CROZET, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albemarle Police indicate mental health issues may have played a role, and the assailant was very well-armed when he shot two customers to death in the parking lot of the Crozet Harris Teeter last month.

Police and fire rescue, along with the county’s human services leader updated the public in a Thursday news conference offering a look at actions leading up to the February event, as well as the weapons Justin Barbour, 28, had on his person and in his car when he pulled into the parking lot of the Harris Teeter on the Rockfish Gap Turnpike.

The Crozet resident arrived with 374 rounds of ammunition, two assault rifles, and two handguns. The weapon used was a Palmetto State Armory AR-15. Twenty-eight shots rang out in 20 seconds. Police Chief Col. Sean Reeves said there were an estimated 75 to 100 people in the shopping center at the time, some of whom sped off before police arrived. People who were in the Harris Teeter rushed into hiding. Peter Martin, 43, of Crozet was shot in the parking lot and declared dead at the scene. Diane Spangler, 68, of Afton, who was shot in her car, was taken to University of Virginia Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. An off-duty federal agent, who will not be identified, was leaving the store and killed Barbour with his personal weapon. Barbour had no ties to the victims.

The investigation also looked at how Virginia’s red flag rules could have played a role in the lead-up to the shooting. In the end, law enforcement could not have taken away Barbour’s guns by law.

“In reviewing our prior contacts with the shooter, we have found no threats of violence or self-harm to either himself or others that would have met the legal threshold for a substantial risk order,” said Reeves. “We recognize that these cases are complex, and we are committed to working with our community and mental health partners to assist individuals in crisis.”

In all, Albemarle police had four interactions with Barbour, the first two uneventful. In 2014, he was witness to an incident. In 2018, he was involved in a minor dog dispute, which was quickly resolved.

In December, however, Barbour’s family requested an Emergency Custody Order (ECO) out of concern for his mental health. Citing a lack of credible treat, the magistrate denied it.

The Human Services Alternative Response Team, or HART, responded to a call involving Barbour in January. Barbour’s family was notified of the contact, with mental health resources provided to both Barbour and his family.

“We know this tragedy has left many in our community grieving,” said Kaki Dimock, Albemarle County’s Chief Human Services Officer. “I want to remind everyone that healing takes time, and that it’s okay to ask for help. To that end, we encourage community members to utilize the mental health and counseling services available, including the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Call or text 988 anytime for support.”