VSP says interstate shootings are down despite public concern

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police (VSP) are addressing concerns after a series of interstate shootings took place across the state in recent weeks. While the incidents have raised public alarm, troopers say the numbers are actually lower than in previous years.

"Sometimes criminal behavior will happen off of the interstate, and it'll continue on to the interstates," said VSP's public information officer, Sgt. Jessica Shehan.

According to Shehan, a total of 51 interstate shootings have been reported in Virginia this year. While that figure may sound high, she notes that it's a decrease from 99 incidents in 2023 and 86 in 2024.

"It just feels like more, because there have been a couple back-to-back," she added.

The most recent incident occurred early Monday morning on I-64 in Norfolk. Shots were fired, but the driver was not injured. Authorities are still searching for the suspect.

Shehan emphasized that most of this year’s shootings remain under investigation.

"Each one of these cases are still under investigation, some we arrest somebody immediately, and some it can take months," Shehan said. "So that's why it's important that if somebody sees something, they say something."

It remains unclear how many cases have been solved this year. Despite public concerns that the shootings may be linked, Shehan said the incidents appear to be isolated.

"We don't have confirmed evidence that they’re road rage, all the shootings are still under an investigation," she said.

Still, Shehan said troops are urging drivers to stay alert and avoid confrontation on the road.

"If you find somebody and they're tailgating you and they're driving aggressively, we ask that you back off, that you get off the roadway, get to a public parking lot. Dial #77 or 911," Shehan said.

Troopers could not confirm the total number of cases solved in 2023, 2024, or so far this year, but they stressed the importance of reporting any information to help law enforcement work with local police.