Third Arrest Made in Virginia Beach Oceanfront Shooting

Ja'Quarrias Morris charged with multiple counts related to the incident that injured 8 people.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:33am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on asphalt, capturing the stark, gritty details of a crime scene investigation.A police investigation uncovers evidence of the latest gun violence incident at Virginia Beach's Oceanfront.Virginia Beach Today

Police in Virginia Beach have arrested 20-year-old Ja'Quarrias Morris for his involvement in a shooting at the Oceanfront that injured eight people on Saturday night. Morris is the third person to be arrested in connection with the incident. The city has also implemented new weekend curfews at the Oceanfront in response to the shooting and a previous incident last month.

Why it matters

The Oceanfront area of Virginia Beach has seen a rise in gun violence incidents, prompting the city to take stricter measures like curfews to try to maintain public safety in the popular tourist destination. The latest shooting has led to multiple arrests as authorities work to hold those responsible accountable.

The details

Police charged Morris with seven counts of aggravated malicious wounding, seven counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and seven counts of reckless handling of a firearm with injury. Two other suspects were previously arrested earlier this week for their involvement in the shooting. The incident on Saturday night left eight people injured, including two 17-year-olds who were also charged with curfew violations.

  • The shooting occurred on Saturday night, April 15, 2026.
  • Last month, another Oceanfront shooting left six people with injuries.
  • On Thursday, April 17, 2026, the city implemented a new 9:30 p.m. weekend curfew for all ages at the Oceanfront for the next two weekends.

The players

Ja'Quarrias Morris

A 20-year-old resident of Lancaster who was arrested and charged for his involvement in the Oceanfront shooting.

Virginia Beach Police

The law enforcement agency that made the arrests and is investigating the Oceanfront shooting incidents.

City of Virginia Beach

The local government that has implemented new weekend curfews at the Oceanfront in response to the recent gun violence.

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What’s next

The city's new weekend curfews at the Oceanfront will remain in effect for the next two weekends as authorities continue to investigate the recent shootings.

The takeaway

The string of gun violence incidents at Virginia Beach's Oceanfront has led local officials to implement tighter security measures, underscoring the challenges coastal cities face in balancing public safety and economic activity in popular tourist areas.