On the night of July 4, anyone living in the southern portion of Charlottesville’s Fifeville neighborhood was treated to several hours of fireworks. For years, different groups have set up launch points at Forest Hills Park and other key locations.
The explosions were still continuing at around 11pm when gunfire broke out on Orangedale Avenue and five people were sent to the hospital with injuries. Emergency crews struggled to get to the cul-de-sac due to a high number of people on foot.
On August 7, the Charlottesville Police Department announced the arrest of 20-year-old Anthony Maurice Hopkins, who was charged with eight counts including two counts of willful discharge of a firearm in a public place. Police Chief Michael Kochis said the investigation is continuing and there will be more arrests…