The Charlottesville Police Department is investigating a report of shots fired on Elliewood Avenue, according to a University-wide community alert sent early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. Friday.
A suspect is currently in custody, and there are no known injuries. Police and the fire department remained at the scene, and CPD tweeted that a large police presence would be expected on the Corner as the investigation continues. Police told CBS19 that dozens of shots were fired, and a white car was hit by multiple bullets.
One University alumnus shared on Twitter that he heard multiple shots in a short span of time from his apartment and saw people running from the bars outside. Bars located on Elliewood Avenue include The Biltmore, Coupe’s and Crozet Pizza at Buddhist Biker Bar, though the exact location the student was referencing is unclear.
In an email to Coupe’s employees posted to Reddit, management said the shots were fired near the Elliewood Avenue Parking Garage. One of the suspects fled the scene and hid his gun at a nearby building, then supposedly attempted to blend in at Coupe’s but was “arrested without incident almost immediately after entering.”
In a statement released Friday afternoon, CPD said that an officer was already on scene when the shooting began and witnessed the suspect firing a fully automatic weapon. The suspect was apprehended after he attempted to flee on foot and was later identified as Albemarle County resident Rahiem Ladu Bolden. Bolden was charged with five counts, including use of a machine gun for an aggressive purpose, discharge of a fireman in public spaces and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Approximately 40 shell casings were recovered from the scene.
This is the second community alert related to shots fired in the past month. The previous alert concerned reports of multiple shots fired near the intersection of 10th St NW and West Main St.
This is article has been updated with additional information from the Charlottesville Police Department. Check back for updates.
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