Fight over money led to deadly MacArthur Center shooting, Norfolk police chief says

NORFOLK, Va. -- Police are investigating a shooting at MacArthur Center that left a man dead and two women injured Saturday evening in Norfolk.

Officers were called to the mall in the 300 block of Monticello Avenue at 6:25 p.m.

Norfolk Police Chief Boone said that the man was pronounced dead at the scene and that the two women were taken to Sentara General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Boone said the shooting stemmed from an argument over money and believes the victim and suspect are related, WTKR reported.

Norfolk Police

Photos from surveillance footage from a store in the mall shows the suspect and a person of interest in the case, according to detectives.

"Police need help identifying two men involved in a fatal shooting," officers wrote.

A few sales associates at the mall said MacArthur was on lockdown, according to WTKR. A Dillard's associate said staffers were told to lock up and go to the first level of the store.

Nick Colonna, who works at Center Court near Dillard's, said families were hiding in his store.

"Me and my co-workers have discussed that we're not comfortable going back because it could just happen again," he said.

Colonna said that with all the gun violence that has taken place, he never thought it would be so close to him.

"It was such a lively day. People were doing Easter Bunny photo shoots and it started to feel like MacArthur was getting back to a place where you can shop, and then this happens," Colonna said.

Many roads in the area were blocked off as police investigated and officers urged people to avoid the area.

Mayor: 'We have had 13 shootings in the past year downtown'

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander told WTKR he planned to talk to the City Manager Monday about launching what he calls a two-pronged approach to reducing gun violence.

"I want to speak directly to what is happening downtown. We have had 13 shootings in the past year downtown," Alexander said. "It is not only a loss of life for the individual and the family. but we all are victims, the cities, the residential communities, the business communities. We are all victims."

The mayor said he is asking for an increase in police power.

"I am asking for an increase in police presence. We need an increase in police presence and set clear standards," Alexander said. "It is going to be tough. We need to have zero tolerance. Part of the short-term strategies includes anti-violence approaches, cameras, surveillance, and having strict code enforcement."

Alexander said the next part of the plan is collaborating with trusted partners in the community who want to drive change themselves in housing and employment and workforce development.

"I think the two-pronged approach is law enforcement. We must have strict law enforcement, be focused, and target criminal activity. We have to be measured and balanced, fair and equitable in the administration of justice," he said.

Shooting happened weeks after Granby Street quintuple shooting

The violence came two weeks after a shooting on Granby Streetwounded three people and killed 25-year-old Devon Harrisand 25-year-old Sierra Jenkins, a reporter at The Virginian-Pilot.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects, or has information about the case, is urged to submit a tip by calling the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or by using the P3Tips mobile app. The Crime Line is offering up to $1,000 for any info that leads to an arrest, police said.

This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.