A shopping center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, became the scene of a police standoff Monday afternoon after a person barricaded themselves inside a vehicle near Strawbridge Marketplace.
The situation drew a significant law enforcement response and disrupted nearby businesses for several hours. According to 13News Now, Virginia Beach police said the individual was experiencing a mental health-related crisis, and officers spent several hours working to resolve the situation peacefully.
The vehicle at the center of the incident was a burgundy SUV with the message “VBPD = TERRORISTS” painted along the side in large yellow letters. Photos and video from the scene showed the SUV stopped near the shopping center as officers surrounded the area.
Police said the individual was armed and surrendered at least one firearm to officers before eventually being taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and a dog that was with the individual was also safe.
How It Ended
Police said officers ultimately reached a peaceful resolution and took the individual into custody.
Video obtained by the station shows the scale of the response. Multiple SWAT vehicles surrounded the SUV while officers maintained a perimeter around the area.
The footage shows two SWAT officers approach the vehicle and toss a device through an open window. Seconds later, smoke begins pouring from the SUV. Moments afterward, several officers move in, pull the driver from the vehicle, and take him into custody.
Employees at nearby businesses said officers had spent hours securing the area before the operation concluded. Some said they initially believed they were witnessing a traffic crash before the arrival of SWAT vehicles made it clear the situation was much more serious.
Police said the individual had surrendered at least one firearm before the standoff ended. Authorities later confirmed nobody was injured during the incident and that the individual would receive the support they needed.
The video also appears to show a dog near the vehicle during the final moments of the operation. Police later confirmed the dog was unharmed.
The Vehicle Drew Attention Before the Standoff Ended
Photos and video from the scene showed the SUV covered in spray-painted messages and artwork. In addition to the anti-police message painted on the sides, the vehicle appeared to feature hearts, rainbows, and other handwritten messages.
The rear of the SUV also appeared to display religious messages, including “Jesus Saves.”
Police have not said whether any of the messages displayed on the vehicle were connected to the circumstances that led to the barricade situation.
One witness said they had seen the same vehicle at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront the day before the incident.
Businesses Were Evacuated During the Response
The standoff unfolded near restaurants, retail stores, and a movie theater at Strawbridge Marketplace. Employees said officers went door-to-door instructing businesses to lock up, shelter in place, and only open their doors for police.
WAVY reported that some businesses were initially told to shelter in place before portions of the shopping center were evacuated as the situation continued.
The shopping center includes a Regal theater, restaurants, an animal care center, and other businesses, many of which were affected by the police response.
By late afternoon, police announced that the situation had been resolved peacefully. Authorities said the individual was safely in custody and would receive appropriate support.