Man sent to hospital after biker gang-related shooting in Grottoes, sheriff says
By Michael Russo WHSV June 22, 2026
https://www.whsv.com/2026/06/22/man-sent-hospital-after-grottoes-shooting-tied-gang-activity-sheriff-says/
GROTTOES, Va. (WHSV) – The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting in Grottoes that injured one man, sending him to the hospital Sunday night.
RCSO and the Grottoes Police Department responded to the shooting on Dogwood Avenue in the town of Grottoes around 9 p.m. Sunday, along with Grottoes Fire & Rescue, Rockingham County Fire & Rescue and other law enforcement agencies.
According to an RCSO release, a verbal dispute began outside a restaurant and “quickly escalated” into a physical fight among multiple male subjects. During the altercation, RCSO said, one person fired multiple shots at a vehicle, which had occupants inside who had also been involved in the fight to some degree.
Raymond Nowlin, 44, of Charlottesville was driving the vehicle that was shot at and was hit once by gunfire, RCSO said. Nowlin was taken to UVA Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
RCSO said the incident was determined to be related to biker gang activity, and the shooter fled the scene along with several other unknown people on motorcycles.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and Grottoes Police Department are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Crime Solvers hotline at 540-574-5050.
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NOTE A-I Summary
As of June 22, 2026, a biker gang-related shooting is under active investigation in Grottoes, Virginia, after an altercation outside a restaurant on the night of June 21, 2026. Raymond Nowlin, 44, of Charlottesville was injured in the gunfire and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. [1, 2, 3]
Event Details
• Incident Location: Outside Lil’ Guss’ Restaurant on Dogwood Avenue in Grottoes, VA. [1, 2, 3]
• The Escalation: A verbal dispute began outside the establishment around 9:00 p.m. and quickly escalated into a physical fight involving multiple men. [1, 2]
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• The Shooting: During the brawl, a suspect fired multiple rounds at a vehicle whose occupants had been involved in the roadway altercation. Nowlin, who was driving the vehicle, was struck once by the gunfire. [1, 2, 3]
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• Gang Connection: The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident is tied to biker gang activity. [1]
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• Suspect Status: The shooter and several other unidentified individuals fled the scene on motorcycles immediately after the incident. No arrests have been made yet. [1, 2]
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Ongoing Investigation
The case is being handled jointly by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Grottoes Police Department. Authorities are urging anyone with information, surveillance footage, or tips regarding the motorcyclists to contact the Crime Solvers hotline at 540-574-5050. [1, 2, 3]
If you are looking for specific updates, let me know if you want to find local news broadcasts covering the investigation or details on road closures in the area.
Biker Gang Shooting in Grottoes Virginia
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