MVA at Abingdon Farmers Market on 5-27-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Friday, May 27, 2016, at approximately 3:30 AM, Abingdon police were dispatched to 100 Remsburg Drive (Abingdon Farmers Market) in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, officers observed a single vehicle that appeared to be parked inside the Farmers Market and several areas of property damage around the market.

Officers observed a male subject walking around the vehicle who appeared to be incoherent. After determining the subject did not need medical attention, he was identified as Gavin Blevins, 32, of 194 Park Street, Abingdon, Virginia. Officers had Blevins perform several standardized field sobriety tests, which he did not complete to the satisfaction of the officers.  Blevins was arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence and was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, where he was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, in violation of § 18.2-266 of the Code of Virginia.

This crash caused substantial damage to an Appalachian Electric Power pole, a Town of Abingdon wireless mesh node, and the Farmers Market structure. The town is assessing the cost of the damages at this time.

*Pictured: Gavin Blevins, 32, of 194 Park Street, Abingdon, Virginia

Pictures of Abingdon Farmers Market Damage

Parking Information for Plumb Alley Day 5-28-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

This Saturday, May 28^th, 2016, is the 34^th Annual Kiwanis Plumb Alley Day event in Abingdon, VA. The Abingdon Police Department wants to remind the community and visitors of parking restrictions. Like most tourist communities, Abingdon has several parking restrictions that you should be aware of, to avoid violating any of the parking provisions and subjecting yourself to an unwanted fine. 

To assist you in planning your visit, the following parking restrictions are provided for your information. 

In the Town of Abingdon, it is unlawful to:

1.      Park Overtime – OVERTIME parking is enforced Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.  It is NOT enforced on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). 

2.      Block a driveway.

3.      Park so the parked vehicle partially blocks a driveway.

4.      Block an intersection.

5.      Park so the parked vehicle encroaches an intersection.

6.      Park in a space designated by signage as a “Bus Stop.”

7.      Park so that the left (driver’s) side of a vehicle is against the curbing of the roadway. This is commonly called “Parking Against the Traffic Flow” or “Parking Against the Flow” and is our most common violation.

8.      Park in a loading zone.

9.      Park in a space designated “No Parking.”

10.  Park in any alley.

11.  Park on a sidewalk.

12.  Park so the vehicle occupies a portion of two marked parking spaces.

There are FREE public parking lots located at 208 West Main Street and 425 West Main Street.

The APD warmly welcomes your visit to our community.  Abingdon thrives on tourism, and we hope that your visit will be greeted with smiling faces and a friendly atmosphere.  

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Click It or Ticket Effort Occurs Before High-Traffic Holiday

Click It or Ticket Effort Occurs Before High-Traffic Holiday

More Enforcement, Awareness Focus of Annual Mobilization

From May 23 to June 5, 2016, the Abingdon Police Department will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign in an effort to save lives through increased seat belt use. This enforcement period is in advance of, and includes, the Memorial Day holiday, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

There were 310 unrestrained fatalities in Virginia last year, and 71 were recorded so far this year, between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2016. Nationally, 88.5 percent of passenger vehicle occupants buckled up last year, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but almost 50 percent of fatal crash occupants were not restrained. In some states, the rate was as high as 70 percent unrestrained in fatal crashes.

“If you knew you were going to be in a crash before you left home, you would wear your seatbelt. However, you never know when the next crash may occur or who will be involved in it. Please wear your seatbelt; not only for yourself but for those who care about you,” said Police Chief Tony Sullivan.

Virginia’s statewide seat belt use rate was 80.9 percent in 2015, 77.3 percent in 2014, 79.7 percent in 2013 and 78.4 percent in 2012. The 310 unrestrained fatalities in Virginia last year represent 41 percent of the 753 total traffic fatalities.

According to NHTSA, there were 9,385 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2014 in the United States. Also in 2014, seat belts saved an estimated 12,802 people from dying nationwide. From 2010 to 2014 seat belts saved nearly 63,000 lives. If all passenger vehicle occupants age 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts, an additional 2,814 lives could have been saved in 2014 alone.

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Wanted Person Arrested 5-18-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, May 18^th, 2016, at approximately 9:28 PM, Abingdon police were dispatched to the 600 block of West Main Street (Walgreen’s area) in reference to a wanted person. Upon arrival, officers searched the area and encountered a subject matching the description. The man identified himself as Randall L. Wilson, 29, of 724 Apple Valley Road, Marion, Virginia. As officers attempted to place Wilson under arrest, he resisted, striking the officer, and knocking him to the ground. Wilson fled the scene on foot, as the officer chased him east in the 600 block of West Main Street. He jumped several fences and crossed the railroad tracks to the Colonial Road area. After a brief search, officers encountered Wilson hiding in brush next to a spring house. He was taken in to custody without further incident, and transported to Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. He is being held without bond.

Randall L. Wilson, 29, of Marion, Virginia, was served with the two capiases from Washington County and Smyth County, Virginia. He was also charged with Obstructing Justice, in violation of § 18.2-460 of the code of Virginia; Assault on a Police Officer, in violation of § 18.2-57; and Escape from Custody, in violation of § 18.2-479. 

*Pictured: Randall L. Wilson, 29, of of 724 Apple Valley Road, Marion, Virginia.

APD to Tweet the Beat on Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

APD to Tweet the Beat on Tuesday, May 17^th, 2016

Want to go on a ride along with an officer from the comfort and safety of your home or office?

The Abingdon Police Department will be conducting a Tweet-Along on Tuesday, May 17^th, 2016.

#APDTweetAlong is an event offering a firsthand look at what law enforcement officers encounter during the course of a shift. Followers will get to see what is going on in the neighborhoods of Abingdon. We will tweet dispatch calls, educational items, and answer questions from twitter followers. This is a fun opportunity for the APD to give a voice to the great work they do every day, and to provide citizens a behind-the-scenes look at police work.

Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@AbingdonVAPD) and watch for the hashtag #APDTweetAlong. We will tweet you on the street! 

Package Delivery Tips

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

In the past week, the APD has received several reports of packages being stolen from doorsteps. Thieves will often target their victims by following behind UPS, FedEx, and USPS trucks, and watch for deliveries where packages are left in open areas. Once the delivery person has left the package, the thieves will go onto the property and steal these packages. 

Here are a few safety tips you can take to better protect yourself if you are expecting a package delivery. 

-Always retrieve packages and mail as soon as they arrive. 

If you are not going to be home to receive the package: 

- Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings and be on the lookout in case the doorbell doesn't ring. 

- Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). 

- Request that your package be marked “signature required.” This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you’re available to retrieve the package. 

- Leave special instructions with the delivery company on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house, so that the package is out of sight from the road. 

- Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when it is scheduled to arrive. 

-Have the items shipped to the nearest store for “in-store pickup.” 

Please be vigilant and report any and all suspicious activity to the Abingdon Police Department at 1-844-200-TIPS (8477). If you see a crime in progress, call 911.

Pedestrian Struck By A Motor Vehicle 5-11-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at approximately 3:50 PM, an Abingdon Police officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Main Street for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer discovered a male pedestrian had been struck while crossing at the crosswalk located at Patton Street. The pedestrian was transported via ambulance to Johnston Memorial Hospital with unknown injuries. The incident is still under investigation.

With the warmer weather and more pedestrians out, the APD wants to remind the public about pedestrian safety. Here are some helpful hints to remember:

Pedestrians:

·         Always cross at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians forfeit their rights as a pedestrian if they cross elsewhere.

·         If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find a well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.

·         Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers and afford pedestrians with the opportunity to take evasive actions if needed.

·         Obey any pedestrian signs/signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.

·         Always make eye contact with drivers of stopped or slowing vehicles to be sure they see you before you cross.

·         Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.

·         Remember that vehicles are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians once you are in the crosswalk.  Do not infer that drivers have to stop simply because you are standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross.

Motorists:

·         Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.

·         Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks.

·         Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

·         When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.

·         Limit distractions while driving, such as eating, smoking, and using the cell phone. 

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Community Members Encouraged to ‘Go Blue’ for National Police Week

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

Community Members Encouraged to ‘Go Blue’ for National Police Week

The Abingdon Police Department is encouraging residents, businesses, academic intuitions, and places of worship, to show their support for law enforcement by displaying something blue on their property during National Police Memorial Week, May 15th-21st, 2016.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

To show support for police officers nationwide, the APD is asking people to display a blue porch light, blue ribbons, or blue balloons throughout the week.

“National Police Week is a great time to remember the sacrifices of officers both locally and nationally,” said APD Chief Tony Sullivan. “No matter whether the sacrifice is made across the country, or on the streets of our local community, there are men and women who risk their personal safety daily for the protection of the liberties of others. Please join us in recognizing the service of the men and women of law enforcement.”

Send us pictures of you or your business/organization “Going Blue” during National Police Week. You can email the pictures to crimereport@abingdonva.us and we will share them on our social media pages.

Thank you for all your support!

Falcon Pharmacy Incident 5-6-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Friday, May 6, 2016, at approximately 3:50 AM, Abingdon police were dispatched to Falcon Pharmacy at 795 Cummings Street in reference to an alarm. Upon arrival, the officer checked the building and discovered someone had tried to pry open the drive thru window but was unsuccessful. Falcon Pharmacy’s security cameras captured an unknown white male trying to pry open the window. The unidentified male was wearing jeans, a ball cap, and grey hooded sweatshirt. The APD needs your assistance in identifying the suspect in the video. If you have any information concerning this incident, please call the APD Crime Tip Line at 1-844-200-8477 (TIPS) or Washington County, VA Dispatch at 276-676-6277. 

WE ARE HIRING!

Police Officer

 The Town of Abingdon, Virginia Police Department is currently accepting applications to fill an anticipated vacancy in the patrol division for the position of police officer.

The most desirable applicant will: be a United States citizen, be at least twenty-one years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, be in good physical condition, have vision correctable to 20/20, possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License and a good driving record with a positive point balance.

Base Salary: $29,741.00, DOE, with an excellent benefits package, including paid health insurance.

Applications are ONLY available at the Abingdon Police Department, located at 425 West Main Street, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Application packages WILL NOT be mailed TO potential applicants.

Application Deadline: Friday, May 20, 2016 at 4:30 PM.

Preference will be given to applicants currently possessing DCJS law enforcement officer certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Town of Abingdon is an equal opportunity employer.

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Join the APD Family!

Shooting Incident on 5-2-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On May 2^nd, 2016, at approximately 12:28 AM, Abingdon police were dispatched to the 600 block of West Main Street in reference to shots fired. Upon arrival, officers encountered a 50 year old male subject, who told them that he was a concealed carry permit holder and that he had a firearm in his right front pants pocket.  The male stated that he was attacked by a 33 year old male inside the building. The 50 year old man stated that during the course of the attack, he shot the 33 year old man to get away. The 50 year old had obvious wounds and it was apparent that he had been involved in an altercation.

Upon entering the building, officers found the 33 year old male with a gunshot wound to his left side. The 33 year old was transported to Bristol Regional Medical Center by the Washington County Life Saving Crew.  He is in serious condition.

The 50 year old gave a voluntary statement in regards to his involvement in the incident and was released to seek medical treatment. The case remains under investigation. Names of those involved are being withheld pending the final outcome of the investigation.

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