NORFOLK, VA - Shortly before 3:45 a.m. this morning, Norfolk dispatchers received a report of a woman who was stabbed by her teenaged son inside their residence in the 2300 block of Maltby Avenue. Dispatch records also indicate the son threatened to set fire to the apartment complex. The woman was able to escape and barricaded herself in a nearby apartment while waiting for police assistance.
As police approached the residence, one officer was confronted by a suspect armed with a knife. The suspect immediately charged at the officer with the knife in hand. The officer backed away and gave verbal commands; however, the suspect continued to charge at the officer with the knife in hand. The officer was forced to discharge his duty firearm. Officers rendered first aid until paramedics arrived on scene.
Additional responding officers began to search the residence for the possible stabbing victim and located her in an adjacent apartment. During the search, police located a fire inside the victim’s apartment. The building was immediately evacuated and no further injuries were reported.
The 50-year-old woman sustained a significant stab wound and was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The armed suspect was identified as the 15-year-old son of the stabbing victim. The knife used by the teen was recovered at the scene.
Responding officers were equipped with body worn cameras which were activated at the time of the shooting and the event was captured on video. The footage is not available for public release.
The officer involved in the shooting has been with the Norfolk Police Department for approximately three years and is currently assigned to the Field Operations Bureau. As is standard policy, the officer has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
The teen is currently being treated at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for what has been described as non-life threatening injuries. Charges against the teen are pending.
“My thoughts are with the families and officers involved in this morning’s events,” stated Chief Goldsmith. “I pray the mother is able to make a full recovery and I’m thankful no other residents or officers were hurt in the incident.”