Portsmouth Navy Hospital on Lockdown After Stabbing, Suspect Identified as Wilbur Harwell [Update]

UPDATE: Wilbur Harwell, 26, is being sought in connection to the stabbing. Harwell is an active-duty 3rd class petty officer. According to WVEC, the victim was also an active duty sailor and the two knew each other. Capt. Jake Johansson, Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads said in a press conference that the active-duty Sailors got into an altercation in front of the exchange that led to the stabbing. No additional details are available on what may have started the altercation at this time.

Harwell’s facebook page shows some of the struggles Wilbur may have been dealing with even years ago. In 2011, prior to making his facebook profile private, Harwell posts:

An alert went out just after 9:06am at Portsmouth Navy Hospital after a service member was stabbed at the Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads’ Portsmouth Annex. A “Code White”, which warns of an active shooter, was issued in the building. The building has been on lockdown since the incident as the search is underway for the suspect.

According to the local news station for the Portsmouth Navy area, WTKR, the stabbing suspect was described as a white male, approximately 165 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing tan cargo pants and a white shirt. WTKR is also reporting that I-264 at the Downtown Tunnel has a large police presence that may be related to this incident at the Portsmouth Navy Hospital

The Navy Support Activity Hampton Roads Facebook page initially released the following statement:

Navy Security Forces have responded to a stabbing of a service member this morning on Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Portsmouth Annex. The installation has been closed to incoming and outbound traffic. Personnel are being ordered to shelter in place. A search for the suspect is in progress. The stabbing occurred in front of the installation’s Navy Exchange. A motive is unknown at this time. Officials are directing those with appointments or business at the installation too stay away at this time. This is not a drill.

Shortly after the Navy Support Activity page added, “The victim was transported to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth with critical injuries. A motive is unknown at this time. Officials are directing those with appointments or business at the installation too stay away at this time. The Portsmouth Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and FBI have also responded. This is not a drill.”

Though the Code White when out at 9:06am the stabbing the Navy Support Activity center has said that the stabbing occurred at approximately 8:30am.

Inquisitr will keep you updated as more information about the Navy stabbing is made available.

Photo from Harwell’s Facebook