VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Norfolk man was fatally shot by a Virginia Beach police officer Tuesday night after he allegedly attempted to rob a store and advanced on the officer with a serrated cutting tool, authorities said.
The incident occurred at 11:06 p.m. in the 4600 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. Officers were dispatched to the location after a 911 call reported a suspicious person. Upon arrival, an employee informed the officer that the suspect, later identified as Brandon Raylin Closson, 43, had tried to rob the business with a knife-like tool.
According to police, when the officer approached Closson, he produced a cutting tool with a serrated edge and ignored multiple commands to stop. Closson then advanced toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking Closson.
Closson succumbed to his injuries at the scene, police said. The officer, a five-year veteran of the department, was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard procedures for officer-involved shootings.
The Virginia Beach Police Department Detective Bureau is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, and the findings will be submitted to the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney for legal review. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is also conducting a parallel, independent investigation.
Following the conclusion of both criminal inquiries, the department’s Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review to assess compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to gather all evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
