Two “shots fired” incidents after Chief Kochis presents data showing crime rate is down

Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis appeared before City Council on Monday to report that the number of crimes reported is down this year, despite public perceptions. 

“Currently, year to date compared to 2023, part one crime is down,” Kochis said as part of a report that had not been listed on the meeting’s agenda.

Part one crimes as defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigations include murder, rape, arson, larceny, assault, and robbery. However, that doesn’t paint a complete picture. 

“Now the FBI doesn’t necessarily consider shots fired calls or gun violence incidents as a reporting standard but we feel that it tells a story so we track that data,” Kochis said. 

Chief Kochis said shots-fired incidents are down 28 percent over 2023 and gun violence incidents are down 50 percent. There’s also only been one murder in 2024 so far compared  to five this time last year. 

City Manager Sam Sanders had invited Kochis to address the Council on public safety issues. 

“We recognize the frustration,” Sanders said. “We all are working to address this and I implore every citizen in this community, if you witness a crime, please call.”

Kochis said one reason the numbers are down is because there have been extra patrols in areas such as Prospect Avenue and Hardy Avenue.

“When I say extra patrols, that’s showing up, getting out on foot, talking to folks, meeting people, getting to know who lives in the community,” Kochis said. 

Three people took the opportunity at the public comment period to complain about drug sales happening on Charlton Avenue in the open. Kochis said the department is aware of the issue. 

“Charlton is one of our hotspots right now that we’re focusing on and we’re trying to come with some solution,” Kochis said. “There’s a balance between those who are low-level drug dealers and maybe dealing to support their own habit. Services, I will tell you, that the closest in-patient clinic is like 60 miles away.” 

There have also been additional patrols on Hardy Drive and Kochis pointed to lower numbers as a result. He said the police department now has a good working relationship with the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Chief Kochis added people seem to be more willing to call the police to report violent incidents. 

After Kochis spoke, there were two additional incidents reported by the Charlottesville Police Department on Facebook. 

Police received one call at the intersection of Booker Street and Charlton Avenue in the Rose Hill neighborhood around 10:30 p.m. Three hours later there was another call in the 1000 block of South First Street. Both incidents remain under investigation. 

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