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Closings and delays announced for Wednesday amid winter storm

12 February 2025 at 01:09

The above video is the Super Doppler 10 weather update from Tuesday evening, Feb. 11.

(WAVY) β€” A number of areas in northeastern North Carolina, Western Tidewater, the Peninsula and Eastern Shore are under either winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories beginning early Tuesday morning into Wednesday, and they have have continued to affect school schedules.

See a list of closings below, with Wednesday's closings and delays highlighted in bold.

Click here for the full list.

Wednesday closings and delays

Accomack County

  • Accomack County Public Schools will have a virtual learning day Wednesday for all students and 10-month staff. There is a two-hour delay for 12-month staff.

Franklin

  • Franklin City Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday.
  • Franklin City Public Schools will dismiss two hours early Tuesday. All after-school activities will be canceled.

Gloucester County

  • Gloucester County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday.
  • Gloucester County government offices and the courts will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Court will start at 9:30 a.m.
  • Gloucester County Public Schools will operate on a remote learning day Tuesday. Students in PreK-5 were given learning packets to be completed at their own pace, while students in grades 6-12 will have assignments available on Canvas to be completed at their own pace at anytime throughout the day.

Mathews County

  • Mathews County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday.
  • Mathews County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. All school activities and functions are canceled.

Middlesex County

  • Middlesex County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday.
  • Middlesex County government offices, the courthouse and all convenience centers will open at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. All scheduled court docketed cases will be heard.
  • Middlesex County JDR District Court will be closed Tuesday.

Military

Camp Peary will operate under normal business hours Tuesday, with liberal leave applied if needed.

New Kent County

  • New Kent County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday. All after-school activities are also canceled.
  • New Kent County government offices and refuse and recycling sites will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
  • New Kent County government offices are closed Tuesday.
  • New Kent County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday for all students and staff. All school activities and events scheduled for Tuesday are also canceled.

Northampton County (Va.)

  • Northampton County Public Schools will have a virtual/asynchronous learning day for students and 10-month staff Wednesday. All afternoon and evening activities, practices and events are canceled. Schools, the division central office and all work sites will open at 9 a.m.
  • Northampton County Public Schools will have a virtual/asynchronous learning day for students and 10-month staff Tuesday. Schools, the division central office and all work sites will open at 8 a.m.

Northampton County (N.C.)

Northampton County Public Schools (N.C.) will operate on a two-hour delay Tuesday.

Southampton County

  • Southampton County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday.

Surry County

  • Surry County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday.
  • Surry County government offices will be closed.

Sussex County

  • Sussex County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday. Sussex Central Middle School and Sussex Central High School will open at 9 a.m., and Sussex Central Elementary School will open at 10:30 a.m.
  • Sussex County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday.

Williamsburg/James City County

  • Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. All activities, including the Science Fair, are canceled.

York County

  • York County Public Schools will operate under a remote learning day Tuesday.

A winter storm warning is in effect for Accomack County on the Eastern Shore beginning at noon Tuesday through 10 a.m. Wednesday, with heavy, wet snow of between four to seven inches possible.

A winter storm warning is also in effect in New Kent, Middlesex, eastern King William and eastern King and Queen counties from 9 a.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Wednesday for heavy snow and mixed precipitation, with total snow accumulations of between two and four inches, and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch.

Mixed precipitation is expected, with total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches, and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch expected in the advisory area that includes Northampton, Brunswick, Prince George, Greensville, Sussex, Surry and Southampton counties, as well as Charles City, Gloucester, Mathews, James City, Northampton (Va.) and York counties.

The winter weather advisory takes effect at 9 a.m. Tuesday and continues through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

CPD: Woman dead after shooting on Parkside Dr.

12 February 2025 at 09:48

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” A woman has died after being shot on Parkside Drive in Chesapeake Monday evening, police said.

Chesapeake Police responded to a call of gunshots being heard in the 2900 block of Parkside Drive just before 8 p.m. When officers arrived, police found a woman, later identified as 20-year-old Gabrielle Leigh Kelly, who had been shot, and she was taken to an area hospital.

Early Wednesday morning, Chesapeake Police stated that Kelly had died due to her injuries.

Police are investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com or through the P3Tips app.

Nearly $40K in marijuana seized, 4 arrests in Smithfield

12 February 2025 at 01:52

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) β€” Nearly $40,000 in marijuana was seized, four people have been arrested and business licenses have been revoked at four vape store locations following an investigation into illegal marijuana sales in the town, police said Monday.

Abdulla Yahya, Oumar Hammety, Kelsey Ewell and Aiman Alghazali were all arrested and face felony and misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute charges. Yahya and Hammety face one felony and misdemeanor charge, each, while Ewell and Alghazali face two charges, each.

The Smithfield Police Department responded to multiple vape store locations Monday morning as a result of ongoing investigation.

β€œIt’s been a four-month undercover investigation looking into the illegal sale of marijuana," said Smithfield Police Chief Alonzo Howell.

The investigation also snagged:Β 

  • Planet Tobacco and Mart, 1005 S. Church St. - Arrested: Yahya, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 11.2 ounces of marijuana
  • Smithfield Tobacco and Vape, 1921 S. Church St. - Arrested: Hammety, Charges: One felony count of possession with intent to distribute, one misdemeanor count of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 3.5 pounds of marijuana
  • Discount Tobacco and Vape, 1264 Smithfield Plaza - Arrested: Ewell, Charges: two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 20 ounces of marijuana
  • Tobacco and Vape Cigars and CBDΒ and Kratom, 13404 Benns Church Blvd. - Arrested: Alghazali, Charges: Two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to distribute, Seized: 6.2 pounds of marijuana

The investigation targeted narcotics and is being conducted with the Virginia DMV Law Enforcement Division, the town of Smithfield, the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Drug Task Force, the Virginia State Police and the Isle of Wight Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation (WAVY photo)

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

Smithfield vape shops investigation

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

WAVY Photo: Corby Slaughter

Howell told WAVY the investigation was into the illegal sale of marijuana and vapes to minors. He said they arrested one person and have three others in custody.

"We found marijuana at all four locations," Howell said.

You couldn't miss the tremendous show of force at all the sites, with people asking what was going on.

"The vapes were being sold to juveniles, and that was the initial complaint," Howell said, "and from that, we also received a complaint that marijuana was part of being sold. Therefore, that's what led to the undercover investigation."

The first to be arrested an employee who allegedly sold marijuana, and the chief has this message to those selling dope.

β€œThe message is that the illegal sale of marijuana is just not tolerated," Howell said. "As such, the businesses [have] been shut down for the illegal sale of marijuana in violation of the town ordinance.” 

The signs up at the four locations state the businesses are now closed.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visitingΒ www.P3tips.comΒ and submitting a tip.

VHSL, VISAA complies with Trump executive order on transgender athletes

10 February 2025 at 22:26

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) β€” The governing bodies for both public and private high school athletics in Virginia said Monday they would follow President Donald Trump's executive order to limit competition in girls' sports to students assigned female at birth only.

Youngkin urges VHSL to follow executive order banning transgender women from women’s high school sports teams

The Virginia High School League, which governs public high school athletics, said its executive committee voted to comply with the executive order, "Keeping Men out of Women's Sports," effective immediately, and ban transgender girls from competing in sanctioned high school athletics.

Last week, a VHSL spokesperson said that it would maintain what had been its policy to allow transgender girls to participate on girls' high school sports teams.

"The VHSL is an association comprising 318 member schools with more than 177,000 students participating yearly in sports and academic activities," said Billy Haun, VHSL executive director. "The VHSL is the governing body, and our member schools look to and rely on the VHSL for police and guidance. To that end, the VHSL will comply with the executive order. The compliance with provide membership with clear and consistent direction."

The VHSL's executive committee also directed its staff to immediately propose policy changes β€” in the form of emergency legislation β€” to comply with the executive order. The VHSL said its staff would adjust the language in its handbook and policy manual "in the coming days."

The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association said it would also comply with the president's executive order.

Specifically, the VISAA's policy states that "if a member school maintains separate teams in the same sport for girls and boys during the school year, regardless of the sports season, girls may not compete on boys' teams, and boys may not compete on girls' teams. If a member school maintains only a boys' team in a sport, girls may compete on the boys' team. Boys may not participate on a girls team in any sport. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Board determines that boys' opportunities for participation in athletics have been limited in the past, boys may participate on a girls' team, unless the sport involved is a contact sport.

"To maintain competitive fairness in VISAA championship events, participation shall be determined by a student's biological sex rather than gender or gender identity."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin hailed the announcements from the governing bodies for public and private high school athletics in Virginia.

"Common sense wins," Youngkin said Monday in a statement posted on X. "Today, the governing bodies for Virginia's public and private high school athletics announced they would follow President Trump's EO to protect girls sports."

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said "whether to stand with female student-athletes should have never been a question. VHSL has wisely chosen to follow President Trump's executive order to keep men out of girls' sports."

Not so β€˜Golden’: Pharrell VB-inspired movie scrapped

8 February 2025 at 01:42

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) β€” A movie based on the Atlantis Apartment neighborhood Pharrell Williams grew up in turned out not to be so "Golden."

Variety magazine reported Friday that the movie, which was to be released May 5 from Universal Pictures, was scrapped.

It's the second time in about a week-and-a-half that something with Pharrell's imprint has been canceled, following the news that the city of Virginia Beach was pulling the plug on the Something in the Water festival slated for April after a series of missed deadlines to announce performers and ticket sales.

Virginia Beach City cancels Something in the Water

Variety reported that the movie, which was originally titled, "Atlantis," based on the Virginia Beach neighborhood Pharrell grew up in, was set to be released May 5 from Universal Pictures. Among those who were to be a part of the movie, retitled, "Golden," was Portsmouth's Missy Elliott.

In a joint statement to Variety, Pharrell and movie director Michel Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind") said that "there wasn't a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned."

"While we're disappointed we can't deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon."

The movie was to be a coming-of-age story loosely based on Williams' childhood at the Atlantis Apartments near the Oceanfront.

Previously: Pharrell’s VB-inspired, star-studded β€˜Atlantis’ movie gets May 2025 release date

The film's release was to coincide with the expected opening of the $350 million Atlantic Park.

Universal will absorb the $20 million for the cost of the movie, which had been in early postproduction, which meant that the movie will not ever be finished, but all parties involved have been paid, Variety reported.

Pharrell Williams poses for a portrait to promote the film "Piece by Piece" during the Toronto International Film Festival, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Toronto. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)

Pharrell Williams poses for a portrait to promote the film "Piece by Piece" during the Toronto International Film Festival, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Toronto. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)

Another Williams' movie, the Lego-form movie, "Piece by Piece," came out in October, back when Something in the Water was scheduled before Pharrell pulled the plug less than a month before the festival was scheduled. It featured everyone from Super Bowl LIX halftime performer Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani and Timbaland.

He explained what "Piece by Piece" was about in a Today Show interview, which also featured a performance from the marching band of Princess Anne High School, where Pharrell went to high school. The band is featured in part of a song in the movie.

At the time, he told Variety that "Piece by Piece" "is about my life and how God is continuing to give me the pieces that put it together β€” piece by piece β€” and have really amazing people along the journey in my constellation. To all the stars, musically, and all my teachers and everybody who has contributed to this constellation."

Previously: Lego movie about Pharrell Williams’ life coming out in October

The canceling of the Something in the Water festival last October blindsided city officials and prompted the city of Virginia Beach to impose conditions on its future financial support of the festival.

CCSO: Motorcycle driver faces charges after exceeding 100 mph in pursuit

7 February 2025 at 17:02

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) β€” A motorcyclist who was weaving through traffic on Caratoke Highway at speeds of more than 100 mph Friday faces a number of charges β€” and the loss of his motorcycle, the Currituck County Sheriff's Office said.

Glenn Crum

Glenn Crum, 37, was taken into custody and his motorcycle was seized and towed, the sheriff's office said. He has been charged with felony fleeing and eluding, careless and reckless driving, speeding in excess of 15+ mph, fictitious registration and having no insurance. Crum was placed on a $25,000 secured bond.

At 11:55 a.m., a deputy saw and clocked a motorcycle traveling south on Caratoke Highway at a high rate of speed and weaving dangerously through traffic, the sheriff's office said.

After the motorcycle driver failed to pull over and accelerated, the deputy pursued the motorcycle driver, with speeds reaching more than 100 mph, with the driver turning onto Snowden Road, and the pursuit continuing until he was stopped and taken into custody.

The Currituck County Sheriff's Office said it operates under North Carolina's "Run and You're Done" law, which makes it a criminal offense to flee from police, and if someone attempts to do so, law enforcement will chase the driver and the vehicle will be impounded. It said the motorcycle can be seized and sold, and the court may order the vehicle to be restored to its original condition before it is sold.

A judge can also issue an order to have the motorcycle forfeited to the local school board, with the right to sell it and keep the proceeds from the sale, the sheriff's office said.

Goats die in one of two barn fires on Ballahack Road in Chesapeake

1 February 2025 at 18:00

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” Multiple goats died in one of two barn fires on Ballahack Road Friday, an official with the Chesapeake Fire Department said.

About 40 goats were housed in a barn owned by Hidden Acres Ranch in the 1800 block of Ballahack Road that caught on fire Friday evening, but Capt. Steven Bradley, an assistant fire marshal and public information officer with the Chesapeake Fire Department, said that "most of the animals did not survive the fire."

That was the second of two barn fires on Ballahack Road Friday evening, as the first one happened in the 800 block around 8:09 p.m. Navy Regional Engine 35 arrived at 8:15 p.m. to find a 100-foot-by-100-foot barn heavily involved in flames. Crews were able to bring that fire under control in just under 30 minutes. Capt. Steven Bradley, an assistant fire marshal and public information officer with the Chesapeake Fire Department said there were no injuries, and the barn was unoccupied at the time.

He said it's believed that the barn was primarily used for hay storage.

The barn fire at the Hidden Acres Ranch happened at 8:56 p.m., and when Ladder Company 5 arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames visible from the street, and firefighters stretched lines to the rear of the property and started a defensive attack on the fully-engulfed barn.

That fire was brought under control in about an hour.

Both fires happened in a rural, largely agricultural area of southern Chesapeake known for two-lane roads and farm land.

Firefighters remained on the scene working to overhaul the structures and put out lingering hot spots, Bradley said.

The Chesapeake Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of both fires, but at this time, Bradley said there's no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related.

The Chesapeake Fire Department received automatic and mutual aid assistance from the Moyock (N.C.) Volunteer Fire Department, the Virginia Beach Fire Department and Navy Regional Northwest Fire Department.

Traffic troubles for Deep Creek ES parents

1 February 2025 at 00:06

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” With only one way in and out of the Deep Creek Elementary School campus, parents say drop-offs there are a safety nightmare that makes it a must to have a police officer directing traffic, something that they say isn't happening.

The only access road in or out of Deep Creek Elementary is a small residential street off of George Washington Highway β€” a very busy four-lane road β€” within sight of an exit to Interstate 64. It makes it challenging on most days to turn left into the school, or left onto George Washington Highway out of the school.

Erin Thompson, who has a fourth grader at Deep Creek Elementary, says since their crossing guard was hit by a car about five years ago, there hasn't been a steady presence here to direct traffic.

Previously: Chesapeake crossing guard hit near Deep Creek Elementary

"I sit here for forever and I can't get in and I can't get out in less than 45 minutes,” Thompson said.

And with that kind of backup, she said people get desperate.

"It just becomes a cluster, and cars, as well as the buses, will start to block traffic just to help each other out and it just becomes completely unsafe," Thompson said.

Cars block the traffic β€” and people, too.

Thompson took a photo of someone getting out of their car to help direct traffic after they had been sitting in traffic for 15 minutes. On the day 10 On Your Side's cameras were there, an officer was directing traffic, but Thompson said it's needed every day. Since we contacted police about this story, Thompson said there has been an officer at this intersection daily.

"The officer that was here this morning is phenomenal," Thompson said. "He has a great flow with the traffic on George Washington."

10 On Your Side reached out to Chesapeake Police, who initially said in a statement that they "have provided guidance to the school on safer route alternatives for those parents exiting the school. Among these alternatives are … exiting out onto Margaret Booker Drive and around to Galberry Road."

However, there is no road access from the school to Margaret Booker Drive. When we made Chesapeake Police aware of this, they acknowledged the error.

Chesapeake Police have amended their statement now, saying they advise everyone to turn right leaving Deep Creek Elementary, and then take an immediate right onto Margaret Booker Drive and follow that down to the light, which will empty out on Galberry Road. It still puts traffic on George Washington Highway, but police say they’ll continue monitoring the situation.

The full statement from Chesapeake Police reads:

β€œThe Chesapeake Police Department has an assignment for a police officer to provide traffic direction at the intersection of George Washington Highway and Forehand Drive every morning from 7:15 a.m. until 7:35 a.m.Β  This assignment is typically handled by a Traffic Enforcement Unit officer. However, if one is unavailable, a call will be put on to dispatch an available beat officerΒ if one is available.Β Nothing has changed with this assignment since 2023, and this location will continued to be handled as such.Β As part of the department's ongoing focus on safety and security throughout the city, they will continue to monitor and evaluate this location. We understand some parents' concerns and frustrations with wanting to make a left turn on to George Washington Highway in the afternoons and encourage them to follow the recommendations previously provided regarding the safest exit from Forehand Drive by making a right turn onto George Washington Highway.”

VSP: Woman’s tire blew on I-64 resulting in fatal 3-vehicle crash

30 January 2025 at 15:27

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) β€” A woman was killed after her vehicle blew a tire on I-64 Wednesday evening. Two more were injured.

Around 6:30 p.m., 21-year-old Joniyah Temple was driving eastbound on I-64 when her tire blew out. Temple overcorrected and the vehicle spun out of control, facing oncoming traffic in the left lane, police said.

Courtesy: VSP

Courtesy: VSP

Courtesy: VSP

Courtesy: VSP

A woman driving a Ford pulled onto the shoulder to help. Shortly after, the 61-year-old driver of a Chevrolet van hit Temple's car head on, pushing her car into the Ford, police said.

Temple, of Newport News, was taken to Riverside Hospital where she died. Temple was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. Next of kin has been notified.Β 

The driver of the van was seriously hurt and taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. The driver of the Ford who pulled over to help also was hurt and sustained non life-threatening injuries. A family member reached out and said the driver of the Ford is in the hospital.

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

VSP: 1 injured in 9-vehicle crash on I-64 near Indian River Rd.

30 January 2025 at 20:24

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) β€” One person was injured in a nine-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 eastbound at Indian River Road in Virginia Beach Wednesday evening, Virginia State Police said.

The crash happened around 8:35 p.m. when an unknown driver's vehicle became disabled in the traffic lane, State Police said. The disabled vehicle was topped in the traffic lane, which caused vehicles to stop abruptly and crashing into one another. The unknown disabled vehicle that had been stopped left the scene.

One person was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

VBPD: 8 injured in 9-vehicle crash on Princess Anne Rd.

30 January 2025 at 07:53

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) β€” Eight people were injured as the result of a nine-vehicle crash at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Lynnhaven Parkway Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital received eight patients from the crash, with four listed as trauma patients. Sentara, in a statement, said care is ongoing and "most are expected to be treated and released from the emergency department."

Princess Anne Rd multi-vehicle crash (WAVY photo)

The multi-vehicle crash, which happened just before 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Lynnhaven Parkway, caused parts of Princess Anne Road to close Wednesday afternoon, with a 10 On Your Side crew at the scene reporting nine cars to be involved, with eight taken to the hospital.

According to officials, all lanes of Princess Anne Road from Salem Road to South Independence Boulevard were closed due to the crash. Ferrell Parkway from Pleasant Valley Road to Salem Road was also shut down.

The crash remains under investigation.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Sailor in court charged in death of fellow sailor

30 January 2025 at 17:07

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (WAVY) β€” An active duty sailor charged with negligent homicide in the death last spring of a member of his crew had his article 32 hearing Thursday afternoon.

Hearing set for sailor charged in connection to another sailor’s death at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

Master at Arms 2 Jackson Bower, 24, was piloting a light boat known as Work Skiff 5 April 28. Master at Arms 3 Lyndon Cosgriff-Flax, 22, was standing in the bow of the boat.

The two were on harbor patrol near the Coleman Bridge for Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

According to the government, Bower was showing a new member of the crew the capabilities of the boat.Β 

They began a drill known as β€œchase the rabbit” where a trailing boat follows a lead boat and tries to stay in its wake.

Bower was driving the lead boat. According to the government he made a left turn, followed by an abrupt and dangerous sharp right turn.

Cosgriff-Flax was thrown overboard and was struck by the propeller. Trial Counsel said a third sailor jumped in to rescue Cosgriff-Flax but found him in a pool of blood.

Bower’s civilian defense attorney called the death a tragedy, but it did not rise to the level of negligent homicide.

The investigating officer will determine next month whether the case goes to a court martial. Bower also faces charges of dereliction of duty and making a false statement to NCIS investigators.

Police: 6 dead horses, 22 suspected of neglect in Suffolk

30 January 2025 at 12:01

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) β€” Six dead horses were found, and 22 more horses showed signs of neglect following an investigation in Suffolk, police said Tuesday, with residents saying they've shared their concerns about them numerous times.

Suffolk Police’s Animal Control Division launched an investigation Sunday following allegations of animal neglect in the 1200 block of Buckhorn Drive, and multiple search warrants were obtained and executed at the property and other nearby locations, all of them owned by the same people, according to police.

Previously: Horse in Suffolk photographed with ribs showing has been euthanized, officials say

During their investigation, officers found several horses on the property, including the 22 suspected of neglect and six other horses that were dead and in varying states of decomposition. Police said the dead horses have been taken to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for necropsy.

On Wednesday, more than five horses were still on the property on Buckhorn Drive, many with their ribs showing and covered in mud.Β 

β€œI guess whoever owned them thought it was OK for the horses to live like this," said one woman who has reported the property multiple times and asked to remain anonymous.Β "I mean, right out in public for everybody to see, so thank God there’s something being done now."

While 10 On Your Side was at the property, multiple people driving by stopped to say they had reported the property many times, with one viewer saying she called the barn more than 10 times over the years. One person gave us a thumbs up, and another said she was glad change was coming.Β 

β€œI reported to the Suffolk Humane Society twice," the woman said. "I reported how these horses were living in deplorable conditions."

There is hope for the future of these horses.

Suffolk Animal Control was at the property Wednesday with hay, and a nonprofit is ready to help. Circle A Home for Horses rehabilitates horses in Virginia Beach, and its executive director said she is ready to hook up the trailer and go get them.Β 

β€œSo we have empty stalls, and I've already told the person who's sort of organizing it, and the animal control chief knows that we're ready to take some of their severe cases," said Alicia Mahar, Circle A Home for Horses founder and executive director. "We just have to hook up and head out that way."

Suffolk Police are working with the state veterinarian and an independent licensed veterinarian to assess and treat all the horses on the property, and the Suffolk General District Court has ordered that the remaining 22 horses be impounded.

Police said the transportation of the horses began on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and that the horses are being relocated to several undisclosed rescue organizations and shelters throughout Virginia.

10 On Your Side reached out to Suffolk Police about a timeline and was told it is an active and ongoing investigation. The city of Suffolk confirmed that no one has been charged at this time.Β 

The Suffolk Animal Control Division, in coordination with the city’s Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, is leading the investigation.

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