Norfolk Man Convicted of Shooting at Police During 2024 Arrest Attempt

Markell Troy Taylor faces sentencing after jury finds him guilty of multiple charges.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:53pm

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A 27-year-old Norfolk man named Markell Troy Taylor has been convicted of shooting at police officers who were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant in 2024. Taylor was approached by officers, ran from them, and then opened fire, injuring one officer before being shot and apprehended.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and risks that law enforcement officers face when attempting to arrest suspects, especially those with criminal histories. It also raises questions about how to balance public safety, officer safety, and the rights of suspects during tense confrontations.

The details

According to prosecutors, in May 2024, Norfolk Police Officers James Burke and Zachary Humphrey recognized Markell Troy Taylor outside a convenience store and confirmed he had an active warrant. When they tried to detain him, Taylor ran and was chased on foot by Officers Burke and Benjamin Thorpe. During the chase, Taylor dropped a bag, pulled out a gun, and shot at Officer Burke from close range. Burke was injured but officers returned fire, hitting Taylor in the leg and torso before taking him into custody.

  • On May 24, 2024, Norfolk police officers attempted to arrest Markell Troy Taylor.
  • During the arrest attempt, Taylor shot at Officer James Burke, injuring him.
  • Officers returned fire, hitting Taylor and taking him into custody on May 24, 2024.
  • On April 1, 2026, a jury found Taylor guilty of multiple charges related to the incident.
  • Taylor's sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2026.

The players

Markell Troy Taylor

A 27-year-old Norfolk resident who was convicted of shooting at police officers during an arrest attempt in 2024.

Officer James Burke

A Norfolk police officer who was shot at and injured by Taylor during the 2024 arrest attempt, requiring surgery and nearly a year of rehabilitation.

Officer Zachary Humphrey

A Norfolk police officer who, along with Officer Burke, initially approached and attempted to detain Taylor in 2024.

Officer Benjamin Thorpe

A Norfolk police officer who chased Taylor on foot during the 2024 arrest attempt.

Ramin Fatehi

The Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney who agreed with the findings that the officers' actions were justified in the 2024 incident.

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What they’re saying

“The facts of the case make it clear that Mr. Taylor shot at the officers with the intent to wound them and that the officers were justified in returning fire to protect themselves and the people nearby.”

— Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney

What’s next

Taylor's sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2026, where prosecutors say they will seek a significant sentence for the serious offenses he was convicted of.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing risks and challenges that law enforcement officers face when attempting to arrest suspects, especially those with criminal histories. It also raises questions about how to balance public safety, officer safety, and the rights of suspects during tense confrontations.