I-64 Travelers are cautious, shocked

By Bob Stuart / The News Virginian
Published: March 27, 2008

CROZET — Joanne Hart, of Waynesboro, was on her way to her job as a rest area attendant at Interstate 64 mile marker 105 around 5:30 this morning when she discovered the interstate was closed.

The Virginia State Police shut down more than a 20-mile stretch of I-64 in either direction after shootings wounded two people shortly after midnight.

The interstate reopened shortly after 6 this morning, and congestion had cleared by 7, said VDOT spokesman Lou Hatter.

“I called work and they told me about the shooting,’’ Hart said, when arriving at the rest stop three hours later. “I was scared to come to work. I will keep my eyes open more clearly.”

Jan Gillis, of Harrisonburg, watched television reports about the sniper activity before leaving for a trip to Charlottesville this morning.

“I wouldn’t have come but I have business training today,’’ said Gillis, who found herself watching vehicles beside her and those pulled off the road as she traveled down the interstate.

Army Sgt. Anthony Foronda, of Roanoke, took a break at the Crozet rest stop on his way to Richmond.

“As a father with kids this kind of stuff scares you,’’ Foronda said. “These people have no regard for human life.”

Barton Dick, of Harrisonburg, said he associates such shootings with big cities.

“I wouldn’t expect this in this area,’’ he said. “This is more metropolitan.”