VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A Virginia Beach man was shot and hospitalized after allegedly holding a knife to another person’s throat during a domestic incident Sunday night, authorities said.
Officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department responded to the 2400 block of Brasileno Drive at 10:17 p.m. on April 27, 2025, following reports of a possible domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they encountered Gokhan Karabulut, 39, armed with a knife and threatening another individual.
Key Points
- Gokhan Karabulut was shot by police after allegedly holding a knife to another person’s throat.
- Karabulut faces charges including abduction, strangulation, child endangerment, and domestic assault.
- The involved officer is on critical incident leave, and multiple investigations are underway.
An officer fired at Karabulut, striking him. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. The victim sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at the scene.
Karabulut has been charged with Abduction, Strangulation, Child Endangerment, and Domestic Assault, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Investigation underway following officer-involved shooting
No officers were injured during the confrontation. In accordance with departmental policy, the officer who discharged his firearm has been placed on critical incident leave pending the outcome of investigations.
The VBPD Detective Bureau is leading one of two criminal investigations into the incident. Upon completion, all findings will be forwarded to the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review to determine if the officer’s actions complied with the law.
Authorities have not released the name of the officer involved or any further details about the relationship between Karabulut and the victim.