Virginia State Police continues investigation into ABC arrest of UVA student

The Virginia State Police expresses its sincere appreciation to the many citizens who have contacted the Department with tips, information, video, etc., concerning the March 18, 2015, arrest of a 20-year-old male in the City of Charlottesville. The investigation focuses on the circumstances surrounding and actions of Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) special agents during the arrest of Martese Johnson, 20, of Chicago, Ill.

Since the investigation was initiated the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office has fielded more than two dozen emails and phone calls concerning the March 18 incident. In addition, state police agents have conducted numerous interviews, and collected and reviewed video, photographs, and other evidence that have proven critically important to the investigation.

State Police reminds anyone who witnessed the incident or has information concerning the March 18 incident to email state police at [email protected] or call 1-877-482-8477. The arrest occurred at about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday (March 18) in the 1500 block of University Avenue in Charlottesville.

The comprehensive investigation remains ongoing and will take weeks to complete. The administrative review is being handled through the Virginia State Police Professional Standards Unit. The criminal investigation is being done in coordination with the City of Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney.