Portsmouth Detectives Investigate Shooting Death

Dennis L. Smith

On May 12, 2013, at approximately 11:20 P.M., Portsmouth Police Communications received 911 calls related to gunshots in the area of the 3700 block of Magnolia Drive.  Additional calls were received related to an individual being shot.

Responding officers found and detained a male, later identified as 60 year old Dennis Laverne Smith, in the front yard.  A second male was found on the rear steps of the home, unresponsive, and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  He was transported to Sentara Norfolk General, where he was pronounced at 1:54 A.M. The victim was 19 years old and the nephew of Dennis Smith.  Both the victim and the suspect lived at the residence.

Detective determined the suspect and victim had been arguing.  At some point during the argument the suspect retrieved a handgun and shot the victim, while the victim was in rear of the home socializing with others.

Dennis Smith has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.  He is currently in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.

Wanted Suspect Arrested After Brief Pursuit

Antoine Lavar Jones

On May 7, 2013, at 3:58 P.M., Portsmouth Police Communications received a 911 call from a female indicating a male was armed with a handgun.  The male was in the area of 1400 LaSalle Avenue.

As officers were arriving, the male entered a maroon vehicle and left the area.  Additional responding officers observed the vehicle accelerate at a high rate of speed.  Officers initiated emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle.  After a short pursuit, the suspect slowed the vehicle down and exited.  The vehicle continued to roll, at a slow speed, into the push bumpers of a marked police vehicle.

Officers pursued the suspect on foot in the area of the 1300 block of Effingham Street and Interstate 264.  At 4:04 P.M., the male driver was taken into custody by the pursuing officers.  He was identified as 35 year old Antoine Lavar Jones of the 300 block of Redbrick Drive, Chesapeake.  He was arrested on three outstanding felony warrants for probation violations.

The driver received additional charges of felony attempt to elude police, driving on a suspended license, and reckless driving.  He is currently in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.  No injuries were reported.  The suspect’s vehicle and police vehicle sustained minor damage.  At the time of arrest, no weapon was found.  The investigation continues into the whereabouts of the handgun.

3 In Custody After Home Invasion Leads to Pursuit

On Thursday, May 2, 2013, at approximately 11:45 P.M., Portsmouth Police Dispatch received a call regarding an armed burglary in progress in the 500 block of Columbia Street.  As Officers arrived on scene, they observed the suspects entering a vehicle near the residence.  Shortly after, one of the suspects began to fire a gun at the Officers.

A short pursuit ensued, which ended when the suspect vehicle struck a parked car.  When the suspect vehicle came to a stop, all three suspects exited the vehicle and ran from the police.  Within a few minutes, all suspects were taken into custody.  No injuries were reported.

Three suspects were identified and charged as follows:

Keyon T. Melton, 26, of the 500 block of Spectator Street in Portsmouth.  He has been charged with Use or Display of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (x3), Felony Eluding, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Attempt to Commit a Capital Offense, Robbery, and Burglary.

Nathan C. Smith, Sr, 31, of the 600 block of Jefferson Street in Portsmouth.   He has been charged with Use or Display of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (x3), Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Attempt to Commit a Capital Offense, Robbery, and Burglary.

Jeffrey W. Smith, 25, of the 6000 block of Churchland Boulevard in Portsmouth.  He has been charged with Use or Display of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (x3), Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Attempt to Commit a Capital Offense, Robbery, and Burglary.

All three suspects were arrested and remain in the custody of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.