Crime and Public Safety

(Feb. 16 11:15am) More than 100,000 Appalachian Power customers are without electric service, the result of three damaging ice storms. The latest and most devastating storm began last night in West Virginia, and piled up 85,000 new outages in the state through the night. The storm struck hardest in many of the same areas where several thousand customers have been without power since an ice storm Thursday, Feb. 11. In Virginia around 9,500 customers remain without power after an ice storm there on Saturday, Feb. 13.  Nearly 2,600 workers are in place in damaged areas and dedicated to restoring electric service. The work force includes crews who traveled from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia to help local crews and contractors repair ice storm damage.

 VIRGINIA STORM SUMMARY

More than 1,100 workers, including hundreds from outside the company’s service area, continue helping restore service to the 9,500 customers still without power as a result of the Feb. 13 ice storm.

Weather remains favorable today for service restoration. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 3,336 customers out of service; Floyd, 2,531; Henry, 1,362; and Pittsylvania, 654.

Restoration Estimates

We expect to have most customers restored in the following areas by the times shown:

  • Tuesday, 10 p.m., for Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Franklin and Patrick counties
  • Wednesday, 10 p.m., for Floyd and Henry counties

(Roanoke PD update) UPDATE: The victim of this incident has been identified as Adreonna Keffer,
18 of Roanoke. No further details.

(previous Roanoke PD release) On February 15 at approximately 2:30 a.m., Roanoke Police were notified of suspicious circumstances at an apartment in the 3400 block of Bennett Drive NW. Responding officers located a residence in disarray with signs of a struggle, but did not locate anyone in the apartment. As detectives were investigating the scene and attempting to locate the residents of the apartment, the vehicle of one of the residents was located at a parking lot near 13th Street SE.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Detectives determined that the male resident they located inside the vehicle — identified as DeAngelo Bonds, 22 of Roanoke — shot and killed the female resident of the apartment. Her identity will be released after proper notifications have
been made. Mr. Bonds notified officers that he disposed of the female’s body. After an
extensive search, her body was located in the Roanoke River. Mr. Bonds was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. No further updates are available at this time.


(5PM UPDATE) Appalachian Power has nearly 2,600 workers dedicated to restoring electric service in the wake of two damaging ice storms, and is preparing for a new round of damaging weather expected in West Virginia tonight. The work force includes crews who traveled from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia to help local crews and contractors repair ice storm damage.

VIRGINIA STORM SUMMARY

Ice damage Saturday left a peak of 42,000 customers without service, and through the efforts of more than 1,100 workers power has been restored to nearly 75 percent of customers who lost power as a result of the storm.

 Weather: Weather through Tuesday is favorable for service restoration.

Outages: More than 1,100 workers, including hundreds from outside the company’s service area, are helping restore service to the 10,800 customers still without power as a result of the Feb. 13 ice storm. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 3,776 customers out of service; Floyd, 2,373; Henry, 1,807; Patrick, 830; and Pittsylvania, 671.

Restoration Estimates

We expect to have most customers restored in the following areas by the times shown:

  • Late tonight for Montgomery and Roanoke counties
  • Tuesday, 10 p.m., for Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Franklin and Patrick counties
  • Wednesday, 10 p.m., for Floyd and Henry counties

 (from APCO) Monday, February 15, 2021 – 11:15 a.m.

Appalachian Power continues responding to two significant ice-damage weather events, and is making preparations for another damaging weather event likely to lead to additional outages in West Virginia today. More than 2,300 workers are dedicated to storm restoration efforts, including crews who traveled from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia to assist.

VIRGINIA STORM SUMMARY

Ice damage Saturday left a peak of 42,000 customers without service. More than 900 workers are helping restore electric service to the 13,400 customers currently without electric service.

 Weather: Ice is clearing from trees, which will aid with service restoration.

Outages: Workers from outside the company’s service area, as well as workers who moved in from unaffected areas of Virginia, are assisting local crews restore service to the 13,400 customers still without power as a result of the Feb. 13 ice storm. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 5,242 customers out of service; Floyd, 2,830; Henry, 2,235; Campbell, 647; and Pittsylvania, 739.

Restoration Estimates

We expect to have most customers restored in the following areas by the times shown:

  • Late tonight for Montgomery and Roanoke counties
  • Tuesday, 10 p.m., for Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Franklin and Patrick counties
  • Wednesday, 10 p.m., for Floyd and Henry counties

(latest update 5:30pm)

Situation

Appalachian Power continues responding to two significant ice-damage weather events, and is making preparations for another damaging weather event Sunday night through Monday.

In Virginia ice damage through the day Saturday left a peak of 42,000 customers without service, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77 and south of Interstate 81. More than 100 workers from outside the company’s service area, as well as workers who moved in from unaffected areas of Virginia, are assisting local crews with service restoration for the 21,400 customers currently without electric service.

Weather

In Virginia ice is clearing from trees, which will aid with service restoration.

Outages

In Virginia 21,400 customers are currently without electric service, down from a Saturday evening peak of 42,000. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 7,545 customers out of service; Floyd, 4,718; Henry, 3,611; Campbell, 1,326; Montgomery, 876; Pittsylvania, 742; and Patrick, 648.

 Restoration Process

In all storm events Appalachian Power prioritizes restoration efforts to safely get the largest number of customers on in the shortest amount of time, and addresses restoration in these four steps:

  • First, restore critical services, such as hospitals and fire departments
  • Second, restore outages that affect large groups of customers
  • Third, fix problems that affect smaller numbers of customers and
  • Fourth, make repairs that affect individual customers.

In Virginia workers continue to assess damage and make repairs on outages that affect large numbers of customers. Crews will then shift focus to outages that affect fewer numbers of customers as large outages are restored.

In Virginia we expect to have most customers restored in the following areas by the times shown:

  • Late tonight for Pulaski and Wythe counties
  • Monday, 10 p.m., for Montgomery and Roanoke counties
  • Tuesday, 10 p.m., for Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Franklin and Patrickcounties
  • Wednesday, 10 p.m., for Floyd and Henry counties

Appalachian Power is responding to significant ice-damage weather events, and making preparations for another damaging weather event Sunday night through Monday.

 In Virginia ice damage through the day Sunday left a peak of 42,000 customers without service, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77 and south of Interstate 81. Additional resources from outside the affected areas are now assisting local crews with service restoration for the 32,000 customers currently without electric service.

In Virginia temperatures are expected to warm enough to thaw ice, which will aid with service restoration.

Outages

In Virginia 32,000 customers are currently without electric service, down from a Saturday evening peak of 42,000. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 10,290 customers out of service; Floyd, 7,074; Henry, 4,805; Montgomery, 2,264; Patrick, 1,702; and Campbell, 1,631.

 Restoration Process

In all storm events Appalachian Power prioritizes restoration efforts to safely get the largest number of customers on in the shortest amount of time, and addresses restoration in these four steps:

  • First, restore critical services, such as hospitals and fire departments
  • Second, restore outages that affect large groups of customers
  • Third, fix problems that affect smaller numbers of customers and
  • Fourth, make repairs that affect individual customers.

 In Virginia workers are assessing damage and making repairs on outages that affect large numbers of customers. Crews are focusing efforts on these large outages and will move to outages that affect fewer numbers of customers through the day.

Restoration Estimates

  • In Virginia we are assessing damage and will be able to provide restoration estimates when the extent of damage is more clearly known.

For information on a specific outage check Appalachian Power’s Outage Map on AppalachianPower.com.

 Storm Response Efforts

We are significantly increasing the resources dedicated to restoring power from these storms. On Friday, we had 926 workers dedicated to storm restoration, including company, contract and mutual assistance workers. As hundreds more arrived through the weekend, the number of workers dedicated to storm restoration efforts more than doubled and now stands at 1,973 total workers from multiple states.

In all areas ice continues to weigh down trees and as limbs break some new outages continue to occur. Driving conditions on some roads remains slippery. Crews are following COVID safety protocols and taking precautions to ensure they are working safely in the slick conditions.

MGN

(from VA State police) As temperatures drop below freezing overnight, today’s wet roads will become extremely icy and treacherous. Virginians are advised to avoid travel overnight due to slick conditions and the increased potential for fallen trees, power lines, etc.

At 9 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 13), Virginia State Police are on the scene of 29 traffic crashes statewide and 5 disabled vehicles statewide. The majority of those crashes involve only damage to vehicles, as vehicles slide off the slick roadways into ditches, guardrails, and fallen trees. From 12 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 13) through 9 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 13), Virginia State Police have responded to a total of 195 disabled vehicles and 366 traffic crashes statewide. Still no fatal crashes have been reported at this time.
Salem Division: 22 Disabled Vehicles & 31 Traffic Crashes

Virginians are still advised to avoid travel through Sunday. Open highways allow VDOT crews to safely and effectively treat the roads, and clear fallen debris. If you must travel, please practice the following safe traffic tips:

  • Make sure all windows and lights are clear of snow before heading out
  • Slow speed for icy conditions.
  • Always buckle up – driver and all passengers.
  • Drive distraction free – put down the phone and coffee, and keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
  • Use headlights to increase your visibility and to help other drivers see you better.
  • Share the road responsibly with VDOT vehicles and emergency vehicles.
  • Check Virginia 511 before you go for road conditions, closures and detours.

RICHMOND, Va. (VDOT release) – Icy precipitation is falling across much of the Commonwealth, creating very hazardous travel conditions. Virginia Department of Transportation crews are working to treat and clear roads. However, freezing rain, sleet and cold pavement temperatures are expected to continue through Saturday evening, and travel conditions will remain hazardous in many areas. Motorists should monitor forecasts and conditions and delay travel until conditions improve. There is no safe way to travel during icy conditions: when ice is present, travel is hazardous.

A difference in just a few degrees of air or ground temperatures will determine if ice or snow accumulates on roadways. Road conditions could change rapidly and impacts will vary as precipitation moves through Virginia. Less traveled roads, shady spots, ramps and bridges are likely to freeze first.

Storm Tips: Stay home until precipitation stops and conditions improve. Give crews time to treat roads. If you must travel during adverse weather conditions: SLOW DOWN, Do not pass snow plows Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement Watch for downed trees and power lines Visit 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions in your area. For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

MGN

Appalachian Power Storm Response Update

Saturday, February 13, 2021 – 5:15 p.m.

Situation Appalachian Power is responding to two significant ice-damage weather events, and preparing for a possible third weather event Sunday night into Monday. In Virginia an ice storm is in progress, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77 and south of Interstate 81. In a 12 hour span from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m., more than 40,000 Virginia customers lost service. Outages continue to climb as the weather system passes across the area.

Weather In Virginia ice in several areas continues accumulating to levels that are producing tree damage and associated power outages, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77.

Outages In Virginia 42,000 customers are currently without electric service, with numbers expected to rise. Counties most affected include Franklin, with 11,750 customers out of service; Henry, 6,368; Floyd, 6,300; Campbell, 5,160; Montgomery, 2,679; and Pulaski, 1,639.

(earlier APCO release) Appalachian Power is responding to two significant ice-damage weather events. In Virginia an ice storm is in progress, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77 and south of Interstate 81. Outages began climbing from ice damage early this morning and stood at 23,000 at 11:00 a.m. In West Virginia an ice storm late Wednesday night into Thursday left a peak of more than 45,000 customers without service, with Cabell, Wayne and Putnam counties most affected. Ice continues to be a problem, remaining on trees, power lines and some roads and causing hazardous driving and working conditions.

 Weather

In West Virginia ice remains on trees from Thursday’s storm, and as more limbs break new outages continue to occur. Forecasters say another damaging ice event is likely Sunday night into Monday across much of the company’s West Virginia service area, and is likely to cause damage and outages across much of the area affected by Thursday’s weather.

 In Virginia ice is accumulating to levels that are producing tree damage and associated power outages, mostly in areas east of Interstate 77. Further accumulation, additional damage and increasing outages are expected through today.

Outages

In Virginia 23,000 customers are without electric service as of 11:00 a.m., with numbers expected to rise as ice accumulates through the day. Counties most affected currently include Henry, with 5,517 customers out of service, Franklin, with 8,639, Floyd, with 3,046 and Pulaski, with 1,103.

In West Virginia around 21,000 customers are currently without electric service as a result of the Thursday ice storm. Counties with most remaining outages are Cabell, with 9,280 customers out of service, Wayne, with 4,944, and Putnam, with 3,312.

 Restoration Process

In all storm events Appalachian Power prioritizes restoration efforts to safely get the largest number of customers on in the shortest amount of time, and addresses restoration in these four steps:

  • First, restore critical services, such as hospitals and fire departments
  • Second, restore outages that affect large groups of customers
  • Third, fix problems that affect smaller numbers of customers and
  • Fourth, make repairs that affect individual customers.

In Virginia we are working to ensure known hazards are addressed, ensuring we are aware of critical services without power, assessing damage, and addressing large known outages as weather conditions to safely permit us to do so.

In West Virginia there are 45 outages that affect 100 or more customers, and we are restoring service to a mix of large outages and outages that affect smaller numbers of customers.

 Restoration Estimates

  • In West Virginia we expect to continue making good progress today, and to have service restored to most remaining customers in Jackson and Mason counties by 10 p.m. tonight. Most customers currently without service in Cabell, Wayne, Putnam and Lincoln should have service restored by 6 p.m. tomorrow. In some cases where restoration could extend into Monday, outage-specific information with restoration times will be updated on our outage map and through outage alerts, as noted below.
  • In Virginia damaging weather and resulting outages are in progress. We will not be able to provide restoration estimates until the storm passes and the extent of damage is known.

For information on a specific outage check our Outage Map at www.AppalachianPower/OutageMap.

 Storm Response Efforts

In Virginia local employees and contractors are responding in their local areas, and workers from other parts of the company’s Virginia service area will move in to assist. Additional resources from outside the service area are being assembled as the extent of damage becomes known.

In West Virginia nearly 1,000 workers are involved in restoring electric service, including more than 550 line workers. Work includes replacing nearly 80 broken poles and 650 spans of downed power lines.

 In all areas ice continues to weigh down trees and limbs continue to break, new outages continue to occur. Driving conditions on some roads remains slippery. Crews are following COVID safety protocols and taking precautions to ensure they are working safely in the slick conditions.

(from Va State Police) At approximately 12:45 p.m.[ on Friday] the Town of Bedford initiated a pursuit of a stolen vehicle.  The vehicle was a 2003 Saturn Vue, which was stolen from a residence in Bath County.  The suspect, James Michael Rakes, 50, of Dublin, Va. was known to the victim and police were able to locate the vehicle and the suspect by his cell phone.  When police approached the vehicle, the driver fled.  The town of Bedford discontinued the pursuit and the Virginia State Police took over.  Troopers pursued the vehicle into Botetourt County, where spike strips were used on Route 220 to disable the stolen car.  The vehicle stopped at the Sheetz on Route 220 and Route 779.  Rakes fled into the store and was located in the bathroom at the Sheetz.
Rakes was taken into custody with further incident and was transported to the Botetourt County Jail. Rakes was wanted in Bath County for the stolen vehicle and will face additional charges relating to the pursuit. No law enforcement officers or the public were injured in the pursuit.

Latest update 10pm: On February 12, 2021, at 1:45 pm, Allie Michelle Broadaway was reported missing from her home on Reed Creek Dr.  Through the investigation, it was discovered that Kaleb Christopher Merritt met Broadaway in December 2020 on Instagram.  They communicated via social media until Merritt traveled to Virginia in early February 2021 to meet with Broadaway.

It was discovered that upon arriving in Henry County, Merritt set up a camp in a wooded area behind Broadaway’s home and met with Allie Michelle Broadaway on several occasions.  Merritt communicated with Broadaway via a messaging app and instructed her to leave her home.  Merritt coerced Broadaway to leave her home and he subsequently picked her up.

 During the course of the investigation, information was received that led investigators to believe Merritt was located in Henderson, North Carolina.  Investigators from Henry County, along with Agents from the FBI coordinated with authorities from North Carolina.  The Henderson, NC Police Department located Merritt and he was taken into custody.  Allie Broadaway was found with Merritt.  Broadaway was found safe and checked by EMS for minor injuries.

 This incident remains under investigation by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Virginia State Police.

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Earlier Update: Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry will be conducting a press conference today, Saturday, February 13  at 3:00 pm.  Sheriff Perry will be releasing information in regards to the abduction of Allie Michelle Broadaway.

The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse has issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, for a child abduction that occurred on February 12, 2021 at 1300 hours. (1pm). The child is believed to be in extreme danger and was last seen at 2373 Reed Creek Drive, Bassett, VA.  Abducted is Allie Michele Broadaway, White, Female, Brown hair, Blue eyes, 12 years old, 4 foot 11 inches tall, weighing 107 lbs, Last seen wearing grey James Madison University sweatshirt and dark colored fleece pants.

The child is believed to have been abducted by Kaleb Christopher Merritt, White Male, Brown hair, Green eyes, 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighing 250 lbs,  There is no clothing description for the suspect at this time. Possibly driving a 2000 Light Green Mercury Grand Marquis, TX tag DMP-2294. For further information contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or visit Twitter.com/VSPalerts