The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) announced Wednesday that three men have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in the early morning hours of April 27 during Spring Break weekend. The arrests follow an investigation launched after a ShotSpotter alert and multiple 911 calls reported gunfire at the intersection of 23rd Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 3:18 a.m. and confirmed that shots had been fired. No injuries were reported. The ongoing investigation has since led to the arrest of Nashun Simmons, Jay’nod Harvey, and Mark Aranjo, all in their early twenties and from the Hampton Roads area.
Nashun Simmons, 23, of Hampton, faces multiple charges including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, concealment of a firearm (second offense), felony destruction of property, and use of a machine gun. He is also charged with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a switch activator.
Jay’nod Harvey, 22, of Newport News, was charged with firearm possession by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of an extended magazine, and providing false identification to police. He also faces charges related to possessing a trigger activator and wearing a mask while committing a felony.
Mark Aranjo, 23, also of Hampton, was charged with possession of a switch activator and use of a machine gun. All three suspects are in custody as the investigation continues.
Key points
- Three men were arrested following gunfire on April 27 near 23rd Street and Atlantic Avenue
- No injuries were reported; all suspects face multiple firearm-related felony charges
- VBPD confirmed use of ShotSpotter technology to locate the incident
VBPD links arrests to gunfire during busy Spring Break weekend
The arrests come as part of a broader effort by the Virginia Beach Police Department to address public safety concerns during high-traffic events such as Spring Break. Authorities say the use of switch and trigger activators and extended magazines among suspects underscores a growing concern over illegally modified firearms.
The VBPD has not announced any additional suspects or related incidents at this time but noted the investigation remains active.
Three men face serious charges tied to a gunfire incident that disrupted Spring Break festivities in Virginia Beach.