NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Police Department successfully and peacefully resolved a barricade situation that took place over a three-day period in the 1500 block of Melrose Parkway.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday morning, Norfolk dispatchers were alerted to a man wielding a hatchet and vandalizing a parked vehicle in the 1500 block of Melrose Parkway. Responding officers came into contact with the man, later identified as 72-year-old Larry Wooster. When officers attempted to speak with Wooster, he fled into his residence and closed the front door. Wooster then re-opened the door and pointed a firearm at an officer before retreating back into his residence.
Officers quickly established a perimeter and closed public access near Wooster’s home. Residents were advised to shelter in place as police secured the developing scene.
Members of the Norfolk Police Department’s Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team (HCNT) responded to the address in an effort to deescalate the situation.
Police remained on scene until Thursday morning, when Wooster exited his residence at approximately 3:30 am. As he walked onto his front porch, a police K9 was able to restrain him while officers placed him into custody. Wooster was treated at the scene for a non-life threatening bite wound and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for further evaluation.
Wooster has been charged with two felonies:
(1) Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
(2) Attempted Malicious Wounding of a Law Enforcement Officer
At this time, he remains hospitalized under police custody.
“I am proud of the professionalism displayed by my officers and personally thankful for our partnering agencies that provided valuable resources in the interest of public safety,” remarked Chief Michael Goldsmith following the peaceful resolution.
As this case is pending litigation, no further information is available for release.