CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – UPDATE 12PM, 2/18: Albemarle Police Chief Sean Reeves said that without the brave actions of a federal law enforcement officer who happened to be coming out of the Crozet Harris Teeter and was able to stop the Monday afternoon shooting incident, the casualty count could have been much higher. Reeves would not mention the officer’s name or agency and also declined to name the gunman.

Police later issued a release identifying the gunman as 28-year-old Justin M. Barbour of Crozet. Reeves also confirmed that the woman who was shot in her car and taken to UVA in critical condition, 68-year-old Diane G. Springer of Afton, died overnight from her injuries.

Capt. Darrell Byers provided a timeline of the incident and said that the man Barbour first shot, 43-year-old Peter L. Martin of Crozet, was coming out of the store. Byers confirmed that the gunman used an AR-15 assault rifle, and Col. Reeves said he had other firearms with him. Investigators do not know if the gunman and victims had any association with each other and have not identified a motive.

Reeves emphasized the importance of finding answers, stating, “Why did the shooter choose Harris Teeter? Why did he take the lives of two innocent people? In the coming days and weeks, our investigators will work tirelessly to answer these questions, though we may never find all the answers.”

Col. Reeves said Barbour did not have a criminal history but had prior contact with law enforcement, with the most recent being in January 2025. Capt. Byers did not disclose details of that contact, citing the ongoing investigation.

Authorities ask anyone who was in the Harris Teeter area at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken with investigators to contact Det. Holmes at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. Even the smallest details may be helpful.

Earlier:

Two people are dead, and one person is critically injured after a shooting in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter in Crozet on Monday afternoon, according to Albemarle County Police.

Officers responded to 545 Radford Lane around 1:35 p.m. after multiple reports of shots fired. Police said they found three adults with gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third was transported to UVA Medical Center in critical condition.

According to police, “the suspect began shooting in the parking lot, striking two others.” A “good Samaritan who was exiting Harris Teeter engaged the suspected shooter with their personal weapon,” ACPD stated. The suspected shooter was pronounced dead at the scene, and the bystander was uninjured.

Officers recovered two firearms from the scene, including a rifle. Police said they are investigating the relationship between the individuals involved. The identities of the deceased are being withheld until next of kin are notified.

Virginia State Police are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Albemarle County Police said no additional media updates are expected today, with the next update scheduled for Tuesday, February 18.

Earlier:

Albemarle County Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Harris Teeter in Crozet around 1:35 p.m. on Monday, finding three gunshot victims upon arrival. Police confirmed that two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was transported to UVA Medical Center and is reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities stated there is no ongoing threat to the public but are asking residents to continue avoiding the area as the investigation remains active. A heavy police presence is expected.

Albemarle County Police Department said additional updates will be provided as more details become available.

Previously:

Albemarle County Police are responding to reports of shots fired at the Harris Teeter in Crozet, according to a department statement. Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area while officers investigate.

A significant police presence is expected at the scene. Additional details will be released as they become available.