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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APD Pursuit on 4-20-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, April 20^th, 2016, at approximately 2:15PM, Abingdon Police Officer Y.D. Wilmoth observed a burgundy Ford F-250 speeding in the construction zone on Jonesboro Road. As Officer Wilmoth tried to initiate a traffic stop on the speeding vehicle, the vehicle fled from the Exit 14 area, northbound on I-81. The vehicle then left the interstate at Exit 19 and proceeded west into the town on Main Street. The offender continued through the town limits at a high rate of speed, making a right turn on Old Eleven Drive, and then a right on Hillman Highway heading north. Throughout the pursuit, Officer Wilmoth continually updated the shift Sergeant of speed and traffic conditions. The Sergeant advised the officer to terminate the pursuit due to time of day, traffic conditions, and speed.

Investigator J.M. Austin located the offender, Joshua Ryan Johnson, 32, of 14202 Middle Pointe Court, Bristol, Virginia and took him into custody at his residence at approximately 3:30 PM. He was charged with: Felony Eluding by Speed, in violation of § 46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia; Driving on Suspended License, in violation of § 46.2-301 of the Code of Virginia; Reckless Driving, in violation of § 46.2-862 of the Code of Virginia; Defective Equipment, in violation of § 46.2-1003 of the Code of Virginia; and Speeding, in violation of § 46.2-870 of the Code of Virginia. 

Johnson was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, where he is being held at this time.

Pictured: Joshua Ryan Johnson, 32, of 14202 Middle Pointe Court, Bristol, Virginia

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Outstanding Capias Arrest 4-9-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Saturday, April 9^th, 2016, Investigator J.M. Austin of the Abingdon Police Department located a vehicle being used by a fugitive from Russell County, Virginia in the 800 block of Edgemont North Street.  Investigator Austin parked a short distance from the vehicle and maintained surveillance of the area.  At approximately 12:30 PM, Austin observed a white male, who matched the description of the fugitive, exit a residence in the 800 block of Edgemont North Street. Investigator Austin contacted Officer J.T. Holbrook, who was operating an unmarked police car, and requested assistance from the officers on patrol. As officers positioned themselves in the neighborhood, Joshua Derek Brown, 34, of 257 Hidden Valley Road, Abingdon, Virginia, exited an apartment and walked to the apartment's mailbox.  At this point, Officer Holbrook and Investigator Austin approached the apartment and took Brown into custody without incident. 

Brown has evaded police since Sunday, March 27^th, 2016, when he was approached by an officer responding to a drinking in public call in the 300 block of Stanley Street. When the contact officer ran a wanted check on Mr. Brown, he fled on foot in an attempt to avoid capture on an outstanding capias from Russell County, Virginia.

Investigator Austin began monitoring Mr. Brown’s social media accounts and noticed that he was actively posting pictures from the Abingdon area, and making references to his extraordinary ability to evade capture. In one of the posts, Investigator Austin noticed a photograph of Mr. Brown seated in a vehicle with unique stripes on the hood. This is the vehicle that Investigator Austin found, leading to Brown’s capture.

Brown was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail and served with an outstanding capias from Russell County, Virginia, and a warrant for Obstruction of Justice from the March 27^th, 2016 incident.  Brown was remanded to the jail under a secure bond.

Pictured: Joshua Derek Brown, 34, of 257 Hidden Valley Road, Abingdon, Virginia. 

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