Virginia Beach, VA — On Wednesday night, a distressing incident unfolded at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, leaving two individuals seriously injured and prompting the issuance of an Amber Alert for three missing children. The violent event took place in the 900 block of Jay Are Court, where Virginia Beach Police officers responded to a call regarding a stabbing at approximately 8:48 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from stab wounds. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to Ricky LaBlue, Media and Communications Coordinator for the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening at the time. However, he cautioned that the situation was still evolving, indicating that the victims’ conditions could change.
Suspect Fled with Three Young Children
The suspected assailant, identified as 36-year-old Dana Demetrius Plummer, is believed to have fled the scene with three young children, all of whom are under the age of five. The children—5-year-old Zayin Plummer, 3-year-old Zayir Plummer, and 1-year-old Za’riyah Plummer—are reported to be Dana Plummer’s own children. Authorities believe that Plummer took the children following an altercation with their mother, whom he allegedly stabbed during the incident.
Police say Dana Plummer left the area in a black 2024 Honda Passport SUV with Virginia temporary license plate 37550R. The vehicle’s direction of travel remains unknown, and a widespread search is currently underway. The Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert for the three children at 2 a.m. on Thursday, mobilizing law enforcement agencies across the state in a concerted effort to locate them and ensure their safety.
Details on the Suspect and Missing Children
Dana Plummer is described as a 5-foot-9, 165-pound Black man with dark hair and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the VBPD’s missing person detective at 757-385-4101. Authorities have emphasized the urgency of locating Plummer and the children, given the violent nature of the crime and the potential danger they may face.
The missing children, all of whom have brown eyes and hair, were last seen wearing distinct clothing:
– Zayir Plummer: 4 years old, approximately 4 feet tall and weighing 100 pounds. He was last seen wearing gray jeans and a black jacket.
– Zayin Plummer: 3 years old, also around 4 feet tall and 100 pounds. He was last spotted wearing rust-colored jeans and a light blue shirt.
– Za’riyah Plummer: 1 year old, measuring approximately 24 inches in length and weighing 40 pounds. She was last seen dressed in pink tights and a Trolls-themed outfit.
The Amber Alert has prompted widespread concern across the community and beyond, with citizens urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the suspect or the children. The alert is part of a nationwide system designed to quickly disseminate information about missing children, particularly in situations where they are believed to be in imminent danger.
The incident has sparked a significant response from both law enforcement and the local community. Police have set up checkpoints and increased patrols in an effort to locate the suspect’s vehicle, while neighboring jurisdictions have been notified to assist in the search. Helicopters and K-9 units are also being utilized in the effort to locate Plummer and the children.
In situations like these, time is of the essence. The first few hours after a child goes missing are critical, and the issuance of an Amber Alert is a key tool in mobilizing resources quickly. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the success of Amber Alerts often hinges on the public’s ability to provide timely information that can lead to a safe recovery.
As the investigation continues, authorities are also looking into the circumstances that led to the stabbing and subsequent abduction. Details about the relationship between Dana Plummer and the mother of the children have not been fully disclosed, but it is clear that the incident was a domestic dispute that escalated into violence.
The community is anxiously awaiting news of the children’s safe return. In the meantime, the VBPD and other law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to bring this situation to a peaceful resolution.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to come forward, as the safety of these young children depends on the swift action of both law enforcement and the public. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This tragic incident highlights the volatility of domestic disputes and the potential for such situations to escalate into broader public safety concerns. The issuance of an Amber Alert underlines the seriousness of the situation, as authorities race against time to locate the missing children and bring the suspect to justice. The public’s role in this effort cannot be overstated, and the hope is that with widespread attention and cooperation, these children will be found safe and unharmed.