Virginia Beach Police Arrest Armed Suspect After ShotSpotter Alert

Real-time technology helped officers locate and disarm a man after gunfire was detected early Sunday morning.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Virginia Beach police quickly located and charged a suspect following reports of gunfire on Lynnhaven Parkway early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 1:55 a.m. on February 22, when the city's Emergency Communications and Citizen Services (ECCS) system detected shots fired in the 1300 block. Officers responded immediately and, with assistance from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), identified and detained the suspect.

Why it matters

ShotSpotter technology and real-time crime center coordination allowed police to respond rapidly to a potentially dangerous situation, leading to the arrest of an armed suspect without any reported injuries. This highlights the value of advanced technology and data-driven policing in enhancing public safety.

The details

Officers recovered a Taurus 9mm handgun from the scene and issued two summonses to Frederick Gibson, 37, charging him with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm within city limits.

  • The incident occurred around 1:55 a.m. on February 22, 2026.

The players

Virginia Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrest.

Frederick Gibson

A 37-year-old Virginia Beach resident who was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm within city limits.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to the rapid response of our officers and the real-time intelligence provided by ShotSpotter and the RTCC, a dangerous situation was resolved quickly and without harm.”

— Paul W. Neudigate, Police Chief (shorenewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Virginia Beach Police Department's First Precinct continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department or submit anonymous tips.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of using advanced technology and data-driven policing strategies to enhance public safety and quickly respond to potentially dangerous situations, leading to the arrest of an armed suspect without any reported injuries.