Update: Monday, 6:01 p.m. Albemarle County Police are reporting that a shooting at the Harris Teeter in Crozet appears to have begun in the parking lot of the shopping center, and are crediting a Good Samaritan with engaging the suspected shooter.
According to ACPD, units were dispatched to the scene at 1:35 p.m. for multiple reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responders located three adults suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
Two of the gunshot victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. The third victim was transported to UVA Medical Center in critical condition.
The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
At this point in the investigation, officers believe that the suspect began shooting in the parking lot, striking two others. The Good Samaritan was exiting Harris Teeter, according to police, and engaged the suspected shooter with their personal weapon.
The suspected shooter was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Good Samaritan was uninjured in the shooting.
Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, one of which is a rifle.
ACPD is still investigating the relation between the gunshot victims.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. Virginia State Police is assisting in the investigation.
First report: Monday, 4:03 p.m. Two people are dead after a shooting this afternoon at a Crozet shopping center whose tenants include a Harris Teeter and an Augusta Health clinic.
The Albemarle County Police Department said first responders located three gunshot wound victims at the scene, and two have been pronounced deceased.
The third victim was transported to UVA Medical Center.
The ACPD said “there is no further risk to the public.”
ACPD was dispatched to the 545 Radford Lane location in Crozet at approximately 1:35 p.m. for multiple reports of shots fired.
“We ask the community to please continue to avoid the area while the investigation continues,” read a statement for ACPD on social media.
Augusta Health: ‘Everyone inside the facility is safe’
Augusta Health issued a statement saying 10 people were in its primary care and urgent care location at the time of shooting. Two were patients.
“Augusta Health is relieved to confirm that everyone inside the facility is safe and accounted for.”
The community responds: ‘We’re not safe anywhere at this point’
As with most breaking news, online speculation ran rampant on the social media thread ranging from “it was two goons with shotguns” to a “man with an AR15.”
Community members expressed shock in response to news of the shooting at the Crozet shopping center.
“I’ve lived in Charlottesville my entire life and never thought it would be like this. I’ve never heard anything happening like this in the Crozet area. Clearly, we’re not safe anywhere at this point,” said one woman. “Prayers for all involved.”
Another woman posted in response: “Prayers don’t help. Gun laws might.”
Virginia State Police and the Albemarle County Police Department remain on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
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Crystal Graham
