Tag: Charlottesville Police Department

Categories
News

In brief

CPD says the investigation into Edward Anderson’s death remains open and ongoing. Photo via Charlottesville Police Department.

Pedestrian fatality

Charlottesville City Police are investigating the death of 42-year-old Edward Anderson, who was fatally struck by a vehicle in the 700 block of Nassau Street on July 6. The driver of the vehicle has not been charged or publicly identified, though there are contradictions between official accounts and claims made by community members on social media.

In a release shortly after the incident, CPD shared preliminary information based on witness accounts and information at the scene. According to the department, “further investigation and statements obtained indicated that Mr. Anderson attacked the female while she was in her parked vehicle. As the female attempted to flee the attack, she struck Mr. Anderson with her vehicle. The attack appears unprovoked, and the involved parties are not believed to be known to one another.”

The driver of the vehicle was an adult female and was still at the scene when officers arrived. CPD says an investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been filed in connection with Anderson’s death.

After the statement by CPD, allegations quickly emerged online contradicting the preliminary official account of the incident. CPD Chief Michael Kochis held a press conference on July 15 to address community concerns about the lack of arrest and contradicting reports.

“This tragedy has not only shaken two families, but also our community,” said Kochis. “In an attempt to communicate why there was not an immediate arrest, we put out preliminary information based on independent eyewitness accounts and initial evidence on the scene. Some may have taken this release as an indication that a conclusion had been reached in less than 24 hours. That is not true.”

Kochis called on community members to cease online speculation, directly mentioning a since-deleted Facebook post that was “very different than eyewitness accounts and the evidence at the scene.” In the post, the user alleged that she witnessed the incident and that the driver backed up over Anderson after hitting him before leaving the scene.

Detectives have reportedly spoken to the poster and determined that she was not an eyewitness but was instead repeating community speculation.

Comments below a livestream of the press conference show some community members remain critical of the official account of the incident. Several people expressed frustration with the withholding of the driver’s identity and race.

CPD is reportedly waiting on several key forensic reports, including the autopsy and lab reports on the vehicle and the weapon allegedly used by Anderson, which Kochis identified as a pair of scissors.

At press time, the investigation into Anderson’s death remains open and charges have not been filed against the driver. C-VILLE continues to follow the investigation.

Communities of care

The Charlottesville Human Rights Commission is hosting state legislators and representatives from HRCs in Virginia Beach, Alexandria, and Fairfax to provide community-centered legislative advice. Democratic leaders including Albemarle County Del.  Katrina Callsen and state Sen. Creigh Deeds will be in attendance. This initiative will help inform the commission’s recommendations for city council regarding the prioritization of human rights in local legislation ahead of the 2025 General Assembly session. Community members are encouraged to attend the  hybrid meeting on Thursday, July 18.

Trailblazing

On Sunday, July 14, Sen. Tim Kaine made a stop in Albemarle County while on the campaign trail. The Virginia Senator attended the canvass launch for the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Coordinated Campaign, where he shared his support for local Democratic leadership. He seeks reelection to a third term in office, having served as a Virginia senator since 2013.

File photo.

Keeping cool

The city of Charlottesville celebrated the expansion of crucial food bank cold storage with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11. With the completion of the expansion project, the cold storage capacity at Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has nearly tripled to 560 square feet. According to Charlottesville City Hall, the center provided aid to 22,000 community members in 2023. The expansion of the space will enhance the center’s ability to distribute fresh fruit and nutritious vegetables through its pantry networks and related services. “The City of Charlottesville is extremely proud to support them in their important work,” said Grants Analyst Anthony Warn in a press release.

Categories
News

CPD Chief says crime rates lower overall despite recent spike in gun violence

Charlottesville Chief of Police Michael Kochis vows to address recent surge in gun violence. Photo by Eze Amos.

Readers’ concerns over the recent spike in shootings in downtown Charlottesville have not gone unnoticed, but they belie a substantial overall drop in violent crime in the area, says city police. 

According to data available on the City of Charlottesville’s website, there have been 112 calls for “shots fired” in the city so far this year, compared to 138 in the same amount of time in 2023, a reduction of just under 19 percent. There has been a single homicide in Charlottesville this year, compared to four by this time last year. 

Charlottesville Chief of Police Michael Kochis says that while the improved numbers are good, people’s perception of safety is equally as important.

“I’m careful how I talk about numbers,” he says. “The statistics are important, but it’s also important how people feel … These shootings are happening at five o’clock in the afternoon when the kids are home from school and out on the street … It’s important how people feel and whether they feel safe.”

Kochis attributes the recent spike in gunshots heard throughout the city to an ongoing operation to stop two different groups from their cycle of continuous violence.

“We believe many of the recent calls for shots fired and gun arrests are connected to two groups who have been retaliating against each other,” he says. “We’re conducting an ongoing operation to find the people who are committing these crimes and put a stop to [them].” So far, the Charlottesville Police Department has made five arrests and removed 10 guns off the street, including two AR-style rifles, several pistols, and a modified, fully-automatic Glock.

The latter weapon Kochis refers to was part of an arrest made on June 13 at Tonsler Park. Richard Michael Sanders, Jr., of Charlottesville, was arrested on two counts of possession of a concealed weapon and three counts of possession of a firearm in a city park, both misdemeanors, as well as one felony count of possessing or using a machine gun. Sanders was also arrested a month ago for carrying a firearm on city property. 

Two others were arrested in connection with the incidents: Damillion Diggs, arrested on June 12, was charged with two counts of possession of a scheduled I or II narcotic and two counts of possession of a firearm by a nonviolent felon within 10 years. Police seized two AR-style rifles, an AR-style pistol, and three handguns in the arrest.

Malik Luck, of Charlottesville, was arrested in connection with the shootings on June 17, when two separate incidents of gunfire were reported within five minutes of each other. A third outbreak of gunfire was reported later that evening, resulting in a total of 81 shell casings recovered from multiple weapons between the three incidents. Luck faces charges of malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, which is itself a felony, as well as a misdemeanor count of reckless handling of a firearm. 

After three shots fired calls in a single day, CPD issued a press release vowing an increase in manpower to bring the incidents to an end. 

“CPD is continuing its operation into recent gun violence within the City,” the release read. “The operation is being expanded by adding additional resources and personnel. The operation is focused on individuals who are illegally possessing firearms and committing acts of violence within our community. The CPD is working closely with the Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to identify, arrest, and incarcerate those who continue to prey on our community.”

Kochis said that his department was not only increasing patrols, but building trust and working with the community to help restore peace in downtown.

“It’s very much an ongoing operation, and we’re increasing patrols in the areas where the shootings have taken place at the times that they have been taking place,” he says. “We’re also trying to build trust and better relationships within the community. It’s more than just patrols—it’s about being present.” 

Categories
News

In brief

Sen. Tim Kaine was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Supplied photo.

Cost of care

Sen. Tim Kaine stopped by Charlottesville on June 21 for a roundtable with the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.

Kicking off the discussion, JABA CEO Marta Keane highlighted how Kaine’s work to reduce healthcare costs through the Inflation Reduction Act and work on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee have benefitted local seniors.

As part of the IRA, maximum insulin prices have been set at $35 and annual out-of-pocket prescription costs have been capped for Medicare recipients. Other legislation co-sponsored by Kaine—the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays and Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Acts—aims to expand patient protections from potentially predatory medical and pharmaceutical practices.

One issue of particular concern to JABA leaders not addressed by existing legislation is the marketing of Medicare Advantage Plans in Virginia. While they may be a potentially good option for seniors in other states, where coverage and plan availability vary, several roundtable attendees indicated the plans have major pitfalls.

“The most common thing I hear from Medicare Advantage beneficiaries is, ‘I liked my Medicare Advantage plan until I had to use it,’” said Randy Rogers, JABA insurance counseling team manager.

Kaine acknowledged the concerns but told the press it would be difficult to pass a bill regulating marketing of Medicare Advantage plans given first amendment protections for commercial speech.

The senator’s conversation with JABA comes amid his reelection campaign. Kaine is currently running for a third term in the Senate and will face off against newly nominated Republican primary winner Hung Cao this November.

Supply drive

Charlottesville City Schools just closed for the summer, but families looking for help with supplies for the 2024-2025 school year can begin requesting free school supplies.

By applying through school-specific forms on the CCS website, families in need of assistance can request free school supplies and backpacks for each of their children. Supplies will be available for pickup during open houses and meet-and-greets at students’ schools later this summer.

People interested in donating to the drive, either through the Amazon wishlists or check donation, can find more information on the same site.

Beyond the supply drive, students in Charlottesville and Albemarle can also visit the Back to School Bash on August 10 at Ting Pavilion. In addition to classroom materials, haircuts and hairstyling will be available at the event. For a fun time, students can also check out the Back Together Bash on August 11 at the Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club, which will feature basketball, roller-skating, food, giveaways, and more.

Redemptive justice

The FBI has identified a suspect in the 1996 Shenandoah Park murders of Julianne Williams and Laura “Lollie” Winans through DNA testing. In a June 20 announcement, FBI Special Agent Stanley Meador indicated new DNA tests gathered from evidence matched the profile of Walter “Leo” Jackson Sr. A convicted serial rapist, Jackson died in an Ohio prison in 2018 while serving time for other offenses.

Triple threat

Police have responded to multiple shots-fired calls in the last week alone. Around 5pm on June 17, police responded to two calls at Sixth Street SE and Monticello Avenue, as well as the 1400 block of Midland Street. Suspect Malik Luck is charged with three offenses and is in custody. Later that evening, CPD responded to calls at the 900/1000 block of South First Street where, after an investigation, 69 shell casings were recovered. The morning of June 20 at Carlton Avenue, an 18-year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds to her upper body and was rushed to UVA Medical Center, where she remains in serious condition. Five charges have been placed against 25-year-old Travis William Herndon, who turned himself in on June 23. All incidents remain under investigation.

Backed support

Following Gloria Witt’s victory in the Democratic primary for the 5th district congressional seat, she is kicking off her campaign with a visit to Louisa alongside 2025 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger currently represents Virginia as a congresswoman in the 7th district and is the only candidate in the Democratic primary for governor. Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot run for reelection due to a ban on consecutive gubernatorial terms in Virginia.

Categories
News

In brief

Leaders from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and city council joined Sen. Warner at the affordable housing roundtable. Supplied photo.

Money matters

Local housing advocates and city leadership sat down with Sen. Mark Warner at Kindlewood on June 14. The senator delivered a $650,000 check from Congress, which Piedmont Housing Alliance will use to establish a permanent Financial Opportunity Center and Housing Hub in the affordable housing community.

Formerly known as Friendship Court, Kindlewood is in the middle of a massive resident-led redevelopment, with support from PHA, numerous nonprofit organizations, and local government. Beyond structural improvements, the project will add more community resources, including the FOCHH.

“The Financial Opportunity Center and Housing Hub … serves Charlottesville City residents, Albemarle County residents, Nelson County residents, the whole range, and it’s a one-stop shop for people to come for housing- or financial-related opportunities,” said Sunshine Mathon, CEO of PHA.

Benefits of the center include access to HUD-certified housing counselors, financial and housing coaching and information, and down payment support opportunities. The FOCHH has been operating out of a temporary location on High Street, but the plan has always been to have a permanent location at Kindlewood.

“A lot of our residents don’t have cars,” said Mathon. “Having access to walkable or busable locations really removes a barrier.”

Beyond the FOCHH, Sen. Warner and local leaders spoke about potential next steps to address Charlottesville’s housing crisis.

While Warner is proud of several Democratic accomplishments in recent years, he lamented the lack of action on affordable housing.

“If we step back and we think about over the last four or five years, particularly coming out of COVID, the one area the federal government didn’t do that much on was housing, and now we’ve got housing shortages everywhere,” said Warner. “The most important thing we could do today is get the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.”

In addition to calling on the Fed to reduce rates, the senator spoke to the benefits of Community Development Financial Institutions and the LIFT [Low-Income First Time Homebuyers] Act introduced by Warner and Sens. Tim Kaine, Raphael Warnock, Chris Van Hollen, and Jon Ossoff.

The LIFT Act—first introduced in 2021—would allow first-time, first-generation homebuyers to purchase a home with a 20-year mortgage at a 30-year rate.

Legislation like the LIFT Act and other federal efforts aimed at addressing affordable housing are crucial, according to Mathon.

“Where we really need to see scaled investment is in affordable homeownership, and the local and state level have some resources to support that, but at the federal level, it’s pretty minimal,” he said. “If we’re going to really make a dent in the homeownership disparity rates between Black and white households in our community, we have to invest federal-level resources to unlock that.”

Shots fired

Around 5:30am on Wednesday, June 12, Charlottesville Police Department Officers dispatched to the 100 block of Harmon Street following reports of shots fired. A total of 41 shell casings from a pistol and rifle were found at the scene. A single home was struck along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. No one was injured in the incident. Police Chief Michael Kochis believes this was a targeted offense connected to other shots-fired investigations and community feuds.

Heading home

Photo via UVA Athletics Communications.

The Hoos have been knocked out of the College World Series. After a nailbiter 3-2 loss to the University of North Carolina in the opening game of the tournament, the Cavs entered into an elimination game against Florida State on June 16. The Seminoles quickly pulled ahead, with the score at 7-0 at the end of the sixth inning. Virginia finally got onto the board with two runs in the seventh inning, but was not able to catch up to Florida’s lead, culminating in a 7-3 game.

Cooling off

The City of Charlottesville is reminding residents to stay cool ahead of a major heat wave hitting the area this week. With humidity bringing the heat index over 100 degrees, those looking to escape the hot temps can head to the cooling centers at Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center and the central branch of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. For more information on cooling center hours and tips for managing the blazing weather, visit charlottesville.gov.

Categories
News

In brief

Prior to his election to the state Senate, John McGuire served in the House of Delegates for six years. Supplied photo.

Trump says Good bad

Former president Donald Trump weighed in on the heated primary between Rep. Bob Good and state Sen. John McGuire, formally endorsing McGuire in a Truth Social post on May 28.

“Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently,” posted Trump. “John McGuire has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

The race between Good and McGuire for the Republican primary nomination for Virginia’s fifth district kicked off in November 2023, shortly after McGuire was elected to the state Senate. While Good is the chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, McGuire and other Trump loyalists have slammed the representative for his previous endorsement of Ron DeSantis in the presidential primary and have accused Good of being a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) and “never Trumper.”

Trump’s endorsement of McGuire has sent an already hotly contested primary into overdrive. Both candidates have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, and more than $6 million in independent expenditures—either in support of or against the candidates—has been spent so far, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Early voting for the Republican and Democratic primaries in VA-5 is already underway and runs until June 15. For more information on local early voting hours and locations, visit your local registrar’s website.

Primary election day is June 18, with polls open from 6am to 7pm statewide.

Play ball

Photo by UVA Athletics Communications.

The University of Virginia has been selected as one of 16 teams to host a regional for the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. Players from Mississippi State, St. John’s, and the University of Pennsylvania will join the Cavaliers at Ted Davenport Field at Disharoon Park for the Charlottesville regional, which runs from May 31 to June 3.

The Cavs will face Penn’s Quakers in the opening game at noon on May 31, with St. John’s and Mississippi playing ball later that night at 7pm. The teams will then go into a doubleheader on Saturday, June 1.

This year’s event marks the 11th time the Hoos have hosted NCAA Regionals and the 21st time UVA has competed in the playoffs.

“Certainly, you have to perform on the field, and your team each and every year has to earn that opportunity,” Head Coach Brian O’Connor told VirginiaSports.com. “But you also have to have a facility and a fan base to drive that, to put in a bid that’s competitive … Our fans come out for the games, even the games that we’re not playing in, and it’s just a great atmosphere for college baseball.”

Access denied

Community organizers are calling on the University of Virginia to drop its no trespass order against Mustafa Abdelhamid, who was one of 27 people arrested at the pro-Palestine encampment at UVA on May 4. The order has led to the rescinding of Abdelhamid’s externship at UVA Medical Center, and it has jeopardized the Piedmont Virginia Community College student’s anticipated graduation. The nursing student alleges he was in the area delivering an order for DoorDash and that he was not aware of the declaration of an unlawful assembly.

Missing teen

Portillo Abreago was reported as a runaway after not returning home from school. Photo via Charlottesville Police Department.

The Charlottesville Police Department is seeking information about Portillo Abreago, a missing child from Washington, D.C., most recently seen in the 500 block of Park Street on May 24. Abreago is 14 years old, 4’5,” with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information can contact CPD at 910-3280.

Good food

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank announced the results of its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 23, bringing in a whopping 90,967 pounds of food. The donations will reportedly produce 76,006 meals for local people experiencing food insecurity. “Together, we are making a difference and helping to ensure that no one in our community goes without healthy, nutritious food,” shared the group on Facebook.

Categories
News

In brief

Pro-Palestine protestors are frustrated with UVA leadership’s decision to bring in police on May 4. Photo by Eze Amos

Graduation procession

A group of pro-Palestine students walked out of the University of Virginia graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Hundreds of graduates have recently walked out of commencement ceremonies across the country.

“NO COMMENCEMENT WITHOUT DIVESTMENT,” shared @uvaencampmentforgaza on Instagram. The post highlights banners displayed by protesters, reading “BLOOD ON UVA’S HANDS” and “DISCLOSE DIVEST.”

Graduates could be spotted carrying watermelon balloons—which have the same colors as the Palestinian flag—in support of the anti-war movement. Students who participated in the protest left when President Jim Ryan appeared on stage.

“NO TIME FOR JIM LYING WHEN GAZA IS DYING,” said @uvaencampmentforgaza in the same Instagram post. “We walked out of commencement this weekend for the students killed in Gaza who will never get to graduate.”

The graduation walkout is the latest in a series of protests at UVA, including an encampment which Virginia State Police forcefully dispersed on May 4. More than two dozen people were arrested at the encampment, including 12 students, according to the university.

“Those of us who were arrested on May 4, 2024, by the University Police, Charlottesville Police, and State Police are facing criminal charges. We reject the distinction dividing UVA students, staff and faculty, and the greater Charlottesville community,” said a majority of the arrestees in a statement released through the Charlottesville Anti-Racist Media Liaisons on May 15. “While each arrestee is making personal decisions on how best to proceed, we stand united as a group and focused on the fight for a free Palestine.”

Drawing up plans

Sunshine Mathon. Supplied photo.

Piedmont Housing Alliance was awarded a $100,000 Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts on May 15. The money will go toward planning for a “resident-driven, permanent public art installation” in the Kindlewood neighborhood.

The art installation is the latest development in the larger redevelopment of Kindlewood. The public housing community has undergone several improvement projects in recent years, including the renaming of the neighborhood from Friendship Court to Kindlewood in 2023.

Residents have been heavily involved in the redevelopment process and
will remain involved in  the upcoming art project.

“Working with artists, Kindlewood residents, community stakeholders, and the city of Charlottesville, Piedmont Housing will facilitate the collaborative creation of an installation that will reflect the fraught history, rich culture, and thriving future of this neighborhood,” said PHA Executive Director Sunshine Mathon in a press release. “We hope this effort will serve as a catalyst for other parts of Charlottesville to reckon with the past through place-based storytelling.”

Bringing home the BACON

The Best All-Around Club of Nerds (BACON) at Charlottesville High School soared to new heights last week, taking home first and second place in the skills contest at a regional drone competition. Juniors Jacob Weder and River Lewis won individual accolades at the event, setting new world records in the skills piloting and autonomous flight events respectively.

Historical markers

Swords Into Plowshares marked the 100th anniversary of the installation of the Robert E. Lee Statue at Market Street Park on May 21. The Recast/Reclaim event included portions from the original dedication ceremony and remarks from community members. While the Lee Statue has already been melted down for the SIP project, the group is currently collecting community feedback as to where the resulting public art installation should be located.

CPD annual report

The Charlottesville Police Department released its 2023 Annual Report on May 15. The report includes data about the demographics of the force, complaints, and crimes reported. Crime data largely remained unchanged compared to 2022, with a total of 3,317 Group A offenses—which includes crimes against persons, property, and society. The vast majority of Group A offenses reported were crimes against property. The department received 32 complaints in 2023, with 24 violations sustained, five exonerated, one not resolved, and 18 unfounded. The full report can be found at charlottesville.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/252.

Categories
News

In brief

Photo by Eze Amos.

In other words

While UVA leadership has continued to stress its willingness to engage with students over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, one such conversation did not proceed as planned on Thursday, May 9, when members of Apartheid Divest—a coalition of 43 student groups—walked out on a pre-scheduled meeting with UVA President Jim Ryan. More than 30 students stood in silence outside the meeting room, with their hands raised and painted red, as remarks and demands were read aloud to the UVA president.

Ryan listened to the statement in silence, leaving after the group started to chant, “35,000 dead and you arrested kids instead” and “Jim Ryan you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide.”

In a statement to the Daily Progress about the decision to not move forward with the meeting as planned, Apartheid Divest member Josh Rosenberg said, “President Ryan’s actions were so inexcusable that there was no way we could have a good faith conversation with him after he refused to engage in good faith with students protesting peacefully for Palestine.”

Further division over how to best address UVA’s decision to call in police to break up the encampment arose on Friday, May 10, at a faculty senate meeting. Upper leadership, including Ryan, Longo, and Vice President and Provost Ian Baucom, attended the first portion of the gathering, and were grilled by several members and a small contingent of supporters among the faculty.

At the height of the conversation, multiple professors expressed their frustration with administration not dismissing the no trespass orders issued to protesters on the scene, especially those issued to faculty members and current students.

After leadership left, the senate passed an amended resolution calling for an external review of the events of Saturday, May 4, but declined to pass a resolution of solidarity.

Moving up

Supplied photo.

On May 13, Jamie Gellner started as the new Director of Transportation for Albemarle County Schools.

Prior to her current role, Gellner served as the Director of Special Projects, Program Evaluation, and Department Improvement for ACPS. She also has a background in transportation management, with experience in both Charlottesville and Fairfax.

“Our students deserve safe, reliable transportation services that support their education,” said Gellner in a release from ACPS. “I am eager to collaborate with students, families, and, of course, the dedicated staff of the Department of Transportation to implement innovative solutions and ensure every student arrives at school safely, on time and ready to learn.”

Gellner’s appointment comes at the tail end of a bumpy school year for bussing in the county, which experienced a driver shortage at the start of the 2023-24 school year. After three months, ACPS was able to expand bus services to all students requesting transportation outside of the walk zone.

Over the summer, Gellner will be working to minimize potential driver shortages that may pop back up this fall.

Cause for celebration

It’s graduation season in Charlottesville! Celebrations kick off at the University of Virginia on Friday, May 17, with events including valedictory exercises, the Donning of the Kente ceremony, and the Fourth Year Class Party. The main ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, at 9am, with respective commencement speakers Daniel Willingham and Risa Goluboff. Expect traffic delays at the Corner, Downtown Mall, and just generally all of Main Street over the weekend.

Phoning in

The Charlottesville Police Department will resume responses for some non-emergency calls on June 1. Responses were temporarily paused in 2021 due to staffing shortages. Significant improvements to staffing will allow officers to respond to credit card fraud, false pretense, impersonation, larceny, vandalism, and lost property calls in person.

Compromise concessions

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a compromise budget passed by the Democratically controlled state legislature on Monday, May 13. While the new version includes funding for schools and pay increases for teachers and other state employees, other key Democratic priorities were scrapped on the bargaining table. Notable changes include the exclusion of language requiring reentry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the removal of any tax increases or decreases.

Categories
News

‘Permanent damage’

Charges against Patrick McNamara were dropped on April 11. Supplied photo.

After almost three months, Charlottesville police have dropped charges against Patrick McNamara for the January 12 assault of a woman on the Rivanna Trail. The case against McNamara has been dismissed, but the arrest continues to affect his life.

On January 18, McNamara was taking a break outside while working from his apartment when he was approached by a CPD detective and placed under arrest. “It is not wise to talk to the police even if you’re innocent. I’m naive and thought, ‘this is a mistake,’” he says. “I didn’t know what I was being arrested for.”

Court filings indicate McNamara was arrested based on eyewitness identification by the victim, who was assaulted at approximately 9:39am on January 12 less than half a mile from the Rivanna Trail underpass at Free Bridge. The victim described the suspect as a “white male with short brown hair and an athletic build, approximately 6’2″, possibly 20-30 years old … wearing a white puffy jacket with a dark hooded sweatshirt underneath, which was pulled up over his head.”

When shown an image of McNamara by a friend on January 16, the victim identified him as her attacker. She later told law enforcement she was “100 percent positive” it was McNamara who assaulted her, according to court filings.

Following his arraignment and release on bond, McNamara was suspended from his job and given three days to vacate his apartment by his leasing company.

On January 22, investigators obtained surveillance footage from Cosner Brothers Body Shop. The video shows McNamara passing the victim without incident, and later a different individual in a puffy white coat can be seen in the area.

The person who collected the video initially told the case agent there was “nothing of value” on the recording, and “never prepared a supplement documenting its collection.”

The commonwealth’s attorney’s office was not aware of the surveillance footage or its content until April 9, following a letter submitted by McNamara’s attorney—Rhonda Quagliana—on April 8 requesting police obtain surveillance and video footage from 19 locations.

Charlottesville Police are currently conducting an internal investigation into the handling of the footage.

Both the commonwealth’s attorney’s office and Quagliana filed motions to dismiss the charges against McNamara on April 11. While Quagliana’s filing is a complete rebuke of law enforcement’s treatment of McNamara and its handling of the case, the commonwealth called for a dismissal on the grounds that “there is no longer proof beyond a reasonable doubt to support this prosecution.”

The charges against him have been dropped, but McNamara’s trying to piece his life back together: He still hasn’t heard from his job about reentry, he still doesn’t have a place to live, and he still feels isolated.

“The truth of the matter is that there’s permanent damage,” says McNamara. “I’m upset at the presumption of guilt that was levied upon me by all the institutions in my life.”

“I know I’m innocent. It’s hard for me to articulate to somebody what it feels like,” he says. “I have a lot of really good friends and I’m very thankful for that. I know that their assumption was, ‘Patrick couldn’t have done this, this is ridiculous.’ But to what degree of certainty I will never know.”

McNamara says the arrest has impacted all of his personal relationships.

“The commonwealth’s attorney made it sound like … ‘we don’t have enough to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt.’ The police chief has spoken publicly since then and said, ‘we didn’t have enough to go beyond reasonable doubt,’” says McNamara. “That’s embarrassing language. … It’s just, frankly, it’s bullshit. And because of that, people will always doubt maybe I did it.”

Charlottesville Police Department declined to answer questions from C-VILLE about the handling of the investigation and interactions with McNamara. “Chief Kochis has done numerous engagements on various media outlets regarding the case,” wrote Public Safety Information Officer Kyle Ervin in an email. “Please refer to any previous comments made on the matter.”

As he contemplates how to move forward, McNamara says he is speaking to lawyers about potential legal action, but what he wants most is change and a return to normalcy.

“I don’t think it’ll ever be the same as it was on January 17,” he says. “I think there’s gonna be difficulties until the arrest is completely expunged from my record.”

“What happened in the legal process was unacceptable,” McNamara says. “It is scary. It is dangerous. And I am just a random, nameless citizen of this town that was caught up in this system. And if it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody. And that, to me, is very scary until there’s change. What does change look like? I don’t know.”

At press time CPD has not issued a news release about McNamara’s charges being dropped, and has not updated the original release detailing his arrest.

Categories
News

In brief

Photo by Tristan Williams.

Rock solid

Dave Matthews Band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the star-studded class of 2024.

Musical acts become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first recording, and are inducted based on voting by more than 1,000 music historians, industry professionals, and current Hall of Fame members. Since 2012, fan voting has been a part of membership consideration, giving the winner of the poll one additional vote toward induction. In its first year of eligibility (2020), DMB was the first and only group to win the popularity poll, but not be inducted into the hall.

Eligibility, nominations, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been the subject of much national attention since its founding in the 1980s. After decades of snubbing Rock and Roll icons, the hall now balances honoring iconic figures years after they became eligible and inducting newer acts.

Joining DMB in the Class of 2024 are Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, Foreigner, and A Tribe Called Quest. While this year marks the largest group of inductees ever, several nominees were snubbed, including Sinéad O’Connor, who died last year.

“Dave Matthews Band is honored to be in the @rockhall Class of 2024,” the band said on X/Twitter. “Congrats to our fellow nominees and thanks so much to all of our fans for the support!”

The Class of 2024 will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mascot mania

Finalist for new middle school mascot. Charlottesville City Schools.

Along with a new name and building, Charlottesville’s only middle school will soon have a new mascot. Voters have until April 30 to tell Charlottesville City Schools their preference from the list of finalists: the Black Knights, “another type of knight”(e.g. Junior Knights, Orange Knights), the Chargers, and the Monarchs.

The final choices were selected through an earlier survey conducted by the school district, with each potential mascot illustrated through stock photos and AI-generated images to give voters a feel for potential logos. CCS emphasizes that the “images shown are only starting points,” and it will work with a designer once a mascot is selected.

Regardless of which mascot comes out on top, the school’s colors and logo will be orange and black to match Charlottesville High School’s colors.

The district has not given a timeline for the selection of the mascot or revealed a final design, but Buford Middle School will formally be renamed Charlottesville Middle School when the new building is officially opened for the 2025-26 school year.

UVA assault

University of Virginia police responded to an assault April 21 on the 1400 block of University Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 2am, left one adult male victim with serious injuries. He was sent to UVA Medical Center. University police transferred the case to the Charlottesville Police Department, and detectives have begun an investigation. Photos of individuals sought by CPD are available at charlottesville.gov/1741/police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CPD at 970-3280 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 977-4000.

Burn out

One of the tiki torch-bearers from August 11, 2017, has pleaded guilty to participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Tyler Bradley Dykes, 26, of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was arrested in Charlottesville last year, took a guilty plea on two felony counts regarding his assault on Capitol police officers. According to the plea agreement, Dykes faces a maximum of eight years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Dog’s day

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA raised more than $100,000 this year during its 11th annual bow-WOW-walk fundraiser, which was held on April 20 at Boar’s Head Resort. The event featured both a competitive 5K race and a leisurely dog walk. Pet owners could also enter their furry friends into competitions for best trick, best costume, and pet-owner look-alike. According to CBS19, more than 250 people attended the fundraiser, whose proceeds will go to homeless animals and programs at CASPCA.

Categories
News

In brief: Court rules on tax suit, CPD report released, and more

Novelists John Hart and Corban Addison (pictured here with their attorney Renée Flaherty in 2019) are freelancers who work from home or remote locations, and who sued the city and county over the business license tax. The city lost the case brought by Addison in circuit court, and the Virginia Supreme Court is now considering the city’s appeal. Photo: Eze Amos

To tax or not to tax

The Virginia Supreme Court is considering the merits of an appeal brought by the City of Charlottes­ville in a lawsuit over who is required to pay its business license tax.

Best-selling author Corban Addison sued the city in 2019 after receiving a letter telling him he was required to pay the tax based on his income as a freelance writer for current and previous years.

“I have lots of author friends, and none of them at that point that I knew was paying a business license tax in the county or the city,” Addison says. “It was just sort of logical because I wasn’t inviting customers. I didn’t have… a physical plant that was just creating intellectual property and licensing it to publishers.”

Addison, who is also an attorney, read the city code and didn’t see how it applied to freelancers. 

“My response to the city was, how am I a service? I mean, that really is the nub. The fundamental issue in the case, even now in front of the Virginia Supreme Court,” says Addison.

The Charlottesville Circuit Court agreed with Addison and ruled against the city. The Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments in the city’s appeal on April 20.

Attorney Keith Neely with the Institute for Justice, the organization representing Addison, says the Virginia Supreme Court’s ruling could have significance well beyond the City of Charlottesville.

“There are many municipalities across the state of Virginia that share similar tax codes,” says Neely. “So this could have some far-reaching ramifications on taxpayers across the commonwealth.”

A similar lawsuit brought by author John Hart in Albemarle County has been stayed while the Charlottesville appeal continues.

Same pattern

Last week, the Charlottesville Police Department released its 2021 annual report, revealing the continued disproportionate arrests of Black residents.

Both in 2020 and 2021, 56 percent of people arrested in Charlottesville were Black, while 42 percent were white. Only about 15 percent of the city’s population is Black, according to the 2020 census.

However, 2021 had 831 arrests—a slight decrease from 2020’s 922 arrests.

Last year, there were no homicides, but around a 20 percent increase in “crimes against persons,” including 19 forcible rapes, 121 aggravated assaults, and 496 simple assaults. In 2020, there were four homicides, 17 forcible rapes, 115 aggravated assaults, and 368 simple assaults.

Though there was a slightly more than 5 percent drop in “crimes against society” in 2021, there was about a 17 percent rise in “crimes against property,” largely burglaries, destruction of property, thefts of motor vehicles, and other larcenies. The largest uptick was thefts of motor vehicle parts or accessories, which rose from 47 incidents in 2020 to 172 in 2021.

Despite calls from community members to reallocate police funding to community services, this month City Council approved a $20 million CPD budget for the next fiscal year—a nearly 7 percent increase from last year.

CPD’s 2021 annual report shows that arrests in the city have dropped, but the disproportionate arrests of Black people has continued. 
Photo: City of Charlottesville

In brief

High roller

It could be your lucky day—a Powerball ticket worth $50,000 purchased at the Fas Mart on Rolkin Road on November 1 hasn’t been claimed. The ticket matched four of the first five winning numbers—9, 25, 34, and 44—and the 8 Powerball. The winner must contact the Virginia Lottery before 5pm on May 2 to take home the prize. 

Order up

After doing takeout only at its new IX Art Park spot for the past two years, Lampo will reopen its original Belmont location for dine-in this summer. But if you still want to grab a slice to go, Lampo2GO will remain open at IX.

No relief

The Virginia Rent Relief Program will stop accepting new applications on May 15. State officials claim the program has recently received a surge in applications, and may not have enough funding available to fulfill the requests. Those from households that make less than half their area’s median income—or with one or more people who have been unemployed for at least 90 days—will be prioritized until the deadline. 

Slow down

The family of Rahmean Rose-Thurston unveiled a new memorial on Fifth Street last week, in honor of the 23-year-old Charlottesville resident who died in a motorcycle accident on the road in 2020. In the last six years, seven people have died in accidents on Fifth Street. Last month, the city lowered the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph, and announced plans to hire an engineering firm to consider additional safety improvements.

Anti-anti-racism

Former Agnor-Hurt Elementary assistant principal Emily Mais filed a lawsuit against Albemarle County Public Schools claiming school employees harassed and retaliated against her after she used the term “colored people”—instead of “people of color”—during a training session, and complained about the division’s anti-racism policy. The complaint alleges Mais, who is white, was forced to resign due to a “racially hostile and divisive work environment” in August.