Arrest made in football player's death

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Officials in Chesapeake have confirmed they arrested and charged a 17-year-old in the shooting death of 18-year-old Lonnie Andrews, Jr.

He was the star running back at Oscar Smith High School, but to his family he was so much more.

When police responded to a call of shots fired on Lindale Drive around 2:30 a.m. July 1st, officers found 18-year-old Lonnie Andrews, Jr. on the ground.

Andrews was taken to nearby Chesapeake General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

At the scene, detectives were looking for evidence to help them solve the case. Two detectives used metal detectors to search for bullets or shell casings behind one home that was hit with a bullet.

"We heard what sounded like firecrackers," one man who lived in the home said.

Angela Joyner, who also lives in the home said she saw a person standing over Andrews, but the person ran when Joyner called for Andrews. Another man inside the home, Montrel Joyner, said Andrews was like a best friend.

"He didn't have any enemies that I knew of," Joyner said.

Joyner recalled the last words he heard his best friend say. "I asked him who did it, he didn't say anything, then he grabbed my leg and said, 'I love you 'Trel,' and then he took his last breath."

It was unclear if Andrews was chased since the crime tape covered three homes in the 800 on Lindale Dr.

The owner of Janelle's Center for Youth told WAVY.com Andrews was at a dance there until 1:50 a.m.

Andrews lived with his Aunt, Marie Abbott. She told WAVY.com, "I called him bam bam, because as a kid he could pick up anything. Often times I'd say, honey put that down. He'd say, no I want to help you." She remembers him as a fun-loving guy; a jokester. He would make the family laugh by dressing up in different outfits.

His senior year, fellow classmates voted him "Most Spirited" and "Class Clown" because of his winning personality.

Andrews recently graduated from Oscar F. Smith High School, where he played football and was prepared to play the sport at Virginia State University in the fall.

At Oscar Smith, he was the star running back with 28 touchdowns and 1400 rushing yards. He was the second all-time scorer at the school, 2nd team all-region, 1st team all-district. He was a two-year starter.

Oscar Smith football coach Rick Morgan told WAVY.com, "He was a great guy. When I heard, I hugged my son who had crawled in bed with me and I held him... when will the killing stop?"

The juvenile arrested in this case has been charged with Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Murder. His name will be withheld due to his age, but officials tell us he's being held without bond.

Police are asking anyone with information that can help solve the crime to call the Crimeline at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.