Allen arraigned on murder charges in NN

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Police say the streets of Newport News are safer now that a murder suspect who has eluded police since February is behind bars.

According to the General District Court, Allen was arraigned on one count of murder, three counts of malicious wounding, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and two counts of use of a firearm by a convicted felon Friday morning.

There, he received a court appointed attorney and his next court date has been set for Nov. 14.

According to Lou Thurston with the Newport News Police Department Tyrek Allen, 19, was arrested at 8 p.m. Thursday along Traverse Road. Thurston says although a tactical team had been dispatched to assist with the arrest, Allen surrendered to officers before the team even arrived on scene.

"One person down and one more to go," Newport News Police Chief James Fox said in a press conference announcing Allen's arrest.

Police in Newport News and Hampton obtained arrest warrants for Allen, who was wanted in two separate shootings on July 22 that left one man dead and another injured.

The first shooting happened in the 1300 block of West Queen Street in Hampton just before 3:30 p.m., leaving a 20-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds to the lower torso and hand. The second shooting happened at 9:36 p.m. in the 700 block of 36th Street in Newport News and resulted in the death of 22-year-old Darntrell Belle. Both victims lived in Hampton.

In addition to the July shootings, Newport News Police had warrants on file for Allen's alleged involvement in a triple shooting Feb. 21 near the intersection of 33rd Street and Marshall Avenue . The warrants included three counts of malicious wounding and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Police have been searching for Allen since that February shooting, but each tip left them empty handed . The capture of Allen was so important to officials, officers put out multiple pleas for assistance and a billboard was set up asking anyone with information as to his whereabouts to call police.

"He's in custody," Fox added. "If you know of something he's done, or have other information pertaining to him, or he has harmed you, contact the detectives. Because we know he's done more. And he's been a threat in our community."

The second person Fox referred to in the press conference is Floyd Lee Taybron, Allen's alleged accomplice in the West Queen Street shooting. Taybron is still on the run.

"I suggest that Mr. Floyd Taybron peak through the blinds and look outside, because we could be sitting there," Fox warned. "You're next. And we're coming to take you off the street as well."

Fox added once police pressed harder in their efforts to apprehend Allen and Taybron, a rash of shootings in the city seemed to slow and even went so far as to suggest Allen and Taybron were responsible for additional shootings in the area.

"We had a rash of shootings in our city and in Hampton over the summer, and when we put the drag net on these two guys, they pretty much stopped," Fox said. "So that told me that they were not being charged with a lot more than they're being charged with."

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Floyd Lee Taybron is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers can remain anonymous and are also eligible for a cash reward.