Teen charged in assault on reporters

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - In light of recent events surrounding the alleged attacks on two Virginian-Pilot reporters , Norfolk Police Chief Sharon Chamberlin held a press conference Thursday to discuss the investigation.

Chief Chamberlin announced a 16-year-old male is behind bars in connection with the case. The unidentified juvenile is charged with throwing a missile at a vehicle, which is a felony, two counts of simple assault by mob, destruction of property and participation in a riot.

The conference, held at the police administration building on Brooke Street, was scheduled by police to provide an update and answer questions regarding the assault which took place April 14 at the intersection of Church Street and Brambleton Avenue.

Watch the full press conference here.

Chief Chamberlin said there were a lot of people on the streets of downtown Norfolk the night of the April 14 incident because several venues, including the Norva, the Attucks Theatre and The Scope, all had events end around the same time. Chamberlin said a large group did not carry out the attack; only a handful of people were involved.

"At no time in our investigation or in the statements taken from the victims did it appear that this assault was racially motivated," said Chief Chamberlin.

During the conference, Chief Chamberlin acknowledged the department has received comments from concerned residents stating that "Norfolk is unsafe" and "the Police Department does nothing to fight crime." She said that is not true, and added she is proud of the department's work.

WAVY.com, using data from crimemapping.com, looked into how many crimes are reported in the area of the April 14 assault. A report for the week of April 8 until April 14 shows 49 crimes were reported within a one mile radius of the reported assault. Two of the 49 crimes reported were assaults.

WAVY.com spoke to residents in the neighborhood who say it is not a safe place after dark.

"I am in the house with my children, taking care of my household, trying to stay to myself," said Valerie Francis.

Francis says she feels sorry for the reporters involved in the assault.

"That is just a lack of home training, good parenting, it's tragic," said Francis. "It truly is tragic."

WAVY.com also spoke to 20-year-old Marvin, who thinks the reporters should have known better than to drive through the area at night.

"They shouldn't have been out here is my whole standpoint, because if we were out there, where they live, in their environment, we would have been feeling the same way y'all feeling," said Marvin.

WAVY.com asked the police chief if Marvin's philosophy is reality. She said not to judge the entire city based on one incident.

"The streets of Norfolk are safe," said Chamberlin. "We are a vibrant city. We are changing each and every day, and citizens should not judge our streets in light of this particular event."

Norfolk Police will not release the 911 tapes to WAVY.com. Police say they are being withheld at this time as part of the investigation.

WAVY News 10 is closely following this developing story. Stay with WAVY News 10 on air and online for updates.