FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2024
CPD Officers Recover Weapons and Narcotics in Prospect Ave Shots Fired Call
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - This morning at approximately 12:40 a.m., Charlottesville police officers responded to the area of the 800 block of Prospect Avenue for the report of shots fired from a vehicle.
A suspect vehicle description of a tan SUV, as well as a direction of travel, was provided to responding officers. Officers quickly surveyed the area and located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description parked in the 700 block of Prospect Avenue. Officers approached the vehicle to investigate further, identified the subjects, and spoke with them in and around the vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers recovered 4 firearms and suspected narcotics from the vehicle. As a result, three individuals were arrested in connection with this incident.
27-year-old Albemarle County resident, Taylor Synclare Garth, was charged with the following:
- 18.2-250(A)(a) – Possession of Schedule I or II Narcotics.
- 18.2-308.2(A) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- 18.2-286.1 – Shooting from a vehicle.
29-year-old Albemarle County resident, Tahim Rashad Mayo, was charged with the following:
- 18.2-308.2(A) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
31-year-old Albemarle County resident, Brian Jamell Rice, was charged with the following:
- 18.2-308.2(A) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Charlottesville Police Department would like to thank these brave officers for quickly responding to a dangerous situation. We would also like to thank those citizens who called 911. CPD is committed to addressing the issue of gun violence and ask that you call 911 any time you hear what you believe to be fired shots.
If you have information related to this or other shootings, please call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (434) 977-4000.
All suspects charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Public Information Officer
City of Charlottesville
(434) 326-3043
ervinkl@charlottesville.gov