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Single mom and two children without home after camper stolen at a church in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- A single mother and her two children are left without a home after their camper was stolen in a church parking lot.

On the morning of Jan. 20, the family's Coleman 17B camper was stolen in the 1500 block of S. Battlefield Boulevard. The suspect entered the church parking lot in a pickup truck, hitched the camper and drove away with it.

Courtesy: CPD

Courtesy: CPD

The camper was being lived in by a mother and her children who now don't have a place to stay. The photos above show pictures of the camper and the suspect's truck.

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.

Only on 10: Inmate denies shooting at Chesapeake police, says it was β€˜my car, but not me in it’

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” A man facing six felony charges in connection with shots fired at a police car in Chesapeake denies all the charges.

Dominique Vaughan, 33, who was arrested in December after police alleged he fired at an occupied police car two weeks earlier, said in an exclusive interview from jail Tuesday morning that the car involved is, indeed, his, but he wasn't driving it.

"I was in the car earlier that day," he said when asked to explain his prints on the Charger. "I rent it out. I run an illegitimate car rental service. It's not documented. All my cars, I rent out to a lot of people, but I don't have a business for it."

Previously: Chesapeake man arrested in connection to shooting at officer

On Nov. 24, an officer was responding to a shots fired call in the Holly Point neighborhood when he alleged three shots came from a passing Dodge Charger β€” striking the hood, windshield and a side door, according to court documents.

Police arrested Vaughan Dec. 6 based on car, fingerprint and video evidence that they say implicates him.

When asked if the two men in the car that day were renters, Vaughan said, "absolutely."

Vaughan refused to identify them Tuesday, and said his refusal to name names is the reason why he's being held responsible.

Vaughan has been charged with attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer and other felonies relating to guns, shooting and eluding police.

Vaughan denies the charges, denies even having a gun, and founded a community program in 2019 known as Gloves Up Guns Down that teaches teens to resolve disputes in the boxing ring instead of shooting people.

"Firearms will never be a part of who I am," Vaughan said.

Regardless of the outcome of the charges he currently faces, 10 On Your Side asked whether they will affect his community activism.

"The community engagement is only getting more influence because my community knows me," Vaughan said. "The organization is going to gain more momentum."

Vaughan had a hearing scheduled for Feb. 12, but said it would be continued to give his attorney a chance to review nearly 60 clips of police video.

CPD: Woman dead after shooting on Parkside Dr.

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.

Three men hit by SUV in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - An investigation is underway after an incident in Chesapeake involving pedestrians on Feb. 9.

Police received a call just before 5 p.m. to respond to the 900 block of Eden Way N. When officers arrived on scene, they learned that three men were walking in the road when a passing SUV hit them. One of the men was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries police said were not life-threatening.

According to police, the driver said the sun glare made it so she didn't see the men.

The investigation is ongoing.

Chesapeake murder-suicide mother was prohibited from owning a gun

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€”Β New court documents reveal that Cymone King, the woman at the center of a murder-suicide that left three children dead in Chesapeake, was not legally allowed to own a firearm.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide on Welcome Rd.

According to records obtained by 10 On Your Side, King attempted to purchase a gun in April 2024 despite a prior involuntary commitment to a mental health facility. Under Virginia law, individuals who have been committed against their will are prohibited from purchasing, possessing or transporting firearms.

A plea agreement also shows King made a false statement to law enforcement related to firearm records.

In addition to firearm violations, records from Norfolk and Chesapeake courts show King had a history of domestic violence. In one case, a person filed a restraining order against her after she admitted to slashing their tires in April 2021. A Chesapeake criminal complaint states she confessed to a friend over the phone that she had flattened the tires.

Another incident in March 2021 led to an emergency protective order in Norfolk, where court records state King physically assaulted a person, holding them down and repeatedly hitting them in the face.

Neighbors and family members told 10 On Your Side that King had been in distress for some time, with one community activist saying she had reached out for help before the tragedy.

Family, neighbors shaken by Chesapeake murder-suicide

Chesapeake police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to come forward.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide on Welcome Rd.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” Three children and a mother are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Chesapeake, according to police.

According to officials, just before 7 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Welcome Road for a welfare check.

Officers arrived to the scene and were able to determine that an armed woman was inside the residence. After attempting to negotiate with the armed subject, later identified as 34-year-old Cymone King-Roberson, police ultimately called the SWAT team for assistance.

Shortly afterwards, the SWAT team initiated an emergency entrance after determining there was a "high probability of deceased juveniles inside the residence." Upon entrance into the house, officers then found three children and a woman dead at the scene. The woman was said to have died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Photos from the scene shows a heavy emergency vehicle presence.

Feb. 6, 2025 police activity on Welcome Road in Chesapeake, Va.

Feb. 6, 2025 police activity on Welcome Road in Chesapeake, Va.

10 On Your Side's Andy Fox spoke with Ivonni King, who said his sister, Cymone King-Roberson, is the one who shot and killed her three kids, a 14-year-old daughter and 5-year-old twins, a boy and a girl.

"Basically, I just got a call this morning, um, basically stating that she killed the children, that she was going to kill herself because her girlfriend left," Ivonni said. "I was in disbelief at first, but I came."

A nearby resident spoke with WAVY's Karina Garcia about the incident, who said she heard a lot of screaming early in the morning.

"It was a lot of screaming coming from the household," Shana Hicks said. "No one knew what was going on. It was round the time the elementary kids get on a school bus. So, we just thinking kids getting ready, having a hard time. We didn't know that, that's what was taking place at that home when we heard screams coming from the household."

Mary Crutchfield, a local psychiatric nurse practitioner, said when a tragedy like this happens, it's an emotional struggle for everyone.

"It is absolutely normal to feel horrified, to feel disgusted, to feel astonished, really, really sad," Crutchfield said. "A lot of grief might come after this. That's completely normal, and if we talk about it, then no one has to feel shame, survivor's guilt, 'if I had just done this or that.' All of things are a part of the process that comes after the initial shock."

Crutchfield said that if you know someone who is going through hard times, look for behavior that is out of the norm.

"A lot of times, it's increased agitation, it's irritability, it's fast speech, it's things that don't make sense," Crutchfield said. "It's behaviors al of a sudden. ... They may say or do things that you've never seen them do before."

Crutchfield said that if you observe this behavior in someone, to be there for them as much as possible.

"The first thing to do is to talk to the person, but not in a way of trying to fix them, or tell them that they need help or any sort of lecture," Crutchfield said. "It's really, just tell me more. Just tell me more."

The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information has been released.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Family, neighbors shaken by Chesapeake murder-suicide

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) β€” Outside Apartment 3025, they came bearing gifts, balloons, candles, teddy bears and other stuffed animals to remember three children killed, and their mother who's thought to be responsible and is also dead.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide

When Ivonni King heard there was a massive police presence at his sister’s Chesapeake home, he feared the worst.Β 

β€œThat she had murdered all the children and then killed herself," Ivonni King said.

He knew his sister, Cymone King, was troubled.Β 

β€œShe was ... from knowing her in past situations," he said. "I took it seriously from previous incidents where has she threatened to do this. She has threatened to do this before.” 

He said she suffered from mental illness, depression, and had recently broken up with her longtime companion.Β 

Her neighbor and friend Remi told us the same thing, and had even talked with her about it.Β 

β€œShe and her girlfriend got into it, and I had to talk her out of it," Remi said. "She was going to take her own life. She was going to give the kids to me.” 

10 On Your Side followed up that she talked to Remi about taking her own life.Β 

β€œI talked her out of it a couple of times,” she said. Β 

10 On Your Side followed up on that, did Remi ever call someone to get her help?Β 

β€œI didn't know anybody to call," Remi said.

Asked how we would explain this, Ivonni King said,Β β€œI’m going with mental illness because we all know she had mental illnesses, [and] has been to certain psychiatric centers.” 

Ivonni King regrets a lot, too. Β 

β€œI thought because she was doing something with herself, she was working, part of a group for electricians, I thought she was on her way," he said.

Neighbor Mechelle Thornton heard screams in the morning around 6:30. She’s thinking hard about those screams of the innocent three children.Β 

She was emotional talking about it.Β 

β€œI heard screaming," Thornton said, weeping. "The kids were trying to call out for help. This I wish, I wish I could save the kids. I wish I could have saved the kids."

Injured owl found in Chesapeake, taken in by local conservation organization

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - An injured owl was recovered by a Chesapeake Sheriff's Deputy and taken in by a local environmental conservation organization on Friday.

Friday morning, Chesapeake Animal Control Officers were dispatched for a report of an injured owl that had likely been hit by a car.

A Sheriff's Deputy found and safely transported the owl to City Hall and then transferred it into the care of the Animal Control Officers.

Courtesy Chesapeake Animal Services

Courtesy Chesapeake Animal Services

Chesapeake Animal Services said that Lisa Barlow, founder of Tidewater Rehabilitation & Environmental Education (TREE), was waiting at the shelter when the injured owl arrived. They said after a thorough assessment, it was determined the Barred Owl only had minor injuries.

The owl is currently in the care of TREE until he is deemed healthy enough to be released.

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

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

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.”

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