Brandon Raylin Closson dies in fatal Virginia Beach police shooting
Fatal Virginia Beach police shooting death of Brandon Raylin Closson – Obituary
Brandon Raylin Closson, a 43-year-old Norfolk resident, was fatally shot by a police officer late Tuesday night in the Town Center area of Virginia Beach. Authorities reported that Closson had approached the officer with a “sharp object” following an attempted robbery at a 7-Eleven store.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard. Responding to a call about a suspicious individual, police learned from a store clerk that Closson had tried to commit robbery while armed with a knife.
When the officer confronted him, Closson reportedly produced a cutting tool with a serrated blade and advanced toward the officer, ignoring repeated commands to stop. The officer fired his weapon, resulting in Closson’s death at the scene.
The officer involved, a five-year veteran of the force, was unharmed and has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are conducting a thorough review to determine whether the officer’s actions aligned with departmental policies and training.
Police urge anyone with information related to the case to contact their detective bureau.