Manhunt Underway After Deadly Virginia Beach Shooting and High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Crash in Portsmouth
Virginia Beach, VA — A multi-jurisdictional manhunt is underway for a homicide suspect who remains at large following a deadly shooting in Virginia Beach and a dramatic police chase that ended in a crash in Portsmouth late Wednesday night.
According to Virginia Beach Police, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim around 10 p.m. in the 3600 block of Harbinger Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, later identified as Imani Parrish, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities quickly identified the suspected shooter as Ashton B. James, who fled the scene in a vehicle. A police pursuit was initiated shortly after the shooting and spanned across three jurisdictions — Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth — before ending in a crash approximately 30 minutes after the original 911 call.
The chase concluded on Dunkirk Street in Portsmouth, near the intersection of Tyre Neck Road and Cedar Lane, where the suspect’s vehicle veered off the road and landed in a ditch near a mailbox and a “Road Closed” sign. Multiple police units from Virginia State Police, Virginia Beach Police, and Portsmouth Police were on scene shortly thereafter.
Despite the crash and the intense police response, James managed to flee on foot and remains at large. Residents in the vicinity of the crash site were instructed to shelter in place as law enforcement combed the area. That order was lifted around 1 a.m. Thursday morning, but police offered no details regarding the suspect’s whereabouts at the time.
While law enforcement continues their active investigation, many residents are expressing concern over the lack of communication during the manhunt. Portsmouth resident Marcus Campbell voiced his frustration early Thursday morning, noting that no official alert had been issued to warn families.
“I thought the police department would notify us on some kind of alert to watch out or keep our kids safe,” Campbell said. “Cause this time in the morning, kids getting ready for school.”
A WAVY 10 viewer, Herman Sawyer, captured video footage of the chase and aftermath, showing a heavy police presence swarming the crash scene in front of his home. The video, now circulating online, provides a glimpse into the scale of the response and the intensity of the manhunt.
Back in Virginia Beach, the local community is reeling from yet another act of violence. Tony Wheeler, a resident who lives near the scene of the shooting on Harbinger Road, recounted the terrifying moments he heard gunfire ring out.
“Around 10 p.m., I heard some shots — maybe four in a row,” Wheeler told reporters. “Once I heard it, I got a little nervous, turned out the lights and went upstairs. Then three or four minutes later, I saw all the police lights lighting up the street.”
Wheeler, who has lived in the neighborhood for less than a year, expressed sorrow and frustration over the continued violence in the area.
“Not again. We just had the homicide with the two police officers not far from here,” he said. “And now this. It just reminded me of that night all over again. It’s so tragic and sad.”
Police have not released any additional details about the motive behind the shooting or the relationship between Parrish and James. Investigators are urging anyone with information on Ashton B. James’ whereabouts to contact the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers tip line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Anonymous tips are accepted and may be eligible for a reward.
As the investigation continues, authorities are warning the public that James is considered armed and dangerous. Residents in all three affected jurisdictions are being asked to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Meanwhile, a memorial is already forming on Harbinger Road in honor of Imani Parrish, whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Friends and family remember her as a kind, intelligent, and compassionate young woman who had much to offer the world.