"snipers" taking potshots @ VA motorists on I-64

[Bubbles]

Highway Shootings in VA, Augusta/Albemarle Counties

I hate it when the news agencies use the term "sniper" to describe this, because the perps are just thugs with guns.

ETA: FOX News just reported that local LE will be having a press conference about this incident later this morning. FOX is the source of the "sniper" comment.

Police search for shooting suspect on I-64
From NBC12 News
A 20-mile stretch of Interstate 64 between Charlottesville and Waynesboro is open again as Virginia State Police continue searching for someone who took shots at vehicles on the road.

State police say at least four cars were struck by bullets along an 11-mile stretch of I-64 last night.

Sgt. David Cooper said the first call came in just after midnight. He said two people reported injuries and went to hospitals in Staunton and Waynesboro. He said neither person had life threatening injuries, but he didn't know if the victims were struck by a bullet or by glass.

I-64 was closed about 6 hours, from mile marker 96 in Augusta County to mile marker 118 in Albemarle County and the interstate was reopened in both directions at 6:20 a.m. as police continued investigating the shootings.

Cooper said investigators who gathered evidence overnight were closely checking several interstate ramps near the shootings, as well as woods in the rural area.

Cooper said he didn't know if there was more than one shooter or what type of gun or guns were used.

 

[Black Knight]

I know that stretch of road well, traveled it many times. There are dozens of places someone could hide. Many side roads that are only 50 ft. or so from the interstate. A person could fire at a car and be miles away before the first police cruiser arrives at the scene. Normal response time to that area is about 5 minutes on the short end and up to 30 on the long end. There just aren't enough officers to cover the area better. Most Virginia State Police Troopers have about 2 - 4 counties to cover and the counties may have 8 officers on patrol at best. They do the best they can with their resources. Hope they catch this clown before someone is killed.

 

[waterhouse]

Hopefully with a little luck they will catch the shooter quickly. I was at UVa for an alumni gathering during the DC "sniper" shootings . . . when reports would come out that he had shot again in northern Virginia people in Charlottesville would rush to the local gas stations to tank up, since they had been afraid to go all week.

If this guy doesn't get caught and continues this it really screws up the mentality of a community.

The only good news from an investigation standpoint is that the cops should know that stretch of highway very well, since they use all of the little side roads and wooded areas for speed traps.

 

[Tribal]

The DC "Sniper" stuff really did mess with people. High schools cancelled football games and people were just generally freaked out. If what happened today is it, it'll be pretty much forgotten. If it keeps happening...ugh.

I don't know how you catch this kind of guy unless you get "lucky" and stumble upon him or if someone turns him in.

 

[Cyclimus]

Just drove that stretch of highway on Monday. Can't remember that exact section as it was part of an eight and a half hour drive, but it was pretty remote - lots of cars though as it's near Charlottesville.

However, the situation could be compounded by a gun shop that was burglarized over the weekend - handful of rifles and a few handguns were taken. The two situations probably aren't related, but it definitely makes one wonder a bit.

 

[LaEscopeta]

I hate it when the news agencies use the term "sniper" to describe this…

I thought the definition of “sniper” was one who shoots a specific target from a concealed location, usually at long distance. I don’t know, just what I’ve read on the internet…

I don't know how you catch this kind of guy unless you get "lucky" and stumble upon him or if someone turns him in.

A couple of other possibilities of catching him:

1. The perp. is stupid.
2. The perp. wants to get caught.
3. The perp. calls/mails/leaves notes with exhortation demands, with enough clues to find him.
4. Put surveillance cameras on local roads near the target highway; look at the tapes from just before and after the next shooting for license plates. Visit everyone whose car was on the tapes, and further investigate the ones who act nervous or do not seem to have a good reason to have been there.

Number 4 requires extra resources for the police, but they are likely to get them if the shootings continue.

If I recall correctly, the DC “snipers” were caught with a combination of numbers 1 and 3 (although the first police statements after the arrests hinted at an informer turning them in.)

 

[TexasRifleman]

FOX is the source of the "sniper" comment.

Just watched the news conference. The LE guy on camera was sure taking the media to task for using the term "sniper".

But hype and hysteria sell so no shock I guess......

 

[98C5]

That road would be hard to patrol, especially at night. Did they say if the shots were random over the car or were they all in the windshield?

 

[30 cal slob]

*** man. angry taxpayer?

Virginia Police Hunt for Snipers in Motorist Shootings Along Interstate 64
Thursday , March 27, 2008



CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. —

Virginia State Police were hunting Thursday for multiple gunmen suspected of shooting at motorists at three different locations along busy Interstate 64.

A 20-mile section of the major highway was reopened after being closed overnight and into the early morning hours while officers pursued what they believe were more than one sniper.

No one was seriously hurt in the shootings. Two people were treated and released at the hospital for very minor injuries, according to state police Col. Steve Flaherty. It wasn't immediately clear whether they were wounded by bullets or shattered glass.

Flaherty told reporters Thursday that at least four cars were struck by bullets along an 11-mile stretch of the freeway Wednesday night, beginning shortly before the first call came in about 12:10 a.m.

"I really don't have a good feel for how long this went on," Flaherty said. "We have evidence that it was more than one suspect."

He downplayed the characterization of the shooters as "snipers," saying they could just be pranksters.

Flaherty said it appears that it was the same type of gun used in all the shootings, reports of which came in over about a half-hour period. Ballistics tests were being conducted, and he said officers weren't ready to make a determination as to the kind of weapon used.

Shots were fired at three different locations, according to Flaherty — from an overpass near the 106-mile marker, at a westbound off-ramp near the 114-mile marker and at a Virginia Department of Transportation outpost.

An unoccupied V-DOT vehicle was found riddled with bullet holes near an exit for I-64 along Route 250, said State Police Sgt. David Cooper.

I-64 was shut down between 12:10 a.m. and 6 a.m. Thursday from mile marker 96 in Augusta County to mile marker 118 in Albemarle County while police conducted their preliminary investigation.

Cooper said investigators were closely checking several interstate ramps as well as wooded areas in the vicinity of the shootings.

Albemarle County Schools were closed Thursday, according to the district's Web site.

Flaherty asked anyone with any tips or information to call Virginia State Police in Charlottesville at (434) 293-3223, or the local Crime Stoppers at (434) 972-4000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

[sacp81170a]

Just a thought, would an exceedingly agitated anti-gunner pull something like this, i.e., shoot a bunch of stuff up without hurting anyone for the scare/shock value, to influence the national dialogue on guns and the 2nd Amendment? I honestly think there are at least a few who would go that far. Remember that Earth First! spikes trees and burns condominiums in protest. I really hope that doesn't occur to anti-gunners...

 

[waterhouse]

Already posted here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=351106

 

[1911Tuner]

I never stop wondering why they refer to whackjobs shooting at people as "snipers."

A sniper is a highly-trained specialist attached to an infantry unit...not the devil incarnate.

The man who shoots at random cars on an interstate highway is a nutcase who didn't get enough attention from mommy and daddy...not a sniper.

Wish they'd get it right...even at the expense of sensational "journalism."

I hope they nail this guy or guys...straight to the wall...before somebody gets hurt.

 

[MD_Willington]

Well the "story" is not exciting if the title is, "Random moron shoots at cars"...


Media like to "Sex it up" as they say in the BBC...

 

[Hokkmike]

He downplayed the characterization of the shooters as "snipers," saying they could just be pranksters.

Hmmmm....I wonder what the distinguishing characteristic is that makes a person shooting from cover at people with a rifle a "prankster"?

 

[Titan6]

I like the Wikipedia defintion.

A sniper is an infantry soldier or other serviceman (e.g. police officer) who specializes in shooting from a concealed position over longer ranges than regular infantry, often with a specially designed or adapted sniper rifle. A sniper requires skill in marksmanship, camouflage, and field craft. Military snipers are adept in carrying out methods of infiltration, reconnaissance, and observation techniques as well.

I don't like it being so close to home.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I never stop wondering why they refer to whackjobs shooting at people as "snipers."

A sniper is a highly-trained specialist attached to an infantry unit...not the devil incarnate.

A sniper is a person who snipes. Snipers exist outside of the military or police, although those would be professional snipers.

Was the guy taking "potshots" as claimed in the thread title? Now he wouldn't be sniping or even precision shooting if he was taking potshots, huh?

 

[30 cal slob]

that does it.

heavy bbld scoped ar15 is coming with me on long trips.

 

[fchavis]

Reports are saying they found .22 cal shell casings. It sounds like it was a couple of stupid kids getting in trouble. Probably thought it would be fun to take potshots at cars with a 10/22 or something.

 

[bogie]

That heavy barreled scoped AR-15 is not going to make you bulletproof just by having it in your car. This is the sort of thing that the driver just can't guard against.

The cops are SAYING that they're looking for 'em, and they're saying that it's more than one. But I didn't see a darn thing about likely descriptions... Which tells me that the cops know it was more than one, but nothing else.

Saw a windshield bullet hole - looked centerfire power...

I wonder if someone's started shooting and scooting again.... Or it could have been a case of rednecks and too much beer.

 

[John G]

He downplayed the characterization of the shooters as "snipers," saying they could just be pranksters.

The military should start calling snipers "pranksters." Other possible changes:

-US Army Prankster School
-Marine Scout/Pranksters

Enemy targets could be "rubes" and operations could be called "goofabouts."


Since when is firing live ammo at passing cars a prank?

 

[sacp81170a]

-US Army Prankster School
-Marine Scout/Pranksters

Works for me. We could quit calling them "assault rifles" and start calling them "pun guns". Evil AK-47's would then become "powerful simile rifles". Anything to make 'em sound less evil, ya know...

 

[1911Tuner]

A sniper is a person who snipes. Snipers exist outside of the military or police, although those would be professional snipers.

"Sniper" is an MOS. Police "snipers" are more correctly referred to as sharpsooters...even though some agencies are purported to use the term sniper when referring to their expert rifle marksmen.

It originated in Scotland, I believe. The hunters to took to the field after the fast-moving and elusive Snipe had to be very good shots to successfully fill their game bags...hence the term that is now applied to specialized marksmen.

A varmint hunter who reduces a dog town at distance is NOT a sniper.

 

[Chipperman]

"Ghillie" is from Scotland, referring to the suits they wear
"Sniper" as in a person hunting snipes is a New Zealand term.

 

[littlegator]

Well the "story" is not exciting if the title is, "Random moron shoots at cars"...

Heh - I would love to see that though... LOL

 

[Titan6]

I am chatting with the wife on line. Don't know if they are related but she said there was another highway shooting near Waynesboro. I find this very upsetting.

By another I mean in the last hour.