BY SARAH BARBAN, Eastern Shore Post —
Why weren’t Onancock residents warned after a July 8 shooting that left a woman injured and masked suspects on the loose?
That is the question a town resident asked of the Onancock Town Council during its Monday, July 27, meeting.
Bill Burnham questioned why residents weren’t informed in a more timely manner about the shooting, which took place at the intersection of Boundary Avenue and Spady Lane in Onancock.
“I’m here to ask that you figure out a way to alert people about violent incidents like this,” he said.
“The lingering question I’ve had since then is why weren’t we alerted to the fact that there was a shooting three blocks from my house?”
Council member Ann Quigley said it is important going forward to communicate to residents when they will hear from the town in order to manage expectations.
“It’s important that we reach the point where everyone in town can know what to expect from us,” she said.
“What will they learn about, under what circumstances, and by what means.”
Police Chief Eric Williams said he was not at liberty to release any information about the shooting because the Accomack County Sheriffs Office was in charge of the investigation.
The sheriff’s office did not release any information about the shooting until July 14.
A sheriff’s office press release stated that shell casings were found in the road.
It stated that two people wearing masks approached the area on foot and fired shots at the occupant of a black Ford Crown Victoria, according to video footage and eyewitness testimony.
The victim was transported to the hospital, treated for her injuries, and released from the hospital later that evening.
