New Year's Eve Safety Tips

The Abingdon Police Department would like New Year's Eve to be a fun, but safe experience for everyone. Here are a few tips for those that are hosting parties and those that are heading out.

Hosting a party? 

A few simple rules could prevent a tragedy:

• ·         Confirm guests have a plan for a safe way home through a non-drinking designated driver. Think ahead by naming a “designated driver.” Make this your responsibility as the host.
• ·         Plan activities like party games or door prize drawings that do not involve alcohol and engage people, resulting in a lower consumption of alcohol.
• ·         Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests. Do not push drinks. Drinking at a party is not mandatory to have a good time.
• ·         Provide plenty of food to keep guests from drinking on an empty stomach. But avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
• ·         Offer non-alcoholic beverages to non-drinking designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol. Never serve alcohol to someone under 21.
• ·         Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
• ·         If, despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, never let them drive home impaired. Have a sober driver on hand to drive them home or offer your sofa to guests who need to stay put.
• ·         To be a good host, you should stay within your limits in order to make sure your guests stay within theirs.

Going out?

• ·         If you drink, don’t drive!
• ·         Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the party or celebration begins.
• ·         If you are impaired, call a sober friend or family member to come pick you up.
• ·         Or, stay where you are until you are sober.
• ·         Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking.
• ·         If you see someone driving drunk, always call the police.
• ·         Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. They’ll thank you for it.

Drinking? Don’t leave your drink unattended where someone could put something in it

Public Events: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not go alone, bring a friend.

Happy New Year! 

Have a safe and wonderful evening and thank you for all your support through 2014. 

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips For Your Money

During the holidays, the potential for thefts and robberies increase. More people are out and about, and they are carrying more gifts and money than during other times of the year.  With this in mind, you should practice the following holiday safety tips:

• ·         Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts with you.
• ·         Do not leave electronic devices such as cell phone, MP3 players, GPS devices, and digital cameras in plain view.  When exiting your vehicle take these items with you or lock them in your trunk.
• ·         Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards that you know you will need.
• ·         Avoid overloading yourself with bags and packages. Have your keys in your hand ready to use when you leave the store.  If you see a suspicious person or group around your car, use your remote to activate the car alarm.
• ·         Try to complete all shopping before dark.  If you must shop after dark, use the buddy system and whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people around you.
• ·         Carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
• ·         Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you.
• ·         Protect your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card information in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
• ·         Keep a record of your credit card numbers so you will have your numbers available when reporting the crime.

Update: Hit and Run Accident on Lowry Drive

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

The Abingdon Police Department has identified the two juveniles involved in the Hit and Run crash on Lowry Drive on December 16^th. We are looking for Eddie Armstrong and Leslie Lyons and they are believed to still be in the area. If you have any information or you see these two, please call the Abingdon PD at 276-628-3111 or Washington County Dispatch at 276-676-6277.

Eddie Armstrong

Leslie Lyons

Hit and Run Accident on 12-16-14

For Immediate Release

On the evening of Tuesday, December 16^th, Abingdon Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Lowry Drive in reference to a traffic accident. Upon arrival, officers observed a beige Honda Element with Washington State tags lying on its passenger side with no occupants. Upon further investigation, the Honda Element had lost control and left the roadway hitting a parked vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over in the front yard of a residence. The two occupants of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. One occupant was a male wearing a gray sweatshirt and the other, a female wearing a striped sweater. After running the vehicle registration, it was reported stolen out of Mt. Vernon, Washington. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the two occupants.

If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Abingdon Police Department at 276-628-3111 or Washington County Dispatch at 276-676-6277. 

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Abingdon Police Department

The Abingdon Police Department has put together a list of things you can do around the house to prevent a break-in during the holidays. By practicing the following safety tips, you can keep yourself and your home safe. 

• In the event that you are traveling for the holidays, consider find a trusted neighbor to protect your home in your absence. Have all mail and newspapers collected or have your service suspended. Provide a key to your home to the trusted neighbor so that they can make your house look occupied, either by turning on lights, turning on the radio, or moving a car in the driveway. Notify your local police department that you will be away for an extended time period and provide the information for the neighbor who will be watching your home.
• If leaving a dog at home for the holidays, consider having a trusted neighbor or friend pet sit at the house instead of using a kennel. Dogs of all sizes can be a deterrent to burglars.
• If ordering items to be delivered to the house, ask that they be delivered at time when you will be home and able to accept the package. Large packages left on doorsteps are susceptible to opportunistic burglars passing through the neighborhood.
• Many people love to display a brightly-lit Christmas tree with presents around the skirt. If visible through a window or doorway, this can be tempting for burglars scouting the neighborhood. Reconsider hiding the presents in a secure place and placing them under the tree at the last minute.
• Don't announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers, etc. If possible, stagger the times that these boxes are placed in the trash.
• Don't advertise any trips away from your home or travel plans on online social networking sites. Broadcasting your absences let people know that your house is unoccupied and vulnerable.
• If your home is equipped with an alarm system, make sure that you and your family are using it. Alarm systems and alarm advertisements are a good crime prevention method.
• If leaving your home for several hours, find ways to make your house look occupied.  Placing interior and exterior lights on timers or leaving on a radio or T.V. may be a quick deterrent.
• Exterior holiday lights do more than make your house look beautiful: they also light up the areas around windows and doors where thieves may lurk.
• Retain the receipts for all major purchases in a safe place. If possible, record the serial number of the property on the corresponding receipt or in another list for safekeeping. In the event that these items do get stolen, this record will maintain proof of the purchase and aid police in tracking down the stolen item.
• Be cautious about solicitors, especially during this time of year. A stop at your doorway may provide them the opportunity to look inside of your house for valuable items and map the layout for a later return.
• Trim back any bushes or trees that block visibility through your house. Check all of the entryways into your home (windows and doors) to make sure that they are secured. Secure any sliding glass doors with a lock and a dowel in the door track.

Please contact the police immediately, by dialing 9-1-1, if you suspect a crime is about to occur or if you suspect illegal activity is taking place. 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Update on Quality Inn and Suites Incident

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

Update:

Abingdon Police have arrested Jerrod Randle Garrison, 35, of 134 Elkins Road Rogersville, TN 37587 and charged him with the following:

·        § 54.1-3466. Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia;

·        § 18.2-250. Possession of controlled substance

·        § 18.2-96. Petit larceny

·        § 18.2-460. Obstructing justice

·        § 18.2-308.2. Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons (2 Counts)

·        § 18.2-308. Carrying concealed weapons (2 Counts).

These charges stem from an earlier incident where officers were called to the Quality Inn and Suites located at 930 East Main Street.  Upon arrival, officers were advised by staff that there were guests stealing linens in two rooms.  An officer went to one of the rooms and encountered Garrison and advised him of the reason he was there.  The officer asked Garrison for identification; but Garrison indicated his identification was in his car.  Garrison and the officer went to the Garrison vehicle, but Garrison was unable to produce any form of ID.  While at the car, the officer observed a magazine pouch for a weapon in the floor.  The officer inquired if Garrison had a weapon to which he responded, “no.”  As Garrison continued to search for his ID, one of the hotel clerks told the officer that Garrison had some of their linens in his vehicle.  Upon further investigation, the officer observed drug paraphernalia in the car.  Garrison then fled on foot, running back in to the hotel and out the back door.  Garrison was pursued by the officer, and a hotel employee, who was able to aid the officer in subduing Garrison.  Once handcuffed, the officer discovered that Garrison had a 9mm handgun in his front pants pocket. 

While escorting Garrison to a waiting patrol car, hotel staff alerted the officer that three other guests, who were with Garrison, were rapidly exiting the hotel.  Unable to leave the handcuffed Garrison, the officer called for additional officers to respond. 

It was later learned that the three other guests left the hotel in a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse.  A search warrant was later executed on the hotel room, leading to the recovery of a large amount of drug paraphernalia.

Garrison is being held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail with no bond.  

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR ABINGDON KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

Abingdon Police Department

                                     

For Immediate Release

Traffic Advisory for abingdon kiwanis christmas Parade

The Abingdon Kiwanis Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 6^th. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. however, street closures will occur earlier to allow the parade to line up.  Be alert for pedestrians and prepare for detours, delays and officers directing traffic.

          It is advisable to leave at least an hour earlier than planned, to insure that you reach your destination on time. Above all, be prepared to wait. Traffic will be heavy and there will be a large number of pedestrians in the downtown area.  Officers deployed for this event have certain priorities, the first of which is pedestrian safety.  Yelling at the officer, honking your car horn, or trying to initiate conversation with officers standing in the street is not advised. 

          Officers are in place for the safety of those attending the parade, including themselves. They are not personal escorts or valets. Traffic will be too heavy for officers to answer questions from each passing car, while avoiding traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Street closures will occur on the following schedule:

·         East Main Street will be closed from Hutton Street to Court Street from 4:00 p.m., until the parade concludes.

o   Motorist needing to access this area of East Main Street should use exit 17 from Interstate 81 to access East Main Street.

·         East Main Street from Court Street to Cummings Street will be closed to traffic at 5:45 p.m. to clear the parade route.

o   Motorist needing to access the Barter Theatre, Barter Stage 2 or the Martha Washington Inn before 5:45 p.m. should plan to arrive prior to that time.

·         West Main Street from Cummings Street to Route 19 will be closed to eastbound traffic at 5:45 p.m.

·         Westbound traffic from Court Street to Route 19 will be allowed to use West Main Street until the parade approaches from

Drive safely and have a great experience in downtown Abingdon.

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Abingdon Police Department: If You’re Unbuckled This Thanksgiving, Expect to Pay a Fine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/17/14

If You’re Unbuckled This Thanksgiving, Expect to Pay a Fine

No Warnings. No Excuses. Click It or Ticket.

ABINGDON, VA– Every year, the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times. Millions of Americas hit the roads to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, more vehicles on the road means the roads are more dangerous, and it’s as important as ever that everyone is buckled up. To make sure the message reaches all Abingdon, VA drivers and passengers, the Abingdon Police Department will be joining other state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility seat belt enforcement campaign Click It or Ticket. The no-excuses, zero-tolerance crackdown combines powerful messages about seat belt safety, with increased patrols day and night, targeting all unbuckled motorists—those who still aren’t getting the point.

During the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday period (6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, November 26), there were 301 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide. Sixty-percent of those killed were NOT wearing seat belts.

These tragic crashes could have turned out differently. NHTSA research indicates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury by 50 percent.  In 2012, seat belts saved the lives of 12,174 passenger vehicle occupants. If seat belt use had been at 100 percent, an addition 3,031 people would still be alive this Thanksgiving.

Nationwide, the seat belt use rate is at an all-time high of 87 percent, but the Click It or Ticket campaign aims to reach that remaining 14 percent. The ones who think they are above the law, ‘good enough’ drivers, or invincible in a crash. In 2012, for example, there were 10,335 unbuckled occupants killed in crashes—52 percent of all passenger vehicle occupants killed that year.  At night, the numbers are even more disturbing. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2012, law enforcement noted that 69 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were unrestrained, as compared to 46 percent during the day.

It only takes a second to buckle up, and isn’t that easier than getting pulled over and ticketed? With the help of highway safety advocates and local law enforcement officers across the country, we can increase seat belt use and save lives on our roadways this Thanksgiving.

Remember: Click It or Ticket. You have a lot to lose otherwise.

For more information about traveling safely during Thanksgiving, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.

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Attempted Bank Robbery- 11/13/14

                                               

For Immediate Release

ABINGDON, VA-- On 11/13/2014 at 10:36 hours, the Abingdon Police Department was dispatched to First Community Bank (located at 271 West Main Street) in reference to an attempted robbery.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the alleged suspect had already fled the scene. According to witnesses, a white female wearing a purple hooded jacket, entered the bank and presented a note to the teller. After a brief conversation with the teller, the suspect took the note back and left the property without receiving any monies.

Police are still looking for the unknown suspect and request that anyone having any information, or who may know this person in the picture below to contact the Abingdon Police Department at 276-628-3111 or the Washington County Dispatch at 276-676-6277.

Get Ready for Winter Weather!

Get Ready for Winter Weather!

Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia is Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Recent Virginia winters have been cold and snowy, and many people had power outages.  It’s so important to be winter-ready that the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have set aside Nov. 30-Dec. 6 as Winter Preparedness Week. 

No matter the predictions, a significant winter storm is always possible.  With an El Nino weather pattern expected this season, there could be a wetter than normal winter.  And El Nino winters can be snowier if atmospheric conditions are right … just like the winter of 2009-10.

Remember: an important part of winter weather planning is being prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.  To be ready, take these steps:

·         Get a kit.  Basic emergency supplies include: 

ü  Three days’ food that doesn’t need refrigeration or electricity to prepare it

ü  Three days’ water (a gallon per person per day)

ü  A battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries

ü  For businesses and offices, some bottles of water, food bars and a radio or TV to hear local information about whether or not it is safe to travel

ü  A power pack for recharging cell phones and other mobile devices

·         Make a plan.  Everyone needs an emergency plan:

ü  Decide who your out-of-town emergency contact will be.

ü  Where will you meet up with family members if you can’t return home?

ü  Get an emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

·         Stay informed.  Before, during and after a winter storm, you should:

ü  Listen to local media for information and instructions from emergency officials.

ü  Be aware of winter storm watches and warnings and road conditions.

ü  Get where you need to go before the weather gets bad.

ü  Get road condition information 24/7 by calling 511 or checking www.511Virginia.org

·         Download the Ready Virginia app. Free app for iPhone® and Android™ features:

ü  Location-specific weather watches and warnings issued by NWS

ü  Disaster news from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

ü  A customizable family emergency plan that can be easily shared

ü  A checklist for gathering emergency supplies

ü  Links to register for local emergency alerts, and more

-end-

Prepared by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, November 2014

(804) 897-6510                                         pio@vdem.virginia.gov                           www.ReadyVirginia.gov

Halloween Safety Tips from the Abingdon Police Department

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Who Can Trick or Treat and When?

     In the Town of Abingdon, trick or treat visitations are restricted to children TWELEVE (12) years of age and under.

     Curfew on Halloween evening is 10:00 p.m. All Halloween visits must end at this time.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

     Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.

     Plan to make Trick or Treat visits in groups. It is always more fun with friends.

     Visit homes that have a porch light on.

     Accept your treats at the door. NEVER go into a stranger’s house.

     Be cautious of animals, strangers, ghouls and goblins.

Walk Safely

     Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

     Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Constantly look for oncoming cars and low flying brooms!

     Do not hide or cross the street between parked cars.

     Put electronic devices away and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

     Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

     Walk, crawl, slither and sneak on sidewalks or paths, not in streets.

     If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 

     Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

     Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

     Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Keep Costumes both Creative and Safe

     Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colors.

     Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

     Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

     When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Motorists Please Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

     Slow down and stay alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

     Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

     Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

     Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

     Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

    Popular trick-or-treating hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.