Last year, Stratton Mitchell was killed on Atlantic Avenue the very first night of College Beach Week.

WTKR reports.

Business owners, locals worried about College Beach Week 2016

Virginia Beach – According to the social media account CBW2k16, a promoter for College Beach Week 2016, thousands of college students will be heading to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront the weekend of April 22nd through April 24th.

In previous years, College Beach Week has been violent. Last year, Stratton Mitchell was killed on Atlantic Avenue the very first night of College Beach Week. Three years ago, there were three reported stabbing and three reported shootings as well as numerous fights. Which is why many locals are preparing to get out of town before college students make their way to the beach.

“I will avoid the area I will stay away,” explained Candy Altizer, who has lived in Virginia beach for nearly 40 years.