatchers were contacted shortly before 10:30 p.m. about a possible gunshot victim in the 1000 block of E. Ocean View Avenue. Officers responded to the scene and located 24-year-old Chaz Hall of Norfolk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medics transported Hall to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Detectives pursued immediate leads, and positively identified Hall’s killer as 25-year-old Tyre Privott of Norfolk. Warrants against Privott were secured for 2nd Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony.
Multiple dispatch broadcasts were transmitted over radio and terminal communications throughout the early morning hours. These transmissions listed Privott’s unique and identifying characteristics, including but not limited to height, weight, hair style, last known clothing description, and his connection to a recent violent act. The broadcast also included an officer awareness alert that indicated Privott should be considered armed and dangerous.
Less than five hours after Chaz’s murder, officers located a man matching the exact description of the wanted felon walking in the roadway near the intersection of Chesapeake Boulevard and Fishermans Road. Officers attempted to approach him shortly before 4:00 a.m.
As the officers began to speak with the man, he shot at them. One officer returned fire, fatally wounding the man.
The man killed by police was positively identified as the wanted felon, Tyre Privott.
The officer involved in the shooting is an 11-year veteran of the police department, who is currently assigned to the Second Patrol Division. He has not been issued a body worn camera, nor was he wearing one during the incident. The officer’s name will not be released during the course of the investigation.
The second officer on scene recently graduated from the Norfolk Police Academy in January and is also assigned to the Second Patrol Division. The officer was issued a body worn camera, which he was wearing at the time of the shooting. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident rapidly evolved, and did not allow the officer enough time to activate the camera.
In accordance with standard procedure, both officers have been placed on paid administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigative proceedings.
Within the past week, there has been several acts of gun violence in the city. Ongoing investigations have revealed these violent acts are isolated incidents in which there are associations between the victims and suspects.
Chief of Police Michael Goldsmith extends his thoughts and prayers to the families affected by these crimes and is intensifying police presence throughout the city.
“These acts of violence not only affect the families of those who have lost a loved one, but our entire community as a whole,” states Chief Goldsmith. “We must combat this problem by working and standing together. If you see something, you must say something. We are resilient and we have the ingenuity to combat these acts of violence, but it must be done together.”
Norfolk community members will see an increase of police presence throughout the city. Additional resources from various divisions to include the Homeland Security Division, Detective Division, Field Operations Tactical Units, and Community Resource Officers will be utilized in our neighborhoods.
In addition to increased police presence, community members are encouraged to contact the Norfolk Crime Line (1-888-LOCK-U-UP) with information regarding any criminal activity. Neighborhoods may also consider contacting the Norfolk Police Crime Prevention Unit or the Office of Community Relations to inquire about programs that collaborate a vision for a safer, healthier, and inclusive Norfolk. Information is located on the City of Norfolk’s police webpage at www.norfolk.gov/police.