VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Violent crimes in Virginia Beach fell by more than 20% last year as shooting incidents and the homicide rate each fell by more than 40%, according to newly-released crime statistics.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate outlined the declines in violent crime and other statistics to City Council Tuesday.

Neudigate said the city’s 22% reduction in violent crime in 2024 was the result of several factors, including a targeted focus on individuals engaging in gun violence, increased use of technology, such as expanded closed-circuit and license plate reader cameras and strong investigative work by the department’s Detective Bureau, leading to quick arrests. He also praised the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for its dedication to prosecuting violent crimes, as well as the courts for ensuring sentencing is appropriate for the offenses committed.

The reduction in Part I crimes — which include violent crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, and property crimes such as burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from a motor vehicle and all other larceny — is a credit to the work of the department, its use of technology and its real-time crime center and collaboration with other regional partners, he said.

“In addition to the great police work and community assistance, technology aids those efforts, with an expanded citywide camera network and regional license plate readers playing a key role,” Neudigate said. “By providing real-time data and capturing essential details like vehicle license plates, we can quickly identify suspect vehicles to aid our investigations. These technologies routinely enhance our ability to keep the community safe and ensure we use all available resources to protect our community.”

Here are highlights from Neudigate's presentation.

• Just 5.5% of the 7,977 Part I crimes last year were violent, with violent crimes down 22.3% compared to 2023 and down 21% compared to the previous three-year average (2021-2023). It makes 2024 the lowest year for violent crimes in the city in the past five years.
• Property crime is down 4.3% compared to 2023 (7,882 in 2023 and 7,541 in 2024), with larcenies from motor vehicles down 17% and thefts of motor vehicles down 27%. Those numbers are the lowest they have been in five years.
• There were 37 shooting incidents in the city last year, down 49% from the previous year's 73. The number of shooting victims went down 56%, from 88 to 39, and Virginia Beach Police seized or got possession of 1,221 illegally possessed firearms last year.
• The city saw a 46% drop in the homicide rate, with the number of homicides going down from 24 to 13, and of those, the city's police department has positively cleared all of them, making its 100% rate nearly twice as high as the national average of 52%, as reported by the FBI in 2022.
• Vehicle crashes in the city are down 4% since 2023 and 7% since 2022, with fatal crashes down 31% since 2023. Its statistics state that, when compared to neighboring Hampton Roads cities, it has the lowest rate of crash fatalities per 100,000 residents at 4.8.

"If you decide to engage in violent crime in the city of Virginia Beach, rest assured that there is a high probability that you will be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to a substantial prison term,” Neudigate said.

To read Virginia Beach's 2024 crime statistics review, see below:

The video above is Meteorologist Don Slater's Midday forecast on Tuesday.

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JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - In response to multiple crashes Tuesday that temporarily closed News and Centerville roads, James City County Police issued a traffic advisory urging drives to reduce speed, increase following distance and allow extra time to get to where they are going.

It comes as a winter storm has arrived in Virginia and is expected to linger over the state through Wednesday morning, bringing snow, freezing rain and hazardous road conditions, officials said.

The Virginia Department of Transportation cautions that roads may be slick, and conditions can change rapidly. If possible, it advises to avoid travel until conditions improve.

VDOT crews are working to plow and treat roads as needed, it said in a statement Tuesday. Snow has been affecting much of the state, while a wintry mix with freezing rain is expected to fall across central and southern Virginia throughout the afternoon and evening. The most significant impacts from freezing rain could occur in areas along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Bristol, Salem, Staunton and Lynchburg, officials said.

Virginia State Police are monitoring the forecast, which included accumulating snow, ice and rain over much of Virginia beginning Tuesday.

If you have to travel, State Police reminds drivers to do the following:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better. 
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle. 
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions. 
• Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash. 
• Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc. 
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.  

VDOT said people can report fallen trees to its 24-hour customer service center at my.vdot.virginia.gov, or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Snow removal priorities are as follows:

• Interstates and limited-access highways are cleared first.
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes 600 and higher) serving emergency and public facilities are treated next.
• Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets are treated after higher-priority routes are cleared.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, you can call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Zachary Cruz, the 24-year-old brother of the Parkland school shooter, was arrested Feb. 4 for trespassing at multiple school properties, including Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School and the Valley Career and Technical Center.

Authorities reported that Cruz was observed on the premises of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Complex after hours around 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 25.

According to a release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, this incident prompted a collaborative investigation involving the Woodrow Wilson Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

Surveillance footage recovered from Jan. 25 showed him attempting to open exterior doors and peering into the schools.

Cruz was arrested Feb. 4 and charged with three misdemeanor counts of trespassing. However, Cruz's attorney, Amina Matheny-Willard, stated that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated during the arrest.

In a press release, Matheny-Willard said that Augusta County deputies obtained three arrest warrants by falsely telling the magistrate that there were "no trespassing" signs. Matheny-Willard said this was not, in fact, true, and that Cruz was on public property.

Matheny-Willard said she and Cruz plan to file a civil rights lawsuit against the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, Augusta County, Virginia State Police and the Woodrow Wilson Police Department.

Cruz is a free man, according to Sheriff Donald L. Smith's recent Facebook post he shared around 10 p.m. on Feb. 6.

In that Facebook post, Smith also addressed safety concerns in the area. The post says:

"The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is aware of growing concerns from parents and community members regarding Zachary P. Cruz's recent release and the live-streamed video recorded at various schools within the Wilson School complex earlier today.

"I want to assure the public that this video, livestreamed by Cruz’s attorney and later posted on social media, did not involve Cruz physically being present at any county school property. In fact, at the time the video was taken and initially shared, Zachary Cruz remained incarcerated at Middle River Regional Jail. Cruz was released today, February 6, 2025, at 3:43 p.m.

"I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community. Our top priorities are the safety and security of all students, staff, and community members.  I want to assure you this matter is being taken very seriously.

"The Augusta County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Virginia State Police, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, and the administration at all schools within the Wilson complex, is actively working to monitor and keep our local schools safe and secured.  

"The Augusta County Public Schools Superintendent, Eric Bond, and his staff are in constant contact with my office regarding the safety of all County Schools.  Our agencies have implemented heightened security measures, including increased law enforcement presence on and around school grounds.

"Additionally, we closely monitor potential threats and communicate with school officials to ensure all necessary precautions are in place. 

"Please note: the ACSO has numerous School Resource Officers assigned to the Wilson complex, the Virginia State Police area office, and the Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center Police Department, all of which are in this immediate area. You should expect additional law enforcement presence in the area.

"We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain alert and report suspicious activity. The collective effort of law enforcement, school officials, and the community is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

"Thank you for your vigilance and for voicing your concerns. Your voice is loud and clear. Should you have any further questions or information to share, please do not hesitate to contact our office."

According to the Augusta County General District Court, Cruz's next hearing is May 1.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - In the face of potential tariffs, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline has ticked up two cents over the past week, now standing roughly around $3.13, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Meanwhile, public electric vehicle charging stations report an average cost of 34 cents per kilowatt hour.

The EIA's latest figures indicate that gasoline demand rose slightly, increasing from 8.30 million barrels per day to 8.32 million b/d.

Simultaneously, the total domestic gasoline supply grew from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1 million barrels, although gasoline production slipped to an average of 9.2 million barrels per day.

Currently, the national average of $3.13 represents a seven-cent increase compared to a month ago and is one cent lower than this time last year.

Local Price Trends

In Virginia, the average gas price holds steady at $3.06, unchanged from last week, but up 12 cents over the past month.

Prices in Hampton Roads have experienced a slight decrease of three cents to $2.96 a gallon, which is 19 cents higher than a month prior but ten cents lower than one year ago.

Courtesy: AAA Tidewater Virginia

Oil Market Update

On the trading front, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropped $1.67, closing at $71.03 per barrel on Wednesday.

The EIA reported an increase of 8.7 million barrels in crude oil inventories, with the current total at 423.8 million barrels, which is about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

For drivers looking to find the best gas prices along their route, the AAA TripTik Travel planner is a useful tool.

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) - In the early hours of Feb. 8, police responded to reports of a shooting at Jersey Park Apartments.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The individual was promptly transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition, authorities reported.

The Smithfield Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Residents who may have witnessed the shooting or have any details related to the case are encouraged to contact the Smithfield Police Department at 757-357-3247.

This incident marks a troubling escalation of violence in the area, and police are committed to ensuring the safety of the community as they work to find answers.

More information will be provided as the investigation continues.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Chesapeake Animal Services is asking for the public's assistance regarding seven stray puppies found Friday. Animal Control officers were sent to the area around Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in response to reports of the puppies.

The puppies are reportedly malnourished and in poor health, and it is believed they may have been abandoned in a grey tote.

Anyone with information about the origin of the puppies is urged to contact the Chesapeake Police non-emergency number at (757) 382-6161 or Chesapeake Animal Services at (757) 382-8080. health.