YORKTOWN — York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (YPSO) has announced that an arrest has been made in relation to the shooting of a 3-year-old boy on Wednesday, March 23.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, YPSO arrested Ayannah Mercedes Chapman, a 22-year-old female identified as the victim’s mother, for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana (more than 5 lbs.) and two felony counts of endangerment, cruelty or injuries to children.
Investigators located approximately 35 lbs. of marijuana and over $15,000 in cash at Chapman’s apartment, located in the 7400 block of George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) in Yorktown. Additionally, investigators located multiple firearms, rounds of ammunition, and magazines.
Chapman was transported to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail where she is being held without bond.
Also on Wednesday, YPSO issued warrants for the child’s biological father, identified as 22-year-old Canaan Lamont Fleming. The warrants are for the following: shooting into an occupied dwelling, maiming, two counts of child abuse, and reckless handling of a firearm. YPSO reported that Fleming lived in the residence with Chapman and the victim.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, York County’s Emergency Communications Center received a call from Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News that a 3-year-old child was the victim of a shooting. The child was brought to the hospital by a family member with what were later determined to be non-life-threatening injuries. YPSO notes that the victim was treated for his injuries and released into the care of a family member on Wednesday.
YPSO is asking that anyone with any information regarding the whereabouts of Canaan Lamont Fleming to contact the Crime Line at (888) LOCK-U-UP or the department’s Facebook Tip Line at (757) 890-4999. Residents should refer to case #2201166.
WYDaily will continue to keep you up-to-date on this developing story as more information becomes available.