Police Investigate Possible Gunshot Wound, Sexual Assault in Charlottesville

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Police are investigating a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Rotunda area of the University of Virginia, which prompted a campus alert early Sunday.

The UVA Alert was issued around 4:52 a.m. on May 5, indicating that people should avoid the Rotunda area. By 6:28 a.m., authorities declared that the situation was stable, but further details were not immediately available.

According to a Lawn resident, two shots were heard around 4:45 a.m., leading to a heavy police presence in Rotunda Alley and on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda. A spokesperson for the police department has not confirmed the cause of the situation yet.

In a separate incident, Charlottesville Police are investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred early Saturday morning on Old Preston Avenue. Officers received the call shortly before 8 a.m. regarding a woman who had been walking in the area when she noticed a man following her.

The assault reportedly took place in an alleyway nearby. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a muscular build and short hair. He was last seen wearing jeans and a dark-colored shirt.

Authorities are asking anyone with surveillance cameras in the vicinity of Ridge/McIntire, Old Preston, the west end of the Downtown Mall, or the 100 to 300 block of West Market Street to contact CrimeStoppers at 434-977-4000 or the Charlottesville Police Department at 434-970-3280.