ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA—The Albemarle County Police Department responded to a violent carjacking incident on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, which resulted in serious injuries to a female victim and the arrest of 41-year-old Paula Laster from Greene County, VA.
The incident occurred around 10:16 am in the 3200 block of Proffit Road. Officers arriving at the scene found the adult female victim who reported that her vehicle had been stolen and she had been assaulted. She was immediately transported to UVA Medical Center for treatment of her serious injuries.
Following a description provided by witnesses at the scene, police were able to quickly identify and locate Paula Laster as the suspect. Laster was apprehended without further incident in Greene County. She has been charged with two felonies: carjacking and attempted malicious wounding.
Currently, Laster is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. The Albemarle County Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant information can contact ACPD at 434-296-5807. To remain anonymous, individuals may contact Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000 or via email at Crimestoppers@albemarle.org.