Attention Albemarle County Police Department re Case #2023 10683:

On February 17, 2023, our friend, neighbor and valued community member Doug Ford was severely injured by a hit-and-run driver on Buffalo River Drive near Earlysville.  The incident left Doug in the hospital for days with a broken ankle, shattered scapula, two broken ribs and a broken elbow that required surgical repairs.  In truth, he is lucky to be alive.

Doug was hit while roller-skiing for exercise in broad daylight.  He was wearing a flashing red blinking light and was hit from behind on a straightaway with no oncoming traffic.  The driver did not stop.  It was a blue and white Ford F150 pickup, likely vintage 1990, a photo of which is included here. Numerous other pictures and tips have been provided by the community.  However, ACPD has done little to follow up on these leads and has not assigned a detective to the case.

As Albemarle/Charlottesville residents, we demand that ACPD launch a full-scale investigation and do everything possible to bring this driver to justice.  Many of us are avid cyclists and have experienced an increasing number of incidents with angry and aggressive drivers on county roads over the last several years (not to mention distracted and impaired drivers).  In that light, Doug’s case does not stand alone.  This is a public safety issue affecting thousands of us.  The driver who hit Doug must be found, charged and put on trial.  That is the single best way to reduce these incidents and improve the safety of the County’s recreational road users.

            [If anyone reading this petition sees a truck that could be the one pictured here or has any other tips, please call the main Albemarle County Police phone line at 434-296-5807 and reference the case # #2023 10683 and Officer Young (the patrol officer currently handling the case). Try to get a license plate number if possible. Thanks for your help.]

[Doug Ford has seen and approved this petition]