CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Charlottesville Police, with assistance from the Virginia State Police Tactical Unit, executed multiple search warrants Tuesday in connection to recent firearm-related incidents.

Zamir Javon Wheeler, 19, of Charlottesville, was arrested and charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The charges stem from a shooting on November 26, 2024, in which shots were fired into an occupied vehicle in the 800 block of Hardy Drive.

Officers executed a search warrant at Wheelers residence on Lankford Avenue, recovering a handgun, ammunition, and other evidence. Another search warrant was served at a residence on Hardy Drive, where additional ammunition and items of evidentiary value were seized.

“Today officers took decisive action to protect the safety of Charlottesville by apprehending an individual alleged to be involved in gun violence,” said Charlottesville Police Chief Mike Kochis. “Let this serve as a clear and unwavering message: we are fully committed to safeguarding our neighborhoods and will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the peace and security of our community.”

Anyone with information about the November 26 shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.

Wheeler is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.