A Buffalo Gap High School senior is dead after a shooting on Maple Leaf Drive in Augusta County on Wednesday night.
Andrew “AJ” Wayne Mitts Jr., 18, of Staunton, died on the scene, according to authorities. His body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke.
A 19-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Staunton Augusta Rescue to a landing zone and flown by medical helicopter to the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville for treatment. His identity has not been released.
Multiple firearms were recovered at the scene. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Family: Mitts was taking out trash, caught in crossfire
Mitts was born in Fishersville and enjoyed fishing and basketball, according to his obituary. No date has been announced for a memorial service.
Amber Taylor, a close friend of AJ’s mother, has set up a gofundme to assist the family with unexpected funeral costs.
According to Taylor, Mitts was “taking out the trash when he was caught in the crossfire of a robbery and was shot five times.”
She described Mitts as “a great young man, set to graduate this year, with so much promise and a bright future ahead of him.”
Sheriff: Isolated incident involving illegal sale of handguns
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office account of the shooting, it was an isolated incident involving the illegal sale of handguns.
“We are still working to determine what led up to these events,” said Sheriff Donald Smith. “Please take a moment and pray for the family, friends and student body at Buffalo Gap High School during this difficult time.”
According to the ACSO, deputies responded to a report of a shooting at 7:46 p.m. While deputies were on the way, emergency dispatchers determined that two individuals sustained gunshot wounds.
ICYMI
Life-saving measures were attempted by responding personnel from Staunton Augusta Rescue, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, the Swoope Fire Department and Churchville Fire and Rescue.
Law enforcement was on the scene in the area of Pine Tree Lane and Maple Leaf Drive following the shooting to conduct its investigation.
AFP has reached out to the ACSO in an attempt to better understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (540) 245-5333.
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Crystal Graham
