Police sort sniper clues

By Bryan McKenzie

Published: March 27, 2008

State and local police officials say they will heighten security in western Albemarle in the wake of sniper fire that struck four vehicles and wounded two travelers on Interstate 64, but warned residents and commuters to be cautious and report anyone or anything suspicious.

Col. Steve Flaherty, of the Virginia State Police, told reporters at a 10:30 a.m. news conference that police presence in the area would be increased. He said residents can help by reporting anything out of place.

“We’re planning right now what we’re going to do until we can get our arms around this and make sure it’s safe,” Flaherty said. “In the meantime, everybody needs to observant and cautious.”

Police from at least five agencies are searching for two people seen at the time when shots were fired at vehicles traveling on the interstate. Shots came from the overpass at Route 690 - Greenwood Station Road - and the Ivy exit on the interstate at exit 114. Shots were also fired at the Virginia Department of Transportation facility in Yancey Mills.

A Swoope man was treated at Augusta Medical Center for a shoulder injury after a bullet hit the windshield of his Mazda 3. A woman in the vehicle was not injured.

A woman hit while driving a van was also treated for minor injuries, police said.

Police closed a 20-mile stretch from milepost 96 in Augusta County near Waynesboro to U.S. 29 in Albemarle County from midnight to about 7 a.m.

Police also investigated a burglary-in-progress with gunshots fired that may have been related to the highway incidents and other incidents of shots fired into cars and homes. So far, those incidents have not been linked to the interstate shootings.

Flaherty declined to say what type of weapon was used, although preliminary reports indicated it may have been a .22-caliber rifle. He said the same caliber weapon was used in the three shooting locations - the two on the interstate and the Yancey Mills VDOT facility - but couldn’t say for sure if the same weapon was used.

Shell casings recovered at the overpass and Ivy exit sites are being sent for ballistics tests, he said.

Albemarle County school officials canceled classes for the day to prevent school-bound students from becoming potential targets.

Lee Catlin, county spokeswoman, said officials were worried that students driving to school or waiting at bus stops could be in danger.

“With the investigation still going on, and so many unknowns, there was concern for the safety of students and staff,” Catlin said. “We were concerned about students driving to school and waiting for buses with the investigation and search continuing.”

Reports of damage from gunshots have come in from around Greenwood, Crozet and the Yellow Mountain areas of Albemarle County

Jim Sacco and Cleve Wiese of the News Virginian contributed to this story.

Did you see anything? The Daily Progress and Waynesboro News Virginian are interested in hearing from motorists and residents who may have passed through the western Albemarle and Afton areas overnight when a gunman shot at passing cars, injuring two people.

If you can provide details or took any digital photos or video, please let us know.

E-mail your observations to or call 978-7271.