RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the first pediatric flu-related deaths this season.

One child in the Eastern region and another in the Central region of the state died recently died due to complications of influenza. Additional information will not be released about these cases.

"We at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these children," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D, MPH. "This is a sad reminder that seasonal influenza can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, please consider doing so to help protect your family and those around you."

North Carolina has seen a recent increase in flu cases in combination with continued COVID-19 activity. 171 adult flu-related deaths have been reported in the state this season.

The NCDHHS recommends the following preventive actions to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory viruses:

• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer to prevent the spread of viruses to others
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
• Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
  • Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
  • Using a separate bathroom, if possible
  • Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
  • Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
  • Wearing a mask when around other people

The CDC urges vaccination for children ages six months and older.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) -- The former Assistant Director of James River Residential Reentry Facility (James River RRC) pled guilty Thursday to taking bribes as a public official.

According to court documents, Marlon R. Jones, Jr., 44, of Portsmouth had supervisory authority over an inmate, identified as L.C., who was released to home confinement in January 2021. Jones had a direct relationship with L.C. from at least April 2021 through September 2022 that involved having sexual contact and exchanging sexual messages via telephone and text.

L.C. additionally paid Jones on several occasions for assistance with making violations disappear. Another supervisor had taken over James River RRC and found that L.C. had at least fourteen incidents, but only three had been properly recorded.

Jones received both physical currency and electronic transfers from L.C. through his Cash App account. Between Sept. 24, 2021, and March 29, 2022, L.C. paid Jones a total of $650 over five Cash App transactions. L.C. also referred other individuals to Jones, including his cousin.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces up to 15 years in prison.

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) -- A woman and a teenage girl were arrested after striking a gas pump shelter and evading police Sunday afternoon in Currituck County.

Deputies were dispatched to the Duck Thru in Moyock at 1449 Caratoke Highway at approximately 2:45 p.m. following a Chevrolet Impala running into the gas pump shelter.

The driver, Zaria Janelle Wright from Norfolk, exited the vehicle and fled on foot before deputies arrived. The passenger, a 16-year-old girl, drove away northbound on US 168.

Deputies located the vehicle driving southbound near Tulls Creek Road and conducted a traffic stop. The 16-year-old girl then fled the traffic stop on foot. She was quickly arrested.

The 16-year-old girl from Virginia Beach had multiple warrants out of Virginia. Juvenile petitions were filed against her, including assault on a government official, resist delay obstruct and fleeing the scene of an accident. She was also issued citations for several motor vehicle violations.

Wright was subsequently located and arrested without incident. She was booked into the Currituck County Detention Center under the following charges:

• Hit and Run/ Leaving the scene of an accident
• No Operators License
• Expired Registration
• Reckless Driving to Endanger

Wright is currently being held under a $25,000.00 secured bond.

The 16-year-old girl was transported to Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center for secured custody.

Police confirmed the woman is

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- Two adults and two children have been displaced after a house fire Sunday evening in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Emergency Communications were notified of a residential structure fire in the 3800 block of Rivanna River Beach in the Riverfront neighborhood at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Fire crews arrived to find a fire in the kitchen of a two-story home. The fire was brought under control around 5:40 p.m.

The displaced residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

The fire remains under investigation.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- A man suffered a gunshot wound after an overnight shooting Sunday in Norfolk.

Around 12:20 a.m., Norfolk police responded to the 100 block of W Balview Avenue in reference to a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

Upon arrival, officers found a 33-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation remains ongoing.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - A woman and two juveniles have life-threatening injuries after a head-on collision in Accomack County on Saturday morning, according to Virginia State Police.

At approximately 8:05 a.m., state police investigated a two-vehicle crash with serious life-threatening injuries on Route 13 at Keller Pond Road.

A preliminary investigation determined a man driving a 2016 Peterbilt propane truck was traveling southbound on Route 13 when he lost control of the vehicle due to road conditions. The propane truck crossed over the grassy median and struck a 2018 Ford Escape head-on. The propane truck then continued off the roadway and overturned into a ditch.

Courtesy Onancock Volunteer Fire Dept

Courtesy Onancock Volunteer Fire Dept

Courtesy Onancock Volunteer Fire Dept

Courtesy Onancock Volunteer Fire Dept

The driver of the Peterbilt propane truck, 52-year-old Christopher Fritzgerald Matthews was taken to Riverside Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The driver of the Ford, 38-year-old Loida Tema and her two juvenile passengers suffered life-threatening injuries. Tema was taken to Norfolk General Hospital. A 10-year-old juvenile was taken to Norfolk CHKD Hospital. The 14-year-old juvenile was flown to John Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) -- A man from Mebane, North Carolina was apprehended after a police pursuit that ended inside a Food Lion in Moyock on Saturday morning.

At approximately 8:05 a.m., deputies attempted to stop the driver of a Pontiac G6 car on Caratoke Highway for speeding/traffic violations. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

Deputies continued northbound and noticed the car ditched at a local business. Deputies approached the running vehicle and realized the driver had fled on foot.

Deputies tracked the suspect to the front of a Food Lion in Moyock. Deputies were able to corner him inside the Food Lion and he was arrested without incident.

The driver, 25-year-old Tevin Maurice Charles was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Felony Possession of Marijuana
• Felony Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motorvehicle
• Possession of marijuana paraphernalia
• Resisting a Public Officer
• Reckless Driving to Endanger
• Speeding
• Failure to Heed Lights and Sirens
• Driving while License Revoked
• Failure to stop at a Red Light
• Center lane Violations

Charles was released to the Currituck County Detention Center under a $250,000.00 bound. The car was seized to the CCSO impound.

UPDATE: 14-year-old Jaelyn Peraza Martinez has been found safe, according to the Hampton Police Division.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- The Hampton Police Division seeks the community's help in locating a missing and endangered 14-year-old girl.

Jaelyn Peraza Martinez was last seen on Saturday near Fox Hill Road around 8 a.m.

Martinez is described as 5 feet, 1 inch and 96 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, gray sweatpants and dark-colored shoes with white soles.

Please contact Hampton Police Division at (757) 727-6111 if you have any information regarding her whereabouts.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) -- An Alberta man has died after an overnight single-vehicle crash in Warfield on Saturday, according to Virginia State Police.

At approximately 2:50 a.m., state police investigated the accident on Route 1 at 16046 Boydton Plank Road.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of a 2015 Honda Civic, 43-year-old John Robert Daniel was traveling southbound on Boydton Plank Road when he lost control of the vehicle. Daniel then crossed all lanes of travel before running off the roadway and striking a tree.

The impact of the crash killed the front seat passenger, 35-year-old Richard Duane Bennett II.

Daniel was taken to VCU with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Alcohol was a contributing factor.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- Suffolk Parks & Recreation will hold a teen youth and interview skills workshop in March.

On Saturday, March 1, interested applicants aged 14 to 18 years old may attend the informative workshop to learn resume building, interview preparation and gain insight into hiring processes.

The event will occur at Kings Fork Recreation Center, 350 Kings Fork Rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To register, click here.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAV) -- Newport News police arrested a 21-year-old man in connection to a fatal November car crash.

Police say driver killed in multi-vehicle crash in Newport News

On Nov. 14, officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Mercury Boulevard around 12:10 a.m.

A preliminary investigation determined that a driver in a Nissan Vera was traveling westbound on Mercury Boulevard and drove through a red light striking a Chrysler 200, which was traveling southbound on Jefferson Avenue with a green light. This led both the Chrysler and Nissan to hit two other vehicles.

The driver of the Chrysler, Calvin Gilmore-Vick, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Nissan, Deyonte Lamont Perkins, 21, was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Following the investigation, Perkins was arrested Tuesday. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- A man has died following a fatal vehicle crash in Hampton on Sunday night, according to police.

Around 9:30 p.m., Hampton Public Safety Communications received a call in reference to a vehicle crash involving a sedan and a motorcycle at the intersection of West Mercury Boulevard and Pennwood Drive.

Upon arrival, officers and members of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue declared the motorcyclist dead.

A passenger on the motorcycle and one in the sedan were taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation determined that the operator of the sedan was traveling eastbound on West Mercury Boulevard and attempted to make a U-turn at Pennwood Drive to continue westbound. The motorcyclist was traveling westbound and collided with the sedan at the intersection.

The Hampton Police Division Accident Reconstruction Team were on the scene investigating the accident.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- A Hampton man was arrested after striking state police vehicles and injuring a trooper during a pursuit on I-264 in Virginia Beach Saturday night.

At approximately 11:20 p.m., state police saw a man, identified as Jose'L Lavar Lewis, 26, of speeding 82 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone on the interstate at Independence Boulevard.

Lewis allegedly refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. Troopers deployed tire deflation devices on Interstate 264, but Lewis continued to flee.

As troopers approached the City Hall area of Norfolk, they attempted a vehicle containment to slow the vehicle to a stop. Lewis began to ram the police vehicles to escape. Lewis then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was later arrested.

State police said Lewis and three other passengers were in the car. Rear seat passenger, 45-year-old Douglas Presley, Jr., of Hampton, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and taken to Virginia Beach City Jail.

Lewis and one of the troopers were both taken to Norfolk General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Lewis was subsequently taken to the Virginia Beach city jail where he was charged with reckless driving by speed, felony elude, hit and run, and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Lewis and Presley did not receive any bond.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) -- Lux the Skunk predicted an early spring during the "Not So" Groundhog Day celebration at the Virginia Living Museum Sunday.

The museum's ambassador striped skunk thrilled the audience alongside WAVY-TV 10's Meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler reprising his role as master of ceremonies.

Lux made his debut prediction since the traditional forecaster, Chesapeake Chuck, remained in hibernation.

"Our native wildlife never ceases to amaze us with their remarkable adaptations. While Chesapeake Chuck follows his natural instinct to hibernate, Lux demonstrates the incredible diversity of winter survival strategies," said Deanna Orr, Ambassador Animal Manager. "By honoring these natural behaviors, we're not just celebrating our animals – we're showcasing the fascinating ways Virginia's wildlife adapts and thrives throughout the seasons."

Other animal predictions on upcoming current events also took place. The museum's white tail deer duo predicted the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl, the turtles in Piedmont & Mountains Gallery predicted Sabrina Carpenter's "Short N' Sweet" will win the Grammy's Record of the Year and Danni the porcupine predicted that the Oscar's Best Picture will be awarded to "I'm Still Here".

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released a statement in reference to President Donald Trump signing an order to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China.

Trump kept his tariffs pledge. Is he ready for the fallout? Are Americans? What to know

“Virginians want lower prices, not higher ones, and the last thing we need are new, senseless taxes on imports from America’s three largest trading partners," said Kaine. "During President Trump’s first term, his trade wars hit Virginia hard. Our farmers and foresters were especially affected, but everyone suffered. Everyone, that is, except for Trump’s cronies—billionaires, bitcoin bros, and offshore bandits. Here we go again.”

Goods from China would be subjected to a 10% tariff, compared with 25% for Mexico and Canada — which will cause an increase in cost on basic goods such as cheap apparel, gas and food.

Tariffs: What do Trump’s executive orders say and how would they work?

The White House said in a statement that the tariffs were being implemented in order to pressure the three countries into stopping the flow of fentanyl and immigrants. In response to the order, Mexico and Canada stated they plan to retaliate, with Canada ordering a 25% tariff on American imports. Mexico has yet to announce a number.

On Friday, Kaine, along with Senator Chris Coons, introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of Trade Policy Act. This comes after he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president's authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

"Virginians want costs to go down, not up," Kaine said. "But President Trump's plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy. It's time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America's national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans' pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies."

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- In honor of Black History Month, Soulfull Vegan Events held the grand opening of the "Black on Black Market" Saturday.

The community-centered event provides a platform for Black-owned businesses to showcase and sell their products, crafts and services.

“We believe in nurturing talent, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating a legacy of innovation and resilience," said Tree Kelty, CEO & Founder of Soulfull Vegan Events. "This is an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the wealth of creativity and business excellence in our region.”

The grand opening featured a vibrant array of vendors offering handmade crafts, original art, fashion, wellness products, delicious food and more.

The "Black on Black Market" will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays at 1200 East Little Creek Blvd.

To become a vendor, visit their website.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A body was found in Suffolk on Friday afternoon that matched the description of a motorcyclist involved in a police pursuit.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, a Virginia State trooper attempted to stop a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle for speeding at approximately 6:30 p.m. The motorcyclist refused to pull over and a traffic pursuit was initiated.

The motorcyclist fled eastbound on Route 10 at a high rate of speed, passing vehicles on a double solid line. The trooper lost sight of the motorcyclist near Kings Fork Road around 6:35 p.m. and ended the pursuit.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., the driver of a 2018 Ford Explorer advised police she observed a motorcyclist in her lane of travel, eluding police. The motorcyclist sideswiped her vehicle on Goodwin Boulevard and was believed to have continued on Route 10.

The driver of the Ford explorer was uninjured.

The trooper along with Suffolk police canvased the area for the fleeing motorist.

On Friday, Jan. 31, Suffolk police notified state police that a body had been found at 4120 Goodwin Boulevard at approximately 12:40 p.m. The body matched the description of the motorcyclist who fled Thursday evening. The unidentified body was found approximately 25 feet from the roadway and down a 40-foot ravine covered in brush.

A WAVY viewer provided these images he said were of the motorcycle being pulled out of the ravine.

Police continue to investigate.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- Investigators with the Portsmouth Police Department have decided to reopen a pair of cold case investigations after they exhumed the remains of two baby girls who died nearly 30 years ago.

They reopened the two cold case investigations due to a collaboration with the Richmond Office of Medical Examiner, which received a grant that funds the use of new DNA sequencing technology to help identify victims.

The remains of the two infants were each discovered at the SPSA waste management facility located at 4 Victory Blvd.

Their deaths were ruled as homicides.

The first victim, who officers named "Baby Angel Valentine" was discovered Feb. 13, 1995. The second victim, who officers named "Baby June," was found June 24, 1996.

“We don’t give up on cases,” said Sgt. Jeremiah Lee. “Our goal is to solve every case no matter how long ago it may have happened. Hopefully, this technology will allow us to identify the infant victims and bring them justice.”

It is currently unknown if the two homicides are related to one another.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- One person suffered life-threatening injuries following a single-vehicle crash in Norfolk on Thursday evening.

According to Norfolk Police, a call came in around 6:25 p.m. in reference to a single car crash in the 1200 block of Church Street.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays in the area.

There are no additional details at this time.