THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 25, 1995 TAG: 9504250275
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Motorists heading home through the Downtown Tunnel from Norfolk found themselves witnesses to a killing Monday evening when a man who had been shot fell from the open door of a car that stopped in the tube.
The incident occurred about 5:30 p.m. on westbound Interstate 264.
``Several witnesses saw the driver's door open at a 45-degree angle,'' said Tammy Van Dame of the state police, and a man ``fell half in and half out of the vehicle.''
Seconds later, two other men - one of whom may also have been shot - jumped out of the dark green 1992 Lexus and ran down the length of the tunnel.
Tunnel cameras recorded the entire incident. The Virginia Department of Transportation gave videotapes to police.
The victim, believed to be 22 years old, was shot in the chest. His identity was not immediately confirmed.
No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
``Luckily - and this is really odd since that car had stopped - all the traffic was able to stop behind him,'' Van Dame said.
Police closed the westbound lanes, creating a substantial traffic tie-up in downtown Norfolk and on I-264, at least until motorists could be diverted to the Midtown Tunnel. Norfolk police, state police and Transportation Department crews set up road blocks.
The tunnel reopened at 8:30 p.m.
The car was towed and was being searched. Van Dame declined to say what evidence, if any, was found in it. But she said the car did not appear to have been stolen.
Both suspects are described as black men about 19 or 20.
The first was 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with a short to medium Afro and clean shaven. He was wearing a black, hip-length jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes.
Van Dame said there are indications he may be injured and possibly suffered a gunshot wound to his face.
``He may be trying to seek medical attention for this wound, or he may be trying to treat it himself,'' she said. Area hospitals and clinics were being alerted.
The second was 5 feet 9 inches tall, skinny, about 150 pounds, with a short to medium Afro. He was wearing a long white shirt with blue and red stripes and faded blue jeans.
State police asked anyone with information to call (800) 582-8350. Their investigators are being assisted by Portsmouth detectives.
KEYWORDS: SHOOTING FATALITY DOWNTOWN TUNNEL by CNB