A man died early Sunday after being shot on East Little Creek Road in Norfolk, according to Norfolk police. Officers responded to the 800 block of East Little Creek Road near Tidewater Drive around 12:30 a.m. and found him suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting remains under investigation, according to WTKR, which reported the death. Police have not released the victim's identity, a motive, or information about a suspect or vehicle tied to the scene. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Norfolk Crime Line.
A Corridor With a History of Violence
This is not the first time gunfire has erupted on this stretch of East Little Creek Road in 2026. In February, officers responded to a nonfatal overnight shooting in the same 800 block that left a man injured, according to WAVY TV 10. A fatal police-involved shooting occurred in the 1800 block of East Little Creek Road after an officer was dragged during a traffic stop, per 13News Now.
Then in July, Norfolk police pursued and captured a suspect on East Little Creek Road following a shooting directed at an occupied residence on nearby Dure Road, according to 13News Now; no injuries were reported inside that home. The 800 block falls within the Norfolk Police Department's Second Precinct, located at 901 Asbury Avenue and serving East Little Creek Road, Wards Corner, and Norview/Five Points, according to the City of Norfolk.
A Sharp Reversal From a Record-Low Year
Sunday's death adds to a troubling citywide trend. Norfolk recorded 28 homicide incidents with 29 victims through August 25, a 65% surge compared to 17 incidents during the same period in 2025, Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot told city council during a mid-year crime briefing, as reported by WVEC.
The spike follows a historically low year in 2025, when Norfolk logged 26 homicides — a 30% drop from 2024 and the lowest annual total in 40 years, according to WHRO. Homicides in the city had exceeded 60 annually as recently as 2021 and 2022, per the same report. Despite this year's deadly turn, homicides are only one measure of crime in Norfolk.
Police Point to Narcotics and Illegal Guns
Chief Talbot said in July that narcotics activity is the primary driver behind most of the city's homicides, urging residents to avoid illicit drug transactions and illegal weapons, according to WTKR. That warning came during a press conference addressing a series of deadly mid-summer shootings in Norfolk.
If a suspect is identified and charged in Sunday's killing, the specific charge would depend on the circumstances of the case.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Greater Hampton Roads Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or through the P3 Tips app, according to Virginia Beach Crime Solvers.
