Copper Hill
CRIME & SAFETY
Firefighter killed in Franklin County crash; charges pending against driver
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - A volunteer firefighter was killed in a crash in Franklin County that’s being investigated by Virginia State Police. Sherman Dale Mason, 43 of Penhook, died at the scene of the crash, according to police. The crash occurred July 24 at 6:30 a.m. on Sontag...
More than 60 pounds of meth seized in Virginia, 2 men charged, authorities say
ABINGDON, Va. (WCYB) — Nearly $2 million worth of methamphetamine has been seized in Virginia, and two men have been charged, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Tyrone Robert Irving, 45, of Roanoke, was charged with:. Possession with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled...
Serial arsonist off the streets of Downtown Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. – An alleged arsonist is off the streets of Roanoke. Police arrested and charged 42-year-old Quinton Gifford with three felony charges and three misdemeanor charges in connection to a string of fires that were intentionally set downtown. “It certainly poses a hazard,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Capt....
Blacksburg councilor, ex–DPVA staffer indicted on election fraud charges
Virginia State Police has arrested a Blacksburg Town Council member on felony election fraud charges, according to a statement Thursday. Liam Watson was elected in November 2023 after a hand-recount of ballots, according to the Roanoke Times. He defeated write-in candidate Rick Johnson, a former school board member and retired Virginia Tech administrator, for the seat.
Boones Mill Police Department welcomes new K9 Officer
BOONES MILL, Va. – The Boones Mill Police Department recently welcomed a new K9 Officer named Rex, the department announced Thursday. Rex is certified in patrol, tracking and narcotics. K9 Officer Rex and Chief Kelvin Pruett completed their training with K9 Working Dogs International, LLC at a National K9 Training Center in Elkins, West Virginia this month, we’re told.
Community mourns Jakolbi Taylor; funeral to be held Saturday
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Roanoke is preparing to say farewell to one of its own as the community gathers for the funeral of 16-year-old Jakolbi Taylor. Jakolbi was shot and killed after a basketball tournament in Myrtle Beach over the weekend. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. and will take place at Patrick Henry High School, where Jakolbi’s passion for basketball flourished.
Celebration of life planned Saturday in Virginia for 16-year-old shot to death in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A celebration of life service is planned Saturday in Roanoke, Virginia, the hometown of a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed early Saturday morning in Myrtle Beach. Jakolbi Taylor was killed at about 1:15 a.m. Saturday near a beach-access point at 16th Avenue N. and Ocean Boulevard. The rising […]
Man charged with six counts of Arson in connection to trash fires in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—The Roanoke City Fire Marshal’s Office reports a man has been charged with arson in connection with an ongoing investigation into trash fires in the City of Roanoke. 42-year-old Quinton Lester Gifford was charged with three felony counts of arson of a vehicle and three misdemeanor...
State Police to offer assistance to S.C. in Roanoke teen’s homicide investigation
A state delegate is asking the Virginia State Police to help solve the murder of a Roanoke teen who was shot and killed in Myrtle Beach on Saturday. Jakolbi Taylor, 16, died at the scene of the shooting around 1 a.m., according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The homicide took place in a beach access area.
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