Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
WTKR News 3
Norfolk mom, family disturbed after stray bullet flies through home on July 4
By Jay Greene,
22 days ago
Britney Hopkins describes her neighborhood on 37th Street, near Killam Avenue, as quiet—a place where she feels safe.
"I love it here," she said.
That was until Thursday night, the Fourth of July.
Watch: 10-year-old boy shot, killed by stray bullet after teen girls' dispute
10-year-old boy shot, killed by stray bullet after teen girls' dispute: Police
That night, Hopkins rushed home from work to watch fireworks with her 14-year-old boys.
They started hearing what they thought were fireworks outside.
"My kids went to the window because they want to see, that's what kids do," Hopkins said. "My son stepped away from the window. I got on the bed, and then we heard wood crackling."
Watch: Family of Portsmouth special needs woman killed by stray bullet wants justice
Portsmouth family of beloved special needs woman killed by stray bullet wants justice
She then saw a hole in her wall.
Jay Greene/WTKR Bullet hole in wall of Norfolk home
A bullet hole. She traced its path and found it came through one of her bedroom windows.
Jay Greene/WTKR
"My heart was stomping," she told News 3's Jay Greene. "You know, my babies, my son, was just in the window. They're twins."
Max Barrett/WTKR News 3 Britney Hopkins
It's not the first time something like this has happened in Hampton Roads.
In April, 10-year-old Keontre Thornhill died after a bullet flew into his Portsmouth home.
Watch: Loved ones of Keontre Thornhill grieve with his family during viewing service
Loved ones of Keontre Thornhill grieve with his family during viewing service
Landyn Davis, 8, was playing video game inside his home in Virginia beach when he was hit by a stray bullet. He finally got to leave his home in May.
Watch: Landyn Davis returns home to Virginia Beach
Landyn Davis returns home to Virginia Beach
Just this week, on July 3, News 3's Leondra Head reported on a Navy Petty Chief Officer whose foot was struck by a stray bullet in his Chesapeake home.
Watch: Navy Chief Petty Officer says he was hit by stray bullet in his home
Navy Chief Petty Officer shot by stray at Chesapeake home
Back in Norfolk, Britney Hopkins is thankful her children weren't hurt, but she's thinking about moving.
"It's heartbreaking, because I moved from one area to get my kids away from that, and we thought we beat it until last night, and it's like nowhere safe," she told Greene.
Max Barrett/WTKR News 3 37th and Killam in Norfolk
News 3 reached out to Norfolk police to get more details about the investigation, but we are still waiting on a response.
WTKR News 3 Bullet in window of Norfolk home
Here's Britney Hopkins' message to whoever fired the shot.
"You really could have hurt one of my kids," she said. "That's my message to them. You know, do better and get that together. Because you really could have hurt one of my kids."
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Jay Greene/WTKR 
Jay Greene/WTKR 
Max Barrett/WTKR News 3 
Max Barrett/WTKR News 3 
WTKR News 3 
Local Norfolk, VA
Most Popular
Comments / 0