CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Charlottesville Police Department is asking for people to come forward with firsthand information and any video of the vehicle-pedestrian crash that killed a Charlottesville man over the 4th of July weekend. 

On the afternoon of July 6, 2024, a man was struck by a car near the intersection of Vine Street and Nassau Street. On July 7, CPD issued a news release also posted on Facebook in which the department said that Edward Fitzhugh Anderson, 42, was found and pronounced dead in the 700 block of Nassau Street. The release stated that Anderson was struck after he had attacked a woman in a parked car and the woman attempted to flee the apparently unprovoked attack. 

An update several hours later said the investigation remained active and would be turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office pending the end of the investigation. 

Police are now asking people with information or video to contact the department and speak with detectives. The July 10 news release says that through the course of investigation, CPD was made aware of community members who claim to have knowledge of the incident but have yet to come forward.  

While not cited in the news release, many people have taken to social media to criticize the department’s handling of the investigation, including the release of Anderson’s name and the allegation that he had attacked the driver. The posts include individuals claiming knowledge of crash, including some who say they saw it. 

CPD states that detectives continue to work tirelessly, but pursuit of all avenues of the investigation, including firsthand knowledge and video are vital.  

People can call the department at (434) 970-3280. If they wish to remain anonymous, they can call CrimeStoppers at (434) 977-4000. 

Update as of 7/10/2024  

Charlottesville Police Detectives continue to work in coordination with the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney to gather all evidence and witness information related to this case.  We ask for the community’s continued patience as we complete a thorough and complete investigation into this matter.  Through the course of this investigation, we have been made aware of community members who have yet to come forward to speak with detectives but claim to have knowledge of this incident.  While our detectives will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a thorough investigation is completed, we are also calling on community members to come forward.  We ask that anyone with firsthand knowledge or video of this incident, who have not yet done so, please come forward and speak with our detectives. It is vital for a full and complete investigation that all avenues of the investigation are vigorously pursued. For anyone wishing to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers at 434-977-4000. 

Update as of 7/7/2024 

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.  The Charlottesville Police Department Investigations Division and Commonwealth Attorney’s Office are in communication on the matter.  After the completion of a thorough investigation, the case will be turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for a decision on any potential charges.   

Release on 7/7/2024 

On July 6, 2024 at 7:34pm, CPD officers responded to the 700 block of Nassau Street for a motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash.  Upon arrival officers located 42-year-old Charlottesville resident, Edward Fitzhugh Anderson, in the 700 block of Nassau.  Mr. Anderson was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver of the involved vehicle, an adult female, was also still on scene.  Members of the CPD Traffic, Forensic, and Investigations units responded to the scene to investigate.  Further investigation and statements obtained indicated that Mr. Anderson attacked the female, while she was in her parked vehicle.  As the female attempted to flee the attack, she struck Mr. Anderson with her vehicle.  The attack appears unprovoked, and the involved parties are not believed to be known to one another.  While this investigation remains active, there are currently no charges pending.  

Crash Alert on 7/72024 

Charlottesville Police Officers are currently investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian struck at Vine Street and Nassau Street. This intersection and surrounding areas will be shut down while it is being investigated. Updates will be made available as they come in.