News Release

Newport News Police Department

P U B LI C I N F O R M AT I O N O F F I C E
CONTACT:
DATE:

Lou Thurston, Public Information Officer

December 11, 2014

STATEMENT FROM CHIEF OF POLICE RICHARD MYERS

Several weeks prior to the Hollydazzle event at City Center, the police department began receiving information in reference to
possible criminal activity that could possibly take place at the event. The information was coming from several sources, both
public and private, and the theme of juveniles and young adults bringing weapons to the celebration seemed to be the common
thread.
As information was received, it was sorted and vetted, if possible, through the Criminal Intelligence Unit, as well as other divisions
and units throughout the department. The information that was received for this years event was much similar in nature as to the
information the department has received in the past events with one exception. That being, the sources were providing more detail
as to who was suspected to be involved and what type of criminal misconduct they had planned to bring to the event.
The department put a plan into place that looked at each suspect and their suspected activity. This included in depth past criminal
history involvement, as well as many other facets of their respective conduct which was inclusive and shared across agency lines.
From the police perspective, the plan was multi-layered and included the involvement and cooperation of many city agencies. This
take, as well as many other steps within the process, made for a hugely safe and successful event for the community. As a result of
this comprehensive approach, the efforts of two individuals were thwarted, which resulted in their arrests for weapons violations.
Additionally, several individuals at the event were debriefed, as it related to their involvement with the planned criminal
misconduct.
In closing, I would like to say that while the department cannot share the details of the process and all that went into the
preparation, I can say that the safety of everyone attending was always paramount and in the forefront of each decision. I would
also like to say that without the members of the community, both young and adult, taking the time to reach out and share this vital
information with their police officials, this event could have turned out much different. The collective effort by everyone involved,
whether associated with the event or reaching out and providing and sharing critical information, played a role in making the event
a community success and a positive family oriented celebration.
Having provided this information, as your Chief, I simply again must say "Thank You" to the community and all the agencies that
made this event a success. As always, the teamwork and cohesive working relationships came forward during this event.
Respectfully,
Chief Richard W. Myers
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