Off-duty Portsmouth officer accidentally shoots woman in restroom

An off-duty Portsmouth police officer accidentally discharged her service weapon while using a restroom at a Food Lion on London Boulevard, striking another woman who was also in the restroom. The woman who was shot was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. while the officer was working a security detail. The officer has been placed on administrative leave as both a criminal and internal investigation are underway; the criminal investigation will be handled by the Virginia State Police at the request of the Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney. Police emphasized that the shooting was an accidental discharge of the service weapon. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.