VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Residents say incidents similar to the one in which a 17-year-old boy in Virginia Beach died after being shot Monday night outside the Tallwood Apartments are rare.

Neighbors say they heard a series of gunshots just after 9 p.m., with police responding to a report of a shooting near the intersection of Kempsville Road and Schoolhouse Road, near the entrance to the apartment community.

“We heard six gunshots as we were laying in bed, and almost immediately we heard the sirens go off,” a woman told 10 On Your Side off camera.

“Kind of sounded like fireworks in quick succession, you know? So, like half a dozen gunshots. I figured that’s what they were. So I was just kind of waiting games and the lights would start popping up,” said Shane

Virginia Beach Police were called to Schoolhouse Road Monday night.

“I think with like two or maybe three other people and just came running across the street screaming and, you know, tried to go under the line. And the police were like, mom, mom, you know, stay back. Stay back. And she just, you know, kind of collapsed and was screaming. And then I heard her on the phone and she’s saying, he’s dead. He’s dead,” said another woman off camera.

The victim: 17-year-old Dejour “DJ” Crippen, who attended Indian River High School in Chesapeake. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

In a message sent to the Indian River High School community, principal Naomi Dunbar said Crippen was a senior at the school.

Dear Indian River High School Families,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the deeply sad news that one of our Braves, Senior Dejour “DJ”  Crippen, passed away this morning. This loss touches us all, and our thoughts and prayers are with Dejour’s family during this profoundly difficult time.

At Indian River High School, we are a close-knit community.  Please know, we recognize how painful this news may be for our students, staff, and families. We are here to support each other, especially DJ’s classmates, teachers, and those who knew him well.

To help our school community navigate this tragic loss, our guidance counselors, grief counselors, and crisis counselors will be available throughout the week for students and staff who may need support. We hope these resources will provide comfort and care to those who need it most.

Please remember that our Braves Family stands together during this time of grief. We are here to support you and your family however we can.

— Naomi Dunbar, principal, Indian River High School

Neighbors said an incident like this in their backyard is rare.

“Yeah, first time I’ve heard something like that. Yeah, Nothing. And I’ve been living here for almost three years, so nothing’s happened like this before. I feel very comfortable walking around the area, you know, walking around dark,” said

“I feel safe. Even though this just I was having this conversation with a friend earlier, even though this is something I still feel safe. As odd as that sounds that this just happened, I don’t I don’t suddenly feel like, you know, we’re not now we’re not in a safe area. I still feel safe. But it’s just shocking because it’s like, is this going to be a more common occurrence?” a woman asked off camera.

Now this is an ongoing investigation. Police ask if you know anything, you call the Crime Line with tips, 1-888-Lock-You-Up.