A Norfolk woman reported a loud bang and what appeared to be a bullet hole in her apartment ceiling Thursday afternoon. The 22-year-old neighbor was charged in connection with the discharge.
Norfolk police officers responded to the resident's report at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Thursday in the 2500 block of East Little Creek Road, according to WAVY.com. The resident had reported a loud noise and what appeared to be a bullet hole in her apartment ceiling, the outlet reported.
Police investigators determined that a neighboring resident on the floor above had negligently discharged a firearm, per the same account. David J. Lawton, a 22-year-old Norfolk resident, was charged in connection with the discharge.
Charge Carries Weight Under Virginia Law
Lawton was charged with reckless handling of a firearm, the station's report states. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Virginia law addresses reckless handling of firearms. Under Code of Virginia § 18.2-56.1, it is unlawful for a person to handle recklessly any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person.
Details beyond the basic sequence of events remain limited. It has not been reported whether the bullet hole caused additional property damage, and no information on booking, bond, or court proceedings for Lawton has been released.
