In the quiet, tree-lined streets of Norfolk’s Hewitt Farms neighborhood, near the serene shores of Ocean View, a routine Friday afternoon turned deadly. Just after noon on August 8, 2025, the Norfolk Police Department received an urgent call reporting a burglary in progress at a residence on Meadow Creek Road. What began as a response to a property crime escalated into a high-stakes confrontation, leaving 31-year-old Dwayne D. Harris dead and a community grappling with questions.
According to Police Chief Mark Talbot, who addressed the public in a somber press conference, officers arrived swiftly at the scene. There, they encountered Harris, a local man who had allegedly broken into a home. Armed with a firearm, Harris didn’t hesitate. He fled the residence, jumping into a vehicle in a desperate bid to escape. The police gave chase, their sirens cutting through the calm of the neighborhood as the pursuit spanned just two blocks.
The chase ended abruptly at the intersection of the 8300 block of Meadow Creek Road. Harris, in a moment that would prove fatal, exited his vehicle. Chief Talbot recounted the harrowing details: Harris emerged, gun in hand, and pointed it directly at the officers. In an instant, the situation turned critical. The officers, faced with an immediate threat, opened fire. Harris was struck and pronounced dead at the scene, his life extinguished in the blink of an eye.
The aftermath has left the Hewitt Farms community in shock. Residents, accustomed to the tranquility of their neighborhood near Ocean View’s scenic beaches, are now confronted with the reality of a violent encounter on their doorstep. The Norfolk Police Department, in a news release, identified Harris as the man at the center of the incident, emphasizing the rapid sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome.
As protocol dictates, the Virginia State Police have taken over the investigation, tasked with unraveling the precise circumstances of the shooting. Questions linger: What drove Harris to break into the home? Why did he flee, and what compelled him to confront armed officers? The state police probe aims to provide clarity, examining body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to piece together the truth.
For now, the intersection at Meadow Creek Road stands as a somber reminder of a life lost and a community shaken. The incident underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by law enforcement and the fragile line between routine calls and life-altering moments. As the investigation unfolds, Norfolk mourns, seeking answers and healing in the wake of tragedy.
