THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410070299
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
Below is the police report following the incident at Ebony Showcase early Saturday, Oct. 1.
Offense/Incident: Civil disturbance, destruction of property
Time of occurrence and time reported: 1:28 a.m. Oct. 1.
Location of offense: 2850 Airline Blvd., site of Ebony Showcase
Date and time report prepared: 3 a.m. Oct. 1
ABC Agents were conducting a surveillance operation for the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control when an agent heard numerous gunshots coming from inside the Ebony Showcase.
Shortly thereafter, mass numbers of people began exiting the club from all available exits and running for their cars. The parking lot of the Ebony Showcase became flooded with several hundred patrons of the business, which immediately became unruly, and then numerous gunshots were fired from the parking lot.
Minutes later, the entire parking lot, which extends from City Park Avenue to the Ebony Showcase, was completely filled with frantic and panicked individuals. Vehicles began racing out of the parking lot, hopping curbs and filling all exits to Airline Boulevard. Several large groups of individuals were running across Airline Boulevard and hopping privacy fences of residents who reside behind the club on Mohican Drive.
During this time, the reporting officer estimated the number of people in the parking lot to be in excess of 1,000. Rapid gunshots were seen and heard from numerous places within the parking lot. Also, an agent observed an individual shooting several rounds in the rear of the Ebony Showcase, while dozens of people were fleeing the club.
The parking lot was filled with several hundred people and had continuous gunfire for approximately 30 minutes. Seven to 10 different muzzle flashes were seen by officers and approximately 70 to 90 rounds fired during the course of events. The immediate area around the Ebony Showcase became somewhat accessible at 2:03 a.m.
The reporting officer was the first on the scene and stationed at the U-Haul lot across from the Ebony Showcase, along with a sergeant, K-9, and five other officers. Officers positioned themselves behind cover and observed the unrest taking place in the Ebony's parking lot. The sergeant ordered the 2800 block of Airline Boulevard closed to incoming traffic, but allowed vehicles to leave the parking lot east- and westbound.
Officers stayed in the U-Haul parking lot until approximately 2 a.m. At this time, the sergeant, the reporting officer, three officers and two K-9 officers proceeded behind the Westgate Plaza shops to gain access to the front of the club, with minimal contact with the large crowd. A wide wedge was formed and the front of the business was taken into police control.
The business was ordered closed and all occupants (were ordered) to remain inside. Police coordinated and were able to clear the Westgate Plaza and the Ebony Showcase parking lot with no injury to officers or police equipment.
At the time of the unrest, the Ebony Showcase had uniformed armed security in the parking lot and unarmed security inside the club. The patrons of the club were out of any type of control from the beginning of the gunfire until Portsmouth police regained control at approximately 2:30 a.m.
ABC agents and officers began surveying the interior of the Ebony Showcase. The survey revealed five small ``baggies'' with marijuana residue in various areas within the club. Two bullet holes were also discovered inside the business; however, the police were unable to retrieve the projectiles. Further observation revealed several broken tables, beverage glasses, chairs and a cash register.
Prior to the described incident, ABC agents were videotaping the establishment and were also able to videotape the unrest and the interior of the business after police gained control. Seven gun casings were recovered from the parking lot and placed in Property & Evidence. Several alcohol bottles lined the parking lot as well.
A 1993 BMW was parked in the parking lot of the Ebony Showcase earlier in the night. When the owner returned, she discovered a bullet hole in the passenger side fender and a broken passenger window. A projectile was recovered from the dashboard.
Additional reported offenses included a stolen vehicle, a stabbing, a simple assault. The complainants secured warrants. The sergeant and the reporting officer issued a loud /disturbing noise summons at 1 a.m.
Baggies recovered placed in Property & Evidence for later analysis. The investigation later revealed 1,751 people inside the Ebony Showcase.
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT by CNB