A protest organized by Black Lives Matter calling for the release of body camera footage in two cases involving police ended after a car hit a pedestrian.
Charlottesville Police and first responders attended the intersection of West Main Street and 10th Street NW at around 5:00 p.m. after a woman, who was not a protester, was hit by a vehicle. She was admitted to UVA Hospital and treated for injuries.
This happened during a protest organized by Black Lives Matter 757. The group marched from West Main Street to the Downtown Mall, past the city’s police department, and back to West Main.
“We have wholeheartedly supported the numerous rallies, marches, and demonstrations taking place throughout the city of Charlottesville after the death of George Floyd,” said Charlottesville Police Chief Rashall Brackney. “However, the behaviors exhibited today do not unify the community or keep the community safe.”
The protest was organized to call for the release of body camera footage concerning two incidents between police and Black men.
The first was the fatal shooting of Xzavier Hill involving Virginia State Police in January. Just as the protest was wrapping up in Charlottesville, the findings of a grand jury were provided: a unanimous ruling that the officers were justified. The Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney also released some minutes of dashboard camera footage.
The other one concerns the arrest of Ty Gregory, who was charged with assaulting a police officer and multiple drug counts, but lost his eye when his car was hit when he was being arrested.
Charlottesville Police have not said if anyone has been charged due to this accident, but CPD did say the investigation is being conducted.
