Teen suspect charged after being shot during virginia beach armed robbery

Teen suspect charged after being shot during Virginia Beach armed robbery

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1 min read
April 17, 2025

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, April 17 — An 18-year-old Virginia Beach resident is facing multiple felony charges after police say he was shot by a victim during an attempted armed robbery earlier this week.

The Virginia Beach Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 4100 block of Sassafras Court around 8:30 p.m. on Monday. Officers arriving at the scene found two individuals with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Police have since identified one of the individuals, Josiah Spann, as the suspect in the incident. Spann has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, shooting in the commission of a felony, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Investigators with the VBPD Violent Crimes Unit determined Spann was shot during the course of the alleged robbery by the intended victim, who was also injured. The department did not release the identity or condition of the second person involved.

“The investigation has identified Josiah Spann as the suspect,” the department said in a public statement Thursday morning.

Investigation ongoing

No other suspects have been named, and VBPD has not announced any additional arrests connected to the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding the events leading up to the gunfire or what may have motivated the confrontation.

Spann remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Police did not indicate whether any charges will be filed against the second individual involved.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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