Web Staff
From Roanoke County Police:Roanoke County Police are investigating reports of tires being slashed at the Villages of Garst Creek Apartments. Investigators say about 45 vehicles were damaged between Friday and Saturday at the complex in the 43-Hundred Block of Garst Mill Road. There is no word on possible suspects and police have been conducting patrols around the area.
A driving altercation near Catawba Valley Drive resulted in a man named Jonathan Hutchinson being shot and taken to the hospital. He was later pronounced dead. Police believe Hutchinson was chasing another vehicle traveling from Craig County to Roanoke County. He followed when the other vehicle turned onto Newport Road, but then Hutchinson crashed. Authorities say he got out of his car to argue and was shot. The incident is still under investigation.
Wallace Newell, Jr.
UPDATE: State Police say Wallace Newell, Jr. has been safely located in northern Virginia.
Senior Alert: Newell, Jr., Wallace. Missing from UVA Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA on April 28, 2017, at 8:30am. Wallace Newell, Jr., suffers from a cognitive impairment and physical safety may be in danger. May be driving a White Oldsmobile Bravado with Ohio Registration FKL7870. Age: 74 Years HGT: 6’01” WGT: 190 Clothing: Purple or possible red short sleeve T-shirt, Khaki pants, possible white sneakers, blue or denim light jacket or long sleeve shirt. Date Missing: April 28, 2017 Vehicle: Oldsmobile Bravado Color: White Registration: FKL7870 Investigating Law Enforcement Agency: University of Virginia Police Department (434) 924-7166
Brittany Freeny
Roanoke Police say 30-year-old Brittany Freeny, was reported missing yesterday afternoon, and was last seen Monday night in the area of Cove Road and Wellsley Street. Investigators do not believe Freeny left on her own and may be in danger. Freeny is 5-foot-7 and weighs 120 pounds, and if you have information about her whereabouts you are asked to contact police.
Artists are opening their homes and studios to the public this weekend for the 2017 Roanoke Open Studios Tour. You are welcome to venture into the work spaces of 25 artists at eight different studios in the area. WFIR’s Lillian Boyd has the story:
Click here for full Open Studios Tour information.
From Roanoke County Police Department-On Monday, April 24, 2017 at approximately 0335 hours, the Roanoke County Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the 7/11 Gas Station in the 3200 block of Peters Creek Road. The suspect was a tall male wearing a dark colored jacket, a dark colored ski mask, gray sweatpants, and tennis shoes. He displayed a black firearm and demanded money from the cashier. The suspect fled on foot, with an unknown amount of U.S. currency, on Peters Creek Road towards North Lake Drive.
Olga Price
UPDATE: The Senior Alert has been canceled, Olga Price has been found safe.
THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE HAS ISSUED A SENIOR ALERT ON BEHALF OF THE ARLINGTON COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT ON APRIL 15, 2017, AT 0600 HOURS. THE ARLINGTON COUNTY POLICE DEPT IS LOOKING FOR OLGA ANN PRICE, W/F, 84 YOA, HGT/5’4″ WGT/180 EYE/GRN HAI/GRY. HER CLOTHING DESCRIPTION IS NOT KNOWN. SHE SHOULD BE ADORNED WITH A GOLD WEDDING RING, A GOLD NECKLACE AND WEARING A RED WASHINGTON CAPITALS BASEBALL CAP. SHE IS BELIEVED TO BE IN DANGER AND WAS LAST SEEN ON APRIL 14, 2017, AT 2030 HOURS, AT 1910 NORTH RANDOLPH STREET, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA. SHE SHOULD BE DRIVING A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY, BEIGE IN COLOR, WITH VIRGINIA LICENSE PLATES JGR-5815. PLEASE CONTACT THE ARLINGTON COUNTY POLICE DEPT AT 703-558-2222 WITH ANY INFORMATION.
Steve Biggs
From the Town of Christiansburg: Steve Biggs passed away this morning, Wednesday, April 12, at 3:41 a.m. Assistant Town Manager Randy Wingfield, who is serving as interim town manager, sent the following comments to all staff via email: I was proud to have worked for Steve, and I learned much from him in terms of leadership, team building and public outreach. He has laid a solid foundation for the Town to use and built momentum that we can rightfully continue in his honor. I want to thank staff for all of the support you have shown. I also want you to know that Town Council fully supports staff going forward. We will get through this difficult time and have a better tomorrow in part because of the focus and direction of Steve.
Mayor Mike Barber issued the following statement this morning: Town Council and I are heartbroken this morning to learn of Steve’s passing. We met last night in a closed session to begin the healing process together and discuss the direction of the Town moving forward. We are confident in the leadership of Randy Wingfield, who is now serving as interim town manager, and of the leadership of all of our department heads. Steve leaves behind a progressive and proactive legacy, and we will work hard to honor and build upon all that he started. Town Council and I are keeping Steve’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
(Continue reading for previous story)