Virginia Beach Police Department Investigating Officer Involved Shooting on Decathlon Drive

On Monday, January 30, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) were dispatched to the 1900 block of Decathlon Drive after Emergency Communications and Citizen Services received a 911 for a domestic related incident. Information received was that there was a male subject inside a residence with several guns and ammunition, threatening harm to himself and others. 

Upon arrival, responding officers ensured a female was safely evacuated from the residence. Officers then encountered a male subject who was armed with a shotgun. The subject, who was believed to be the only occupant, continually entered, and exited the front door of the residence. While doing so he routinely pointed the shotgun at himself.

Officers negotiated with the subject for almost three hours trying to get him to surrender the weapon. Approximately 12:14 a.m., on January 31, 2023, the subject exited the residence again. He now produced a handgun, which he again pointed at his head. Over the next hour, he continued to brandish different firearms and point them at himself. 

At approximately 1:15 a.m., officers deployed less-lethal munitions at the subject in an attempt to subdue him and take him into custody. The rounds did not have the desired effect, and the subject fled back inside the residence. Once inside, the subject began by firing shotgun rounds at the officers through the windows; at some point it appears he transitioned to shooting with a handgun. Officers returned fire at the subject.

After the gunfire from within the residence ceased, VBPD SWAT, which had now arrived on scene, approached the residence, and located the subject just inside the front door. Craig Byl (M/48) of Virginia Beach was pronounced deceased. A shotgun and 9mm pistol, along with several spent cartridge cases, were recovered. The ongoing investigation at this current time indicates Mr. Byl's injuries were the result of police gunfire; however, confirmation will be up to the Norfolk Medical Examiner to determine cause of death.

All VBPD officers involved in the incident are uninjured and have been placed on the standard Administrative Leave.

The VBPD Homicide Unit is conducting the criminal investigation into this incident. Upon completion, all evidence will be turned over to the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney (OCA) who will determine if there are any violations of law. In addition to the VBPD investigation, the OCA will conduct their own parallel, independent criminal investigation. Upon conclusion of the criminal investigations, the VBPD Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct an administrative review to determine compliance with policy and training.

If you have information about this case, please contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3tips.com.