Shooting Update - Sheriff's Department Media Release

Press release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office
April 6, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sheriff Fisher or Captain Hanger
540-245-5333

On April 5, 2010, the Augusta County Sheriff's Office received a call that two people had been shot and wounded at the Rock Point Overlook, mile maker 10, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The call was received at the Augusta County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at 7:43 pm. The victims are a white female, age 18, from the Palmyra area of Fluvanna County, Virginia and a white male, age 27, of Charlottesville, Virginia. The female is in stable condition. The male is in serious condition and both are at the UVA Hospital in Charlottesville. Both were struck by a shotgun blast in the upper area of their bodies. The male fell some 150 feet off of the overlook after being struck. The female was picked up by a man and wife who were driving along the parkway. They called 911 and met law enforcement and rescue officials at the Afton Mountain intersection of the parkway. The victims were in a green Honda passenger car which was recovered at the overlook where they had been sitting watching the sunset.

At this time, law enforcement officials are looking for a suspect vehicle described as a red or maroon passenger car, possibly a Ford Taurus. The vehicle is believed to be operated by a white male of medium build with gray thinning hair. The male is believed to be armed with a shotgun and is considered dangerous.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, National Park Service, BATF, Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone who may have any information or may have been on the Parkway in the area of the crime is asked to call Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers at 800-332-2017 or the Augusta County Sheriff's Office at 540-245-5333.