On August 17, 2019 at approximately 3:34 pm, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Ottis Street in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, they located Chondra Eason, a 34-year-old Newport News woman with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspect and obtain the suspect’s vehicle license plate number. Officers were then dispatched to the 5700 block of Madison Avenue, the suspect’s last known address. The homicide victim, Ms. Eason, and the suspect, 34-year-old Jerome Michael Uzzle, of Newport News were married.
While establishing a perimeter in the area of Madison Avenue, the suspect exited a different residence and ambushed Officer Robert Stewart and a civilian participating in the Department’s Ride-A-Long Program, striking both of them with gunfire. Officers Stewart and Officer Branden Kidder returned fire, striking the suspect. Officer Stewart, the civilian and the suspect were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Early Sunday morning, the suspect was pronounced deceased at 12:29 a.m.
Officer Robert Stewart and the civilian are currently in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery. This is an ongoing investigation.
This afternoon, August 19, 2019, the Department will be holding two separate C.A.R.E. (Community Awareness, Reconnection & Education) walks to show our support and concern for everyone affected by these incidents. Members of the media and the public are invited to attend. The first walk will take place at 3 p.m. near the "old" Farm Fresh on Ottis Street (near Second Street American Bistro). The second walk will take place in the Cottage Grove Apartment Community at 4:15 p.m. Meet at the rental office, at 415 Peninsula Drive.