NORFOLK, Va. (NPD) –Police Chief Larry D. Boone is calling for adult leadership in response to recent gun violence in the City of Norfolk.
“We can’t remain idle and expect this problem to fix itself,” said Chief Boone. “Everyone has a role to play in preventing guns from getting into the wrong hands.”
On Sunday, May 3, 2020, Chief Boone held a press conference to address an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday evening in the 800 block of E. Olney Road. During the press conference, Chief Boone shared that this incident was the unfortunate result of a man who should not have been in possession of a gun in the first place. “In 2017 through 2019, the Norfolk Police Department recovered 1,299 guns from people. 708 of those guns were recovered from convicted felons who don’t qualify to legally possess a firearm.” Throughout his 3 years as Norfolk Police Chief, Boone has emphasized responsible gun ownership and the importance of adult leadership in making a positive impact in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.
On Monday, May 4, 2020, Norfolk police responded to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for a man who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that the incident occurred in the 2700 block of Granby Street and involved multiple suspects. At this time, police have arrested and charged 27-year-old Patrick A. Flanaghan of Norfolk for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The investigation is on-going.
“In less than 24 hours there was another shooting that involved someone who legally cannot have a gun, this is just another example of what happens when guns get into the wrong hands,” said Chief Boone. “This is not a problem for the police to solve; this is a societal problem. And until we look it at from that direction, things will never change.”
