Virginia Beach Police Department

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – SANDBRIDGE ROAD CLOSED 🚨
Virginia Beach Police, Virginia Beach Fire Department, and VB Rescue - Volunteer EMS Squads are on scene of a single‑vehicle crash in the 700 block of Sandbridge Road. Both directions are currently shut down while first responders investigate and clear the scene.

Please avoid the area and expect delays if you’re traveling to or from the Sandbridge community. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible, but there is no estimated reopening time yet.

The VBPD Public Affairs Office is actively monitoring the situation and will share updates to help you plan your travel.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as emergency personnel work to keep everyone safe.

This morning at approximately 10:17, an emergency call was received for a capsized vessel near the East side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel's second island . The Virginia Beach EMS marine Rescue Team was dispatched alongside members from Virginia Beach EMS, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, and U.S. Coast Guard East.

Our crew made it on scene and were able to help rapidly assess the situation as well as ensure no other parties were injured or in distress. Additionally, they were able to ensure the four displaced boaters that made it to the nearby rocks made it safely back on shore.

If you are in the area of where the vessel was or passing by, be advised that the vessel is still present. There is currently an orange buoy attached to it for visibility for mariners.

This incident helps highlight the importance of our partnership with Federal and Local agencies to help provide rapid responses and safe outcomes for all those involved. If you're planning to be out on the water this Fourth of July weekend, stay safe and know we're always one call away.

VBPD Launches First Operational Drone as First Responder Program in the Seven Cities

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, July 2, 2026 – Today, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officially launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, deploying an operational autonomous drone initiative to enhance real-time emergency response across the community.

VBPD’s pre-positioned autonomous drones will provide live tactical intelligence within seconds of a 911 call, giving officers and emergency personnel immediate situational awareness. Operated by FAA-certified staff from the department’s Real-Time Crime Center, the drones can be deployed in under two minutes. This allows for rapid visual assessment of incidents at the Oceanfront and surrounding areas during one of the busiest weekends of the year.

“The Drone as First Responder program represents a major step forward in how we protect our community," said Police Chief Paul W. Neudigate. "By delivering real-time intelligence within moments of a 911 call, our officers can respond smarter, safer, and faster. This technology strengthens our ability to serve the public, especially during high-demand weekends like the Fourth of July.”

This initiative reflects the City’s commitment to leveraging modern tools to enhance emergency response, community trust, and officer safety. By integrating this advanced technology into daily operations, VBPD continues to elevate standard practices for public safety and modern law enforcement.