A second man has been charged after a shooting at a Charlottesville Halloween party that left four people injured.
Kaijon Cortez Sholes, a 20-year-old city resident, has been charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Charlottesville police have not disclosed if Sholes was among the injured, though an unnamed 20-year-old was listed as a gunshot victim the day after Halloween.
The other suspect in the case, Juan Gavin Castillo, was injured himself in the shooting. Castillo, a 20-year-old Greene County resident, has been charged with two counts of malicious wounding, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and two counts of maliciously discharging a firearm within a building.
Two others were struck by the gunfire, identified only as a 44-year-old male and a 44-year-old female.
The Charlottesville Police Department received multiple reports of an active shooter around 12:43 a.m. Nov. 1 at 1147 River Road. That is the address of Cville Canna Markets, a smoke shop that often hosts parties and other events.
While other officers were dispatched, an officer who was in the immediate area heard the gunfire and responded within minutes, the police department said.
“Upon arrival, officers located four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Responding officers immediately began administering lifesaving medical care, including the use of department-issued tourniquets and trauma kits, while simultaneously securing a large and active crime scene,” the police department said in a statement issued after Castillo’s arrest.
Castillo and the three other gunshot victims were transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center for further treatment. All four were lasted listed in stable condition.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that a confrontation occurred during a private party at the location, resulting in shots being fired inside the building and at least two individuals being struck,” the police department said. “The incident continued outside, where additional gunfire resulted in another victim being wounded.”
Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis commended the swift and decisive actions of officers:
“The quick response and lifesaving measures taken by our officers undoubtedly saved lives tonight. Their calm under pressure, use of tourniquets, and immediate medical intervention reflect the very best of who they are and the values of this department. I am incredibly proud of their actions and their commitment to protecting this community.”
The investigation into the shooting remains open. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the investigating detective at (434) 970-3985 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com