Man Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Norfolk Police Shooting

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A 38-year-old man who was shot by Norfolk police officers in April 2025 after an early morning incident on Monticello Avenue has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Glendon A. Sumner was charged with brandishing a firearm and reckless handling of a firearm, but two separate court-ordered mental health evaluations concluded he was legally insane at the time of the incident, meaning he could not fully understand his actions or distinguish right from wrong due to a mental health condition. As part of the ruling, Sumner was ordered into the custody of Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for further evaluation and treatment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of mental health, public safety, and law enforcement response, raising questions about how to best handle situations where individuals may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The insanity ruling also underscores the importance of thorough mental health assessments in the criminal justice system.

The details

According to prosecutors, the situation escalated after Sumner fired a rifle multiple times inside his apartment, with bullets striking a neighboring unit. Officers then saw him on a balcony holding the weapon and attempted to de-escalate the situation before the shooting occurred. An independent investigation by the Virginia State Police was conducted due to the officer-involved shooting, and Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi determined the officer's use of force was justified.

• The incident occurred on April 27, 2025, around 3:46 a.m. in the 400 block of Monticello Avenue in Norfolk.
• On Tuesday, a judge accepted Sumner's plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Sumner is expected to be admitted to Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg for further evaluation and treatment.