VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A spring break weekend meant to welcome visitors turned chaotic as Virginia Beach Police arrested 53 individuals and filed nearly 200 criminal charges during a 48-hour span, officials announced Monday.
The arrests, made between the evening of April 25 and the early morning of April 27, 2025, largely stemmed from incidents at the city’s popular Resort Area. Police reported responding to multiple shootings and firearm-related offenses, including a ShotSpotter activation and a person shot on the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue early Sunday morning.
Key Points
- Virginia Beach Police made 53 arrests and filed nearly 200 charges over spring break weekend.
- Officers responded to multiple shootings and confiscated at least 28 firearms.
- Many of the charges were related to firearm violations.
Authorities said a significant portion of the charges were tied to firearms violations, with officers confiscating a minimum of 28 guns during the heightened enforcement period. Officials emphasized that, while the majority of visitors came to enjoy the beachfront, some individuals arrived with “criminal aspirations.”
The Virginia Beach Police Department stated it worked extensively to manage large crowds of teenagers and young adults throughout the weekend, aiming to maintain safety in the Oceanfront area despite several violent incidents.
Police reinforce commitment to public safety after violent weekend
“VBPD worked diligently to welcome and ensure the safety of all visitors,” the department said in a statement Monday. Despite the arrests and disturbances, police reiterated their ongoing commitment to protecting residents and visitors alike during major event weekends.
The department credited proactive policing and rapid response to reports of shots fired for helping to prevent further escalation of violence during the busy weekend.
Firearms, violence, and large crowds strain resources at Resort Area
Officials have not yet released a detailed breakdown of the charges filed or the identities of those arrested. The investigation into the shooting on Atlantic Avenue remains active, and additional charges may be pending, police said.
City leaders acknowledged the challenges faced during the weekend and reaffirmed their focus on maintaining public order during future high-traffic events.