Portsmouth Shooting: Man Dead, 5-Month-Old Injured on Towne Point Road
A violent and tragic Portsmouth shooting shattered the peace of a residential neighborhood on Saturday afternoon, leaving one man dead and an infant hospitalized. The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, in broad daylight. Portsmouth Police responded to the 3800 block of Towne Point Road just after noon. Upon arrival, officers discovered a chaotic scene that resulted in the loss of an adult life and an injury to a 5-month-old child. Detectives from the Major Crime Unit have taken over the investigation, but no suspects are currently in custody.
Gunfire Erupts Near Western Freeway
The violence unfolded at approximately 12:02 p.m. on Saturday. Emergency dispatchers received multiple calls regarding shots fired in the area. The location, the 3800 block of Towne Point Road, sits near the Western Freeway. This area is typically a busy residential corridor.
Patrol officers rushed to the scene immediately. They arrived to find evidence of a shooting and two victims. The timing of the incident has shocked the community. Shootings in the middle of the day often place bystanders at high risk.
Police secured the area quickly. They used crime scene tape to block off the street. This allowed paramedics to access the victims safely. It also preserved crucial evidence, such as shell casings, for forensic technicians.
Neighbors in the area reported hearing the gunfire. Many expressed disbelief that such violence could occur during the lunch hour. The proximity to the freeway suggests a potential escape route for the perpetrator, though police have not confirmed this theory.
Adult Male Pronounced Dead at Scene
First responders focused their immediate attention on an adult male victim. Officers found him suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Police personnel attempted life-saving measures before medics took over.
Despite the rapid response and emergency medical efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity. They must complete the process of notifying his next of kin before making his name public.
The loss of life marks another homicide for the city. Investigators are now working to piece together the victim’s final moments. They aim to determine why he was targeted or if the shooting was a random act of violence.
Body-worn camera footage from the responding officers will likely be reviewed. This footage helps document the initial state of the crime scene. It also captures witness statements made in the immediate aftermath of the Portsmouth shooting.
5-Month-Old Infant Struck by Gunfire
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a child was also a victim of the violence. A 5-month-old infant was struck during the gunfire. The discovery of an injured baby escalated the urgency of the medical response.
Ambulance crews transported the infant to a local hospital immediately. Medical staff treated the child for the injury. Fortunately, the latest updates offer some relief.
Police report that the child is expected to recover. The specific nature of the infant’s injury has not been disclosed. However, the survival of the child is a small mercy in an otherwise devastating event.
The involvement of an infant has rattled the Portsmouth community. Crimes involving children often draw significant resources from law enforcement. Detectives are prioritizing this case to bring justice to the victims.
Child protective services may also become involved. This is standard procedure when a minor is injured during a violent crime. Their goal is to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the surviving child.
Major Crime Unit Launches Investigation
The Portsmouth Police Department has activated its Major Crime Unit. Homicide detectives are leading the inquiry into this Portsmouth shooting. They spent much of Saturday afternoon canvassing the neighborhood.
Crime scene investigators collected physical evidence. They marked ballistic evidence on the pavement. Photographers documented the scene from multiple angles. This forensic work is critical for building a case against the shooter.
Detectives also interviewed potential witnesses. They spoke with residents on Towne Point Road to gather information. Any detail, no matter how small, could prove vital.
Police are likely looking for surveillance footage. Many homes in the area utilize doorbell cameras. These devices may have captured the shooting or a vehicle fleeing the scene. Officers encourage residents to review their footage from around 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Currently, authorities have not released any suspect description. They also have not commented on a potential motive. It remains unclear if the shooter and the deceased victim knew each other.
Community Safety and Response
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the region. Local leaders often speak out against such acts, especially when children are harmed. The community is calling for answers and safer streets.
Residents in the Towne Point Road area may see an increased police presence. Patrols often step up activity in neighborhoods following a homicide. This strategy aims to reassure the public and deter further violence.
Safety advocates recommend that residents remain vigilant. While police believe the immediate danger has passed, the suspect remains at large. Reporting suspicious activity is a key way the public can aid law enforcement.
Support services are available for those affected by the violence. Witnesses or neighbors traumatized by the event can seek counseling. The city often partners with local organizations to provide grief support.
How to Help the Investigation
The Portsmouth Police Department is urging the public to come forward. Solving this Portsmouth shooting requires community cooperation. Investigators believe there are people who know what happened.
Authorities have provided a dedicated line for tips. Anyone with information should contact the Portsmouth Crime Line. The number is 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Tipsters can remain anonymous. They do not have to give their names or testify in court. Furthermore, verified tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police are specifically asking for information regarding vehicles seen speeding away from the 3800 block of Towne Point Road. They are also interested in any arguments heard prior to the gunshots.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor this developing story. We will provide updates on the condition of the infant and the status of the investigation as they become available.
