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Gary Thompson

Gary Thompson

From Vinton Police: Vinton, VA – On April 25, 2016 at 4:28 PM, officers of the Vinton Police Department were called to a private residence located in the 600 block of South Maple Street, in reference to a “wellbeing check.” Family members reported having difficulty contacting the resident of the home, Mr. Gary Edward Thompson, age 45, and were concerned for his health and safety. Through their interaction with Mr. Thompson, at his home, Vinton officers discovered a deceased German Sheppard on the front lawn of the home. An examination of the dog at the scene indicated the dog did not likely die of natural causes. On April 26, 2016 the body of the animal was transported to the Lynchburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory for a necropsy examination so as to confirm the manner and cause of death. Mr. Thompson was subsequently arrested and charged with violation of 3.2-6570 (F) of the Code of Virginia and transported by officers of the Vinton Police Department to the Roanoke County–Salem Jail.

Roanoke-County

UPDATE from Roanoke County Fire & Rescue: April 28, 2016 (ROANOKE COUNTY)—Fire investigators determined the house fire started in the garage but the damage is too extensive to determine what specifically sparked the fire. The fire is believed to be accidental in nature and damage estimates are $250,000. The house is a total loss as well as two vehicles.A couple and their two dogs are displaced and staying with family. On a secondary search of the home, firefighters were able to rescue the two dogs. They were found on two different floors, covered in soot and scared. Paramedics cleaned them off and they should be okay. The injured firefighter is doing good.

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From Roanoke County Fire & Rescue: April 27, 2016 (ROANOKE COUNTY)— Roanoke County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the 1900 block of Springmill Road at 4:08 p.m. for a reported structure fire. When crews first arrived on scene they found a two-story house with flames coming from the front and side of the home. Soon after arrival, flames burned through the roof and the roof began to partially collapse forcing firefighters to fight the flames from outside the structure. Firefighters from the Fort Lewis and Masons Cove stations as well as Salem units worked for more than 30 minutes to get the flames knocked down. The siding of the next door house melted as a result of the flames. The homeowner called 911 when she saw flames in her garage. She reported that two dogs were in the house. Firefighters were able to rescue the two dogs and paramedics provided care to them on scene. One firefighter was transported for what is believed to be a minor injury. Fire investigators are on scene working to determine what sparked the fire.

Mason Ryan Photo from WDBJ7

Mason Ryan
Photo from WDBJ7

UPDATE: 3-year-old Mason Ryan was found safe in a wooded area about 3 miles from his home. Police were able to find him by following the sounds of his dog – that he went missing with last night – barking.

Henry County Police are searching for a missing boy. Mason Ryan, 3, was reported missing from the Wagon Trail Road area of Spencer just before 6 p.m. Monday evening. He was last seen with a dog and wearing a yellow Batman logo t-shirt, according to police. Mason’s mother stepped into another room, and when she returned he along with the small brown dog were gone. Virginia State Police, along with fire and rescue, and volunteers are assisting the Henry County Sheriff’s Office with the search.

Associated Press logoWFIR News has received a top award among Virginia radio stations for 2015 “Best Newscast”. Competing with cities that include Norfolk and Richmond, “The Roanoke Valley’s Morning News” with Joey Self received the highest Associated Press honor presented to any Virginia station competing in the “Metropolitan” category for Best Newscast. The award was presented over the weekend in Charlottesville.

Roanoke-CountyFrom Roanoke County Police: Friday, April 22, 2016 – Roanoke County Police have charged a student at Northside High School with making a threat at the school on April 15. The threatening message was discovered written in a girl’s bathroom. Charges include one count of threats of death or bodily injury; threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property (Sec. §18.2-60 of the Code of Virginia). It is a felony charge. Police on Thursday charged a student at William Byrd High School with making threats at the school on April 7 and April 18. Police continue to investigate similar threats made at Northside High School on April 18, Hidden Valley High School on April 19, and at William Byrd High School on April 21.

Roanoke County PoliceFrom Roanoke County Police: (Roanoke County, VA) April 21, 2016 – Roanoke County Police have charged a student at William Byrd High School with making threats at the school on April 7 and April 18. Threatening messages were discovered written in a girl’s bathroom. Charges include:  One count of Threats to bomb or damage buildings or means of transportation; false information as to danger to such buildings etc. (Sec. §18.2-83 of the Code of Virginia). One count of Threats of death or bodily injury; threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property (Sec. §18.2-60 of the Code of Virginia). Both are felony charges. Police continue to investigate similar threats made at Northside High School on April 15 and 18, as well as at Hidden Valley High School on April 19. Police will be investigating another threat made today at William Byrd High School.

Roonoke County SchoolsUPDATED 3:45 pm — From Roanoke County Public Schools: This is an update from William Byrd High School. The school has been cleared and the threat has been determined not credible. Students have returned to the school and are beginning to dismiss for the school day. We want to let you know that buses might be running slightly late this afternoon. Buses departed at about 3:40 p.m. We appreciate the prompt response of the Roanoke County Police Department. We continue to investigate this incident. We appreciate the cooperation of our parents as we work to keep our schools safe.

EARLIER: From Roanoke County Public Schools: William Byrd High School is being evacuated due to a bomb threat. All students and staff are being moved to a safe and secure location. The Roanoke County Police is investigating this threat. Parents, please do not come to the school. All access to the school grounds is restricted and you will not be permitted to approach the school. As we have further updates, we will keep you informed.

Monte Video House Fire (7)From Bedford Fire Department: On April 20, 2016 at approximately 9:58 p.m. the Bedford Fire Department responded to 1972 Monte Vista Road for a report of fire in a private dwelling. The first arriving engine found a two-story wood frame home with heavy fire showing throughout.  Although units arrived just ten minutes after the initial 911 call, the amount of fire found on arrival along with a lack of water supply in the immediate area hampered efforts.  The original home, which had several additions, was made of wooden logs and according to the owner was constructed in 1765.  The home was a total loss.  No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.  Firefighters from the Town of Bedford, Moneta, Forest, and Huddleston operated on scene.  The fire is being investigated by the Bedford County Fire Marshall’s Office.