CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – UVa and Charlottesville Police began an immediate search for a suspect and issued a shelter in place directive after an early Saturday morning shooting near The Corner. Police confirm 26-year old Cody Brian Smith was hit in a shooting shortly before 3am in a parking lot on Elliewood Avenue. The UVa Alert went out as police responded. He died around 5:30am at UVa. A release this morning from UVa President Jim Ryan was a contractor with the University, and counseling services are available on Grounds.

As of 3:15am, a suspect was still at large. Police have not yet identified who he is. He may have been wearing a blue jacket, and light-colored pants, and may have been driving a silver Ford Fusion east on West Main Street. The shelter in place was lifted at 3:25 when it was determined the suspect may have left the area.

Anyone who sees the vehicle or suspect, or  the shooting on Elliewood is urged to call Detective Raines in the Criminal Investigations Division at 434-977-3266 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.