UPDATE (12/24): The Charlottesville Police Department arrested an individual Wednesday in connection with the sexual assault incident that occurred on Dec. 17. The individual who was arrested was not affiliated with the University and has been charged with rape, abduction with the intent to defile and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, per a University-wide email alert.
The Charlottesville Police Department is investigating an abduction and rape that occurred Thursday night in the 700 block of Madison Avenue, near several apartment complexes popular among University students.
A man abducted at gunpoint a woman walking on the 700 block of Madison Avenue at approximately 10:15 p.m. Thursday, according to a CPD release. The assailant then took the victim behind a nearby apartment complex and raped her at gunpoint.
CPD described the suspect as a thin Black male, approximately 6’2” tall with short hair – possibly a buzzcut. The suspect was reportedly wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants at the time of the assault.
Tim Longo, chief of University police and associate vice president of safety and security, notified the community of the reported assault in a University-wide email at 1:56 p.m Friday.
Detectives and forensic teams are currently in the area of Madison Avenue to investigate the incident. In particular, they are seeking all possible surveillance video footage in the immediate area of the 700 block of Madison Avenue. CPD requests that all those with such a surveillance system contact the police department immediately at (434) 970-3280.
Individuals with any other information related to the case may contact CPD at the above number or anonymously provide information to Crimestoppers at (434) 977-4000. CPD is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest.
Survivors of sexual assault at the University have the option to report the incident by going directly to law enforcement and calling 911, filing through the University’s Just Report It website, contacting the University’s Title IX Coordinator or the Office of the Dean of Students, or by filing a police report at the hospital if seeking treatment through the U.Va. Emergency Department.
The University’s confidential resources include Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health’s gynecology and general medicine departments, the Student Disability Access Center and the Women’s Center’s counseling staff.
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