NORFOLK, Va. - The preliminary investigation into this morning’s police-involved incident has revealed more details that led to the fatal shooting.
On Saturday, March 19, 2016, members of the Norfolk Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division were conducting a surveillance operation in the 9500 block of Shore Drive. Shortly before 1:20 a.m., the investigators observed a disturbance, which was unrelated to their investigation.
The disturbance involved at least one man and one woman, who were engaged in an argument. The investigators observed the woman produce a handgun and threaten the unarmed man. Investigators took immediate action and left their surveillance vehicles to approach the woman. They identified themselves as police officers and provided verbal commands. The woman refused to comply and made a threatening motion with the handgun. Investigators discharged their service weapons, striking the woman.
Officers on scene began life-saving measures and rendered first-aid. Norfolk Fire-Rescue responded and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives have identified the woman as 25-year-old India M. Beaty of Norfolk.
Two investigators discharged their service weapons during the incident.
The first officer has been with the Norfolk Police Department 8 years and has been assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau, Vice and Narcotics Division 1 year.
The second officer has been with the Norfolk Police Department 6 years and has been assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau, Vice and Narcotics Division 4 years.
The officers’ names will not be released during the course of the investigation.
In accordance with departmental policy and procedure, both officers have been placed on immediate administrative duty pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Police have also provided a photograph of the weapon Beaty brandished during the encounter. The investigation has revealed the handgun brandished by Beaty was a non-firing replica firearm. The photograph is shown at the top of the news release.
Following the shooting incident, Norfolk Police Chief Michael Goldsmith and his command staff immediately responded to this morning’s scene.
“Any loss of life is tragic,” stated Chief Goldsmith. “This morning’s events affect not only my officers and Ms. Beaty’s family members, but our entire community. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Beaty’s loved ones and we appreciate the public’s patience as we continue this investigation.”
The Norfolk Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident, to call the Norfolk Police Detective Division at 757-664-7023.
No further information is available at this time.