Sunday Night Shooting in Melfa, Virginia - Arrest Made

James V.Rankin

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on May 4, 2014 at approximately 02:26 AM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of an altercation between two subjects on Back Street near Melfa. While deputies were enroute to the scene, additional information was received that indicated a subject had been shot at this same address. 

Upon law enforcement's arrival on the scene, one victim was located with an apparent gunshot wound to the body and a suspect was located nearby and taken into custody. The victim was transported by EMS to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was treated and subsequently released.

As a result of this incident, James V. Rankin, 31 years old of Melfa, was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Rankin is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Virginia State Police along with officers from the Onancock, Onley and Parksley Police Departments assisted with this incident.

Anyone with information on this or any other incident may contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666. Tips may also be submitted through the sheriffs office website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

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