State and local police are actively following leads related to a series of overnight shootings along and near Interstate 64 in Albemarle County and a neighboring jurisdiction. At least six vehicles were struck during the overnight hours of Thursday, March 27, 2008. More than 50 leads have already been called in morning and early afternoon.

Investigators encourage anyone with information to contact either the Virginia State Police at (434) 293-3223 or the Albemarle-Charlottesville CrimeStoppers Tip Line at (434) 977-4000.

At 12:10 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division Communications Center received a call about a vehicle being struck by gunfire from the Route 690 overpass as the vehicle was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 near the 106 mile marker. Virginia State Police immediately dispatched troopers to the caller’s location. Additional troopers and local police were then dispatched to other overpasses along the I-64 corridor.

During the next 20 minutes, additional calls came in concerning vehicles being struck by bullets along I-64. One incident was reported at the Exit 114 ramp leading to westbound I-64. At least three vehicles were shot in the westbound lanes of I-64 near the Route 690 overpass at the 106 mile marker. All four vehicles were occupied at the time of the shootings.

Two of the drivers traveling near the Route 690 overpass suffered minor injuries as a result of the shootings. The two individuals were treated at the Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville and released. One of the individuals was driving a minivan and the second individual was driving a sedan.

At 1:43 a.m. Thursday, Virginia State Police were notified of a Virginia Department of Transportation vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Yancey Mills VDOT maintenance facility. The dump truck, which had been shot several times, was unoccupied. The parking lot is located near I-64 at Exit 107 for Crozet.

State police are in the process of following on a recent report of a sixth vehicle having been possibly shot overnight.

Based on witness accounts, State Police suspect at least two individuals were involved in the shootings. No additional suspect or a vehicle description is available at this time.

State and local police are interviewing witnesses and victims, running down the various leads still coming in and analyzing evidence collected from the scenes and vehicles. State police are working with the ATF in the analysis of ballistic evidence also collected from the scenes and vehicles.

State police and Waynesboro Police are working together to determine if there is any link to the Interstate shootings and a reported shooting in the City of Waynesboro.

The investigation into these incidents involves Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police, Charlottesville Police, Waynesboro Police, Staunton Police, University of Virginia Police, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, ATF, US Marshal’s Service and the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney.

“State and local police are taking the necessary steps to make the immediate area and I-64 corridor safer for motorists and local residents,” says Col. W. Steven Flaherty, VSP Superintendent. “As investigators pursue the suspects involved in these incidents, motorists are advised to be vigilant and alert when traveling through the Albemarle County and Charlottesville area of I-64 and to report any suspicious activity to local or state police.”