Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
434-970-3129
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2019
City to Dispose of Police Vehicle
Charlottesville Police Department's only Dodge Challenger removed from service
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Charlottesville Police Department has removed from service the only Dodge Challenger vehicle in its fleet and the property will be disposed of by the City of Charlottesville before the end of the current fiscal year on June 30, 2020. 

City Manager Tarron Richardson and Police Chief RaShall Brackney reached the decision after a review of the purchase records and community feedback. On August 12, 2017, James Alex Fields drove a similarly colored Dodge Challenger in the attack that killed Heather Heyer and injured dozens of others.

“This police vehicle was purchased before the chief and I joined City staff,” said Richardson. “We felt it was appropriate to review the matter after questions were raised on social media and by our community. This is clearly a reminder for many of the Summer of Hate and the attack, and we believe removing it from our fleet is in the best interests of the community.”

The City’s fiscal year 2018 budget designated funds for replacement vehicles and the 2017 Dodge Challenger was purchased as a used vehicle for $20,976 on January 19, 2018. The City added Special Olympics Torch Run graphics on April 23, 2018, at a cost of $2,020. No additional graphics or stripes have been added to the car since the vehicle was introduced to the Charlottesville Police Department’s fleet. 

“The Charlottesville Police Department remains committed to assisting Special Olympics Virginia to help raise money to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities in our community,” added Chief Brackney.
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City Council Vision: To be one community filled with opportunity
Mission : We provide services that promote equity and an excellent quality of life in our community

Goal 1: An Inclusive Community of Self-sufficient Residents
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Sent by the City of Charlottesville Office of Communications, 605 E. Main St. Charlottesville, VA 22902
Brian Wheeler, Director of Communications
PHONE: 434-970-3129 EMAIL:  wheelerb@charlottesville.org