UPDATE: The suspect, 37-year-old Karlos Evan Andrews, was found dead by suicide in North Carolina.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found shot in Newport News.
Police said they received the call around 12:18 a.m. for a shooting in the 15300 block of Warwick Boulevard.
The victim, 49-year-old Loren Javell Ransome, was shot and killed feet from the front of his business, the Jackpot Hooka Lounge.
Following a preliminary investigation, warrants were obtained on 37-year-old Karlos Evan Andrews for Murder 1st Degree, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Possession of Firearm by Felon, and Shooting Firearm in Public Place.
Andrews was considered to be armed and dangerous.
“There has been some good information coming in,” said Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew. “I’m feeling good with where they are in the investigation at this point.”
At the time of the shooting, it was the 24th homicide this year in Newport News – which is seven more than this time last year.
“Any loss of life, any death is bad,” said the chief. “Nobody wants to make that phone call. Nobody wants to go sit down with that family.”
Drew said combating this type of deadly violence is extra challenging because at the moment there aren’t pockets of violence, instead, the violence is spread out throughout the city.
Those with information can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.
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