If Elvis Shifflett was hoping to get vindication for his shooting via the Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office or the Charlottesville Police Department, it’s now clear that’s not going to happen. Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Camblos announced December 13 he would not press charges against the police officer who injured Shifflett, and two days later Police Chief Timothy J. Longo said an investigation found the two officers who fired shots acted according to protocol.
 The Charlottesville police who wounded Elvis Shifflett won’t be charged by the Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney, and are cleared of wrongdoing by the Charlottesville Police Department. Shifflett got slapped with three extra felony charges for an October incident. |
An incident on October 13, in which Shifflett allegedly tried to shoot his ex-girlfriend near Court Square, put Shifflett on the cops’ wanted list.
When Shifflett led police on a manhunt October 20 through Albemarle County, police believed he was armed and dangerous, as the revolver used in the Court Square incident had not been recovered. Shifflett was spotted on Oak Hill Drive near the Albemarle County Police station. A police chase ensued—Shifflett abandoned his vehicle, which had a female passenger and loaded semi-automatic rifle inside, and fled on foot. Police then found him trying to steal another car, a flat-bed truck, on Brookhill Avenue. An Albemarle police officer encountered Shifflett, who popped his head up from the driver’s seat and pretended to be grasping a gun. This freaked out the officer, who started shouting at Shifflett to show his hands.
Two Charlottesville police officers then entered the scene to see Shifflett trying to speed away in the truck, which was fishtailing. One Charlottesville officer, Sgt. M. Greg Davis, shot twice into the cab of the truck, injuring Shifflett. The other City cop, Officer J. Morris, shot once, puncturing a back tire. Forensic analysis of the scene suggests the first bullet fragmented, which could account for Shifflett’s multiple injuries.
The Charlottesville Police Department investigated both officers on their use of deadly force—since, in theory, Morris’ bullet could also have struck Shifflett. Longo determined their actions were “justified, reasonable and within guidelines.” Officers can use deadly force if someone who has committed a violent felony is likely to immediately kill or harm someone if police let him get away. Police later discovered Shifflett did not have his revolver with him.
Longo says Morris and Davis, who were on administrative duty, will be back to regular duties on their next work day.
Albemarle police also announced they are bringing felony charges against Shifflett. He is charged with eluding police, grand larceny, and possessing a firearm as a violent felon.
