Newport News police make arrest in one of two weekend shootings

NEWPORT NEWS, Va (WAVY.com) -- Newport News police have charged one of two suspects in one of two weekend shooting incidents.

According to police, the investigation led them to stop and interview 22-year-old John Pernell Mason Jr. of Marion Road in Hampton. Mr. Mason was positively identified as a participant in the robbery/shooting and was charged at 4:30 am this morning with armed robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and malicious wounding.

Police say a man was was robbed and shot multiple times in his torso at the Aqueduct Apartments, at around 4:45pm Sunday. The victim is a 33-year-old man from Hayes. ,

After the shooting, police say he walked to the Red Barn Mini Mart at Colony Road and Warwick Blvd., for help. Police and Medics were called and the victim was transported to a local area hospital. He remains there in critical condition after surgery.

Police said they're still looking for another suspect and the investigation continues.

A few hours before that shooting, police say someone shot 50-year-old David Hedgepeth in his truck. A woman who was with Hedgepeth told police they were robbed at the intersection of Bellwood Road and Tyler Avenue.

Hedgepeth was able to drive the truck to Bellwood Road and Jefferson Ave., where he died.

Police said the woman is an acquaintance of the victim and indicated they were in the area trying to buy drugs.

On Monday, police released a composite photo of the suspect. They described him as a dark skinned black male in his early 20's, thin build, clean shaven with a close hair cut.

If you can help Newport News police with their investigations in either shooting, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887).