'It was devastating': Norfolk woman looking for help after car was left inoperable by gunfire
Nov 29, 2024
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk woman has reached out to 10 On Your Side for help after she said her car was damaged by gunfire.
It happened after a Nov. 19 shooting at Southwind Apartments, which left multiple residents with damaged property.
Shooting in Norfolk leaves apartment complex buildings and resident cars damaged
According to the Norfolk Police Department, officers were called to the 7800 block of Dallas Street around 8:40 p.m. for a reported gunshot disturbance.
Once on scene, officers found multiple apartment units and cars that had been struck by bullets. There were no injuries, according to police.
However, resident Tanya Campbell said a lot of the bullets ended up in her car.
"My car had been hit around eight times, and one of the bullets hit my dashboard, which blew out the electrical system in my car,” Campbell said.
She said that, because of the shooting, her car has not been running. She said this has left her with no reliable transportation.
"I have to call Ubers or ask friends to take me back and forth to work, and it's rough,” Campbell said. “It was devastating. I mean, [I’m] devastated. I cried like a baby because I paid that car off by myself.”
She said she only has a liability plan so her insurance through State Farm won’t cover the damage that’s been caused by the bullets.
A spokesperson from State Farm sent 10 On Your Side a statement that reads as follows:
“While we can’t speak to the specifics of this claim due to our customer privacy policy, what we can share is that in general, damage to a vehicle from flying objects not related to a crash falls under comprehensive coverage. Whether a claim is covered is determined by the facts of the loss and the results of the investigation. Each claim is unique and handled based on its own individual merits. If a customer has questions about their coverage, they can reach out to their State Farm agent or claim representative.” — Justin Tomczak, State Farm corporate communications
She said she has also tried reaching out to her apartment complex as well to find a solution, but hasn’t had any luck.
"The apartment complex told me that they weren't going to replace the car or make me whole by any means, because it's not their [responsibility],” Campbell said. “They have a clause in the lease stating that they're not responsible for our property.”
She added that she’s been pushing for more cameras in the complex even before this shooting took place, especially in the back where she lives.
10 On Your Side reached out to the complex and their management company over a week ago about any possible changes they would make regarding safety improvements following the recent shooting. We have not received a response yet.
Meanwhile, Campbell said she’s now trying to figure out how to get a new car while also trying to eventually find a new home.
“I'm definitely moving," she said. "I definitely got to go because I don't feel safe, and I don't feel safe with my friends or family coming in and out of the house at any point."
Campbell has also started a GoFundMe to help her with these expenses. You can find it here.