This is a developing story.
UPDATE: The victim has died from his injuries, per an email sent by University President Jim Ryan this morning. Although it was previously reported that the victim was not affiliated with the University, Ryan said that it’s been determined he was a contractor with the University.
Ryan also said that there will be drop-in counseling opportunities offered by Counseling and Psychological Services Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Student Health and Wellness Building.
Following the uptick in gun violence, Ryan said that safety is a top priority for the University — Timothy Longo, chief of the University Police Department and vice president for security and safety, and Chief Operating Officer J.J. Davis will be working with their counterparts in Charlottesville and Albemarle to address the issue.
“Keeping members of this community safe is our most important responsibility,” Ryan wrote. “We will keep you apprised of our work and our progress.”
One individual has been injured in a shooting on Elliewood Ave., per a series of reports from the University emergency notification system. The shots fired alert was issued at 2:02 a.m., and the incident — alerts warning community members to shelter in place persisted until 3:25 a.m., and the situation was stable per an alert sent at 4:20 a.m.
The victim is not affiliated with the University. The suspect was believed to be in a Ford Fusion silver sedan traveling east on W. Main Stl, and may have had on a blue jacket and light colored pants. It is unclear now whether the suspect has been caught.
Elliewood Ave. is home to a number of bars and restaurants on the Corner frequented by students.
This incident comes following a string of recent reports of gun violence in Charlottesville — between Jan. 1 and March 12, the Charlottesville Police Department has responded to a total of 50 incidents related to shots being fired, including four homicides.
Since January, the University has received 12 community alerts — alerts sent to University community members containing information about a threat that can be released to the community without compromising any ongoing investigations. Incidents included a shooting near Red Roof Inn, a disorder with a weapon at Runk Dining Hall and a fatal shooting on Grove Street.
Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis held a public meeting Feb. 27 to address community concerns regarding the recent shootings. Kochis said that the department is understaffed and that the City averages one report of shots fired per day, often in neighborhoods.
U.Va. Alerts automatically sends an email to all members of the University community with a valid University email address when there is an imminent threat. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to add mobile phone numbers to their account to receive texts. Charlottesville community members without valid University email addresses can not receive these alerts.
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