Sassafras Court Shooting Suspect Identified as Injured 18-Year-Old

Police: Teen Injured in Sassafras Ct. Shooting Was Also the Suspect

VIRGINIA BEACH — The Virginia Beach Police Department says one of the two people injured in a shooting earlier this week is now facing felony charges for allegedly starting the violence.

The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, in the 4100 block of Sassafras Court. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found two people with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to local hospitals.

One of them was later identified as 18-year-old Josiah Spann of Virginia Beach. According to police, Spann wasn’t just a victim—he was the suspect. Investigators with VBPD’s Violent Crimes Unit believe he was attempting an armed robbery when the victim shot him in self-defense.

Spann is now facing multiple serious charges:

• Armed Robbery

• Aggravated Malicious Wounding

• Shooting in the Commission of a Felony

• Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony

VBPD did not release the name of the second person involved or their condition. Spann’s current condition also hasn’t been disclosed, though police confirmed he remains hospitalized.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Crime Solvers tip line.