On December 30, 2024, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) made a swift arrest in a tragic shooting, thanks to technology and teamwork. Around 12:03 p.m., multiple calls reported a shooting at a business in the 5400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. When officers arrived, they found Lequan Cherry, 26, of Norfolk, dead at the scene.
Acting fast, detectives shared a detailed description of the suspect and their vehicle. This information was fed into VBPD’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), which used license plate reader technology to locate areas where the suspect’s vehicle had been spotted.
Shortly after, Norfolk Police Department (NPD) officers found the vehicle in one of those locations and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, leading to a brief pursuit back into Virginia Beach. The chase ended quickly, and 22-year-old Jeremiah Quinones of Norfolk was taken into custody.
The entire sequence—from the initial 911 call to Quinones’ arrest—took less than an hour. Quinones has been charged with first-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm in a felony.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate praised the collaboration between VBPD and NPD. “This arrest underscores the vital role technology plays in modern policing,” Neudigate said. “Thanks to license plate reader technology, our RTCC rapidly gathered critical information, helping officers make a quick apprehension.”
The case highlights how cutting-edge tools, paired with dedicated officers, can enhance public safety and bring swift justice.