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4 months ago
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Kevin Cox is well-known around Charlottesville for his outspoken pedestrian advocacy.
The intersection of Elliot Avenue and Second Street Southeast is one of the places he has a gripe with. It’s also an area where a woman was hit and killed in October 2024 while attempting to cross the road.
“The speed of the cars is the biggest problem,” Cox said. “They drive too fast, and they ignore pedestrians.”
After pleading with the city for a crosswalk here to no avail, Cox decided to take measures into his own hands. Last Saturday, he made his own makeshift crosswalk in that area, cheered on by a small crowd of supporters.
“I walked across the street with a line marker with a can of spray chalk, not paint,” Cox said.
That caught the attention of City Hall and the Charlottesville Police Department.
According to the police report Cox shared with 29News, upon inspection, CDP could not determine if the makeshift crosswalk was created using permeant paint. The city then decided the markings could not be removed, so staff painted over Cox’s lines themselves with black paint.
The report also states the same day Cox made the makeshift crosswalk, he emailed City Manager Sam Sanders, writing, in part:
“There is a marked crosswalk now at Second Street and Elliot Avenue in spite of you... It’s chalk not, paint Please replace it with a real one.”
On Tuesday, Cox said he was contacted by the police regarding what they are calling vandalism.
Wednesday, Cox self-reported to the police department.
“Mr. Cox turned himself into CPD in reference to a warrant that was issued in connection with property damage on Elliot Avenue,” City Spokesperson Afton Schneider sent in an email to 29News.
Cox is facing misdemeanor charges for the intentional destruction of property with a value of less than $1,000. That means up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
“They have provoked me, it’s not going to stop me,” Cox said.
29News reached out to the city for their side of all of this.
“As this matter is now pending before the court, we will not be commenting further on the specifics of the case,” Schneider emailed back.
Cox’s first court appearance is expected to be Tuesday in General District Court.
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