Norfolk woman seeks help after gunfire disables car

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk woman reached out to 10 On Your Side for help after she said her car was damaged by gunfire.

It came after a Nov. 19 shooting at the Southwind Apartments in which several residents damaged their property.

According to Norfolk police, officers were called to the 7800 block of Dallas Street around 8:40 p.m. for a reported shooting disturbance.

On site, officers found several residential units and cars that had been hit by bullets. According to the police, there were no injuries.

However, resident Tanya Campbell said many of the bullets ended up in her car.

“My car was hit about eight times and one of the bullets hit my dashboard, which broke the electrical system in my car,” Campbell said.

She said her car wasn’t running because of the shooting. She said that left her without reliable transportation.

“I have to call Ubers or ask friends to take me back and forth to work and that’s hard,” Campbell said. “It was devastating. I mean, I’m devastated. I cried like a baby because I paid for the car myself.”

She said she only has a liability plan, so her insurance with State Farm wouldn’t cover the damage caused by the bullets.

A State Farm spokesperson sent 10 On Your Side a statement that read:

“While we cannot provide further details on this claim due to our customer privacy policy, we can advise you that damage to a vehicle caused by flying objects that is not related to an accident is generally covered by comprehensive insurance. Whether a claim is covered depends on the facts of the claim and the results of the investigation. Each claim is unique and will be processed on its individual merits. If a customer has questions about their insurance coverage, they can contact their State Farm representative or claims adjuster.” — Justin Tomczak, State Farm corporate communications

She said she also tried contacting her apartment complex to find a solution but had no luck.

“The apartment complex informed me that they would not replace the car or restore me to health in any way because it was not their (responsibility),” Campbell said. “They have a clause in the lease that says they are not responsible for our property.”

She added that even before the shooting, she had been pushing for more cameras in the complex, particularly in the back area where she lives.

10 On Your Side reached out to the complex and its management company over a week ago to discuss possible changes to security improvements following the recent shooting. We have not received a response yet.

In the meantime, Campbell said she’s trying to figure out how to get a new car while also trying to find a new home at some point.

“I’m definitely moving,” she said. “I definitely have to leave because I don’t feel safe, and I don’t feel safe at any time with my friends or family coming in and out of the house.”

Campbell has also started a GoFundMe to help her with these expenses. You can find it here.