Two Men Arrested after Fake Active Shooting Report in Accomack Co.

ACCOMAC, Va. – The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has arrested two men on Wednesday afternoon after responding to what turned out to be a false emergency call for an active shooter.

At 1:19 p.m. on Apr. 29, deputies received a call reporting that a Black male was seen entering a residence on the 24000 block of Front Street carrying an AR-15-style rifle, after which three to four gunshots were immediately heard. The suspect was described as shirtless and with tattoos on his arm.

Upon deputies’ arrival, they observed a suspect identified as 20-year-old Tyler Malik Bynum of Accomac immediately flee from the residence. Deputies were unable to confirm if Bynum was in possession of the reported firearm at that time. Deputies pursued on foot and requested K-9 assistance, resulting in an established perimeter for tracking. Bynum was known to ACSO to have active felony warrants related to voter fraud and to be a violent convicted felon.

At 3:57 p.m., K-9 deputies advised that one suspect was in custody and requested emergency medical services for Bynum, who sustained K-9 bite injuries while continuing to flee. He was transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital for treatment. During Bynum’s apprehension, he physically assaulted the K-9.

After being released from the hospital, Bynum was taken into custody for three felony counts of voter fraud. Additional charges were obtained for attempted killing or injuring of a police animal and obstruction. Bynum is currently held in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

After further investigation, it was discovered that the call to the ACSO initiating the response for an active shooter at the location was false. Deputies identified 19-year-old Malik Lee Jones of Tasley as the individual who made the call. Jones was charged with one felony count of making a false emergency communication to emergency personnel resulting in injury. Jones is also being held in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Virginia State Police, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact ACSO at (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666. Tips may also be submitted online through the Sheriff’s Office website here.