Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis joined a conversation to discuss ongoing investigations and public safety concerns in the city. One of the primary topics was an assault on 4th Street that led to the victim’s death. Chief Kochis explained that an autopsy was conducted by the chief medical examiner’s office in Richmond, but the cause of death remains undetermined. “There’s going to be more testing that needs to go out, you know that testing can include toxicology reports and biological testing,” Kochis stated, adding that investigators are working closely with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to determine if further charges are warranted.  

The conversation also covered a bomb threat at Burley Middle School, which falls under county jurisdiction but received city police assistance. Chief Kochis emphasized the importance of swift response in such cases: “The first thing, first and foremost, is get resources there, right, and get folks out of the area,” he said. He reassured the public that law enforcement has investigative techniques to track threats, particularly those made through social media or phone calls.  

Another topic of discussion was a shots-fired incident on 7 1/2 Street Southwest, where preliminary findings suggest someone fired rounds into the air. While no injuries or property damage were reported, Kochis highlighted the extensive investigative process involved in such cases, including collecting and analyzing cartridge casings. “We handle every one of them like a crime scene,” he said. The chief acknowledged the strain on police resources but reaffirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining public safety. 

Listen to the full conversation here: