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 2016. 

2016 APD Employee of the Year

2016 APD Employee of the Year 

The Abingdon Police Department recognizes outstanding service to our community by our sworn and civilian employees by awarding an Employee of the Year. The employee’s peers select the employee whom they feel has contributed the most to the town and to the department during the previous year.

Chief Sullivan presented the 2016 Employee of the Year award to Officer J.N. Carty. Officer Carty holds himself to the highest ethical standards at all times and provides a positive and reassuring presence to all he encounters. We are truly grateful to have him as part of the APD!

Paper Service Arrest 12-12-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Monday, December 12, 2016, at approximately 10:53 AM, Officers J.D. Brummitt and K.R. Richardson attempted a paper service to 243 Buckingham Court, Abingdon. Timothy O. Snow, 35, of the residence, answered the door while holding what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette in his hand. Officers advised Snow to discard his marijuana and attempted to serve the warrants against him for a domestic assault that occurred the previous evening. Snow gave the appearance that he was going to comply with the officers, but once outside he became agitated and ran from the officers. After a brief foot chase across Buckingham Court, Clark Street, and Court Street, Snow attempted to hide under a porch. A citizen alerted other officers in the area of where Snow was attempting to hide. Officer Brummitt located Snow and he was taken into custody.

 Snow was served two warrants for Assault and Battery of a Family Member, in violation of § 18.2-57.2 of the Code of Virginia. In addition, charges were obtained for Resisting Arrest, in violation of § 18.2-479.1 of the Code of Virginia; and Possession of Marijuana, in violation of § 18.2-250.1 of the Code of Virginia. He is being held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail without bond.

Pictured: Timothy O. Snow, 35, of 243 Buckingham Court, Abingdon, Virginia. 

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

The Abingdon Police Department has put together a list of things you can do during the holidays so you do not fall victim to a crime. By practicing the following safety tips, you can keep yourself and your home safe. 

When shopping:

      During the holidays, the potential for thefts and robberies increases because of the number of distractions created with the holiday shopping season.  

·         Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk, and keep your receipts with you. 

·         Do not leave electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, lap top computers, 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 a front or 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 carrying a backpack in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you. 

At Home:

·         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 if they are stolen or lost.

·         Don't announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, computers, etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in the trash. 

·         If you are traveling for the holidays, make your home look "lived in". Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers, or have your service suspended while you are away. Use timers to turn interior lights off and on.

·         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.

·         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 festive; they also light up the areas around windows and doors where thieves may hide.

·         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.

·         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.

If you are traveling for the holidays:

·         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 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.

      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. Remember: See something, say something!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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 3, 2016. 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.

            If you are traveling through Abingdon, or plan to attend the parade, you are encouraged 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.  Honking your horn or attempting to initiate conversation with officers directing traffic is not advised.  Officers are in place for the safety of those attending the parade, including themselves.  Traffic will be too heavy for officers to answer questions from each passing car, while avoiding traffic coming from the opposite direction. They are not escorts or valets.

The Code of Virginia addresses drivers who do not obey officers, ignore their signals, or drive around barricades:

§ 46.2-834. Signals by law-enforcement officers, crossing guards, and flaggers.

A. Law-enforcement officers may assume control of traffic at any intersection, regardless of whether such intersection is controlled by lights, controlled by other traffic control devices, or uncontrolled. Whenever any law-enforcement officer so assumes control of traffic, all drivers of vehicles shall obey his signals.

B. Law-enforcement officers and uniformed school crossing guards may assume control of traffic otherwise controlled by lights, and in such event, signals by such officers and uniformed crossing guards shall take precedence over such traffic control devices.

§ 46.2-852 Reckless driving; general rule.

Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.

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.

Drive safely and have a great experience in downtown Abingdon.

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2nd UPDATE: Malicious Wounding Incident 11-28-16

For Immediate Release

UPDATE:

Additional charges were obtained for David D. Wood, 26, of 17524 Bridle Drive, Abingdon in regards to the malicious wounding incident. He is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, in violation of § 18.2-26/18.2-32 of the Code of Virginia; Burglary with Intent to Commit Murder, in violation of § 18.2-90 of the Code of Virginia; Assault on a Family Member or Household Member, in violation of § 18.2-57.2 of the Code of Virginia; and two counts of Child Endangerment, in violation of § 40.1-103 of the Code of Virginia.

Wood is still being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail without bond. 

UPDATE- Malicious Wounding Incident 11-28-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Monday, November 28, 2016, at approximately 9:30 AM, Abingdon Police Officer J.N. Carty observed a 2005 maroon Mazada 6 speeding in the 800 block of Baugh Lane. As Officer Carty tried to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle fled onto Thompson Drive in an attempted to elude the officer. The vehicle continued from Thompson Drive to Walden Road then to Old Saltworks Road. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Old Saltworks Road and Northridge Road when the suspect vehicle crashed. The suspect fled on foot and after a brief foot chase, Officer Carty apprehended David D. Wood, 26, of 17524 Bridle Drive, Abingdon.

At approximately 9:42 AM, Abingdon Police officers were dispatched to 373 Morningside Drive Apartment 1 in reference to a malicious wounding incident. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim laying on the floor with multiple stab wounds. The victim, Jack E. Kent, 26, of 373 Morningside Drive, Abingdon, was transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital in serious condition by the Washington County Life Saving Crew.

It was determined  that the suspect in the vehicle pursuit, David D. Wood, was the same suspect who was involved in the malicious wounding incident on Morningside Drive.

Wood is currently being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail under the charges of Felony Eluding by Speed, in violation of § 46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia; and Resisting Arrest, in violation of § 18.2-479.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Additional charges in regards to the malicious wounding incident are pending. 

Pictured: David D. Wood, 26, of 17524 Bridle Drive, Abingdon

Malicious Wounding Incident 11-28-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Monday, November 28, 2016, at approximately 9:30 AM, Abingdon Police Department officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Morningside Drive in reference to a malicious wounding. The suspect fled the scene leading officers on a brief pursuit. The pursuit ended with the suspect crashing and fleeing on foot. After a foot pursuit with officers, the suspect was apprehended.

There is no additional information to release at this time.

The APD will provide an update upon gathering further details. 

Put Your Butt Where It Belongs!

Abingdon Police Department

      

For Immediate Release

Put Your Butt Where It Belongs!

If you smoke, please put your cigarette butts in the ash tray —not out the car window, not in the gutter, not on the street, not on the lawn, and not in our streams.

Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic that degrades slowly in the environment.  Filters are designed to trap carcinogenic chemicals that smokers don’t want in their lungs and bloodstream. Littered butts are blown by wind and storm water runoff into nearby water bodies. Cancer causing agents in the filters leak into aquatic ecosystems, threatening the quality of the water and aquatic life. Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish and birds who mistake them for food.

According to Keep America Beautiful, Inc., smokers litter about 4.5 trillion cigarette butts yearly. Smoldering cigarette butts tossed from car windows can easily ignite leaf piles and cause forest fires. The current dry conditions greatly increase the risk of fire from tossing a burning cigarette from a vehicle window.

Littering is illegal, although most people are unaware of littering fines. Section 33.1-346 of the Code of Virginia makes littering or dumping trash a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.

Further, Section 10.1-1143 of the Forestry Code makes it unlawful to throw “any lighted smoking material” from a vehicle. This is a Class 2 misdemeanor violation, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. (With either the Class 1 or Class 2 offense, community service can take the place of jail time.)

People who litter are showing their careless disregard for the property and well being of others and the environment. Keep America Beautiful studies have shown that one of the reasons litterbugs feel it is okay to litter is because they believe someone else is paid to clean it up. That’s true. The Virginia Department of Transportation spends about $6.5 million a year on litter control on nearly 57,000 miles of interstate, primary and secondary roads. That’s $6.5 million of taxpayer money that otherwise could have been spent on highway repair projects.

In addition to what VDOT collects, Adopt-a-Highway volunteers pick up about 3 million bags worth of trash annually from 14,000 miles of Virginia’s roads.

Please don’t litter. Put your butt where it belongs—in the ash tray.

Lieutenant Promotion

Abingdon Police Department

                                     

For Immediate Release

The Abingdon Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Officer Jonathan T. Holbrook to the position of Lieutenant. In his new role, Officer Holbrook will supervise the investigative division, evidence, accreditation, and the school resource officers.

Jon joined the department as a patrol officer in January, 2004. For the last 12 years, he has served as a patrol officer, accreditation manager, an academy instructor, and a member of the Highlands Regional Crash Team. Officer Holbrook is a graduate of Virginia Tech University with an undergraduate degree in Business Technology (2002), and a graduate certificate in Local Government Management (2012).

Lieutenant Holbrook assumed the duties of his new position on November 14th.  

Pictured: Lieutenant J.T. Holbrook

Buddy Poppies - VFW Post 1994

On November 11^th, 12^th, and 14^th, the VFW Post 1994 will be distributing Buddy Poppies to remember all Veterans. They will be distributing the poppies at the Food City, Kroger, and Food Country (West Main location) in Abingdon from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On November 12^th, they will be at the Food Country in Glade Spring from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For more information, contact the VFW Post 1994 at VFWPost1994@gmail.com.

Social Media Survey

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

The Abingdon Police Department is conducting a citizen’s survey to determine how well the department is meeting the needs of the public on Social Media. The survey is part of the department’s efforts to improve communications between the department and the community.

“It is our hope that this survey will allow us to better serve the communication needs of our community and will create opportunities for us to improve our electronic notifications and content,” said Police Chief Tony Sullivan.  

The survey is anonymous.

The survey can be accessed at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/289CX99

A link is available on the Police Department blog and will be posted on the department’s social media pages.

It will be available for submissions until Tuesday, November 22, 2016.

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