FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2021
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Over the past 24 hours, the Charlottesville Police Department has responded to multiple shots fired incidents.
At 7:24 AM on Friday, September 17, Charlottesville Police Officers received a report of a stolen vehicle in the 2300 block of Tarleton Drive. A short time later, an officer saw the vehicle traveling southbound on Rio Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to yield. Officers pursued the vehicle until the driver stopped at the intersection of Hillsdale Drive and Rio Road. The driver and a passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Both were apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. The passenger, a juvenile, was released a short time later. A firearm was recovered in the vehicle. The driver, Meleak Domorion Clark, an 18-year-old resident of Richmond, Virginia is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Eluding, Grand Larceny, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Driving without a License. Clark is being held without bond at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Regional Jail.
At 01:39 AM, on Saturday, September 18, officers responded to 313 Second Street SE, for the report of multiple shots fired. When officers arrived, they found approximately a dozen shell casings. Additionally, two people in the parking lot were struck by gunfire and two vehicles were damaged. Both gunshot victims were admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A white sedan was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed and is believed to have been involved in the shooting. While on scene, patrol officers observed a disorderly subject. As they approached the subject, they observed a firearm fall from his waist area. The subject picked the firearm up and ran from the scene. Officers pursued and arrested the subject without incident, and safely recovered the firearm. The firearm had been reported stolen out of another City late last year. The subject is identified as Dangelo Mikaeel Toney, a 20-year-old resident of Waynesboro, Virginia. Toney is charged with Obstruction of Justice and Possession of a Concealed Weapon. A charge of Receiving Stolen Goods (Firearm)was denied by the Charlottesville/Albemarle Magistrate’s Office. Toney was released on bond.
At 02:17 AM, officers responded to the intersection of 8th Street NW and Albemarle Street for the report of multiple shots fired and a subject leaving the area on foot. No injuries were reported although a bullet entered the residence of a Westhaven tenant, narrowly missing the occupant. Six shell casings were recovered at the scene. An additional shell casing was found in the 800 block of Hardy Drive. It is unknown if this is related to the same incident.
A short time later, at 02:28 AM, Officers responded to the 1400 block of Hampton Street for the report of shots fired into a residence. When they arrived, they discovered over 15 shell casings and the residence had been struck at least 4 times. No one was injured. Information from witnesses led detectives to believe this shooting is related to the shooting at the Blue Grass Bar & Grill.
Sexual Assault Reported on Cabell Avenue
At 04:28 AM, a sexual assault was reported in the 600 block of Cabell Avenue. This incident is still being investigated, so no details are being released at this time. The Charlottesville Police Department believes there is no danger to public safety.
These incidents remain under investigation. If you have information about these, or any incidents, please contact the Charlottesville Police Department at 434-970-3280 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
CPD is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community
Despite the events of the last 24 hours, the officers of the Charlottesville Police Department are working diligently to address recent violent incidents. CPD has increased officer presence in effected areas despite staffing issues, with officers, detectives, and civilian staff frequently working long after their normal shifts end. Our officers have seized 9 firearms in the last 2 weeks, many of which are directly related to violence in the City of Charlottesville. The Charlottesville Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Media Contact
Major Jim Mooney
Charlottesville Police Department
434-970-3295
mooney@charlottesville.gov