Officials: Chemical spill at Cathcart Rail in Lynchburg, no health risk to public
The Lynchburg Fire Marshal’s Office has been monitoring a release of a chemical from a holding tank at Cathcart Rail on Hydro Street that has been producing strong noxious odors in the area for the past several weeks, according to the Lynchburg Fire Department.
Pittsylvania County crews offering free smoke detector installation
Thanks to a partnership between Pittsylvania County Public Safety, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Red Cross, they are offering free installation of smoke detectors in Pittsylvania County residences that do not have one already installed, their website said.
One person displaced after early morning Vinton house fire
VINTON, Va. – Roanoke Fire and Rescue responded to an early morning house fire in Vinton Sunday. One person is displaced. It happened around 6:00 a.m. in the 200 block of Cedar Avenue in Vinton. The cause of the house fire is under investigation by the Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office. The one person home at the time was able to get out safely.
Man charged with murder in connection with 2014 Floyd County missing persons case
FLOYD COUNTY, Va. – The Floyd County Sherriff’s Office has charged a West Virginia man with second-degree murder in connection with an unsolved missing person case from August 2014. 33-year-old Robert Joseph Gibbons, of Snowshoe, West Virginia, is charged in connection with the death of 65-year-old Robert James Langhorne Gibbons. Deputies said when they searched his home on Lick Ridge Road in Check, Virginia, and couldn’t find him anywhere, his daughter filed a missing report later that day. After following up on a tip, Virginia State Police assisted the Sheriff’s Office with the search of a property on Lick Ridge Road. AdThe 33-year-old Gibbons is currently being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail.
Virginia man accused of shooting federal facility guard dies
A man who officials say was equipped with roughly 600 rounds of ammunition when he exchanged gunfire with a security guard at a Virginia social security building died Wednesday at a local hospital. Federal prosecutors say they are dropping the charges against 44-year-old William Rankin after learning of his death. He was charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting at the Norfolk’s Social Security Administration building. Documents say Rankin entered the building on Feb. 8 and shouted, “I want my money!” before wounding the guard. The guard returned fire, wounding Rankin.
Impeachment? Vindication? What comes next in Cuomo probe
(Office of the NY Governor via AP)ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s attorney general has promised a thorough investigation of allegations that Gov. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said Wednesday that if the investigation shows something inappropriate did happen, Cuomo should resign. If Cuomo refused to go, one option could be impeachment. No lawmakers have expressed public support for censuring Cuomo amid the investigation, and there’s no indication it’s being floated as an option down the road. It's also possible that a prosecutor could bring criminal penalties based on the attorney general's report, according to Rifkin.
Cuomo addresses harassment claims, vows to stay in office
In this image taken from video from the Office of the NY Governor, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Albany, N.Y. (Office of the NY Governor via AP)ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Gov. “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable,” Cuomo said. “The facts will come out” in the attorney general's investigation, he said, reiterating his position that he “never knew at the time” that he was making anyone feel uncomfortable. The harassment allegations follow accusations that Cuomo covered up the true COVID-19 death toll on nursing home residents.
Cuomo sorry for remarks aide 'misinterpreted' as harassment
By day's end, Cuomo acquiesced to demands that Attorney General Letitia James control the inquiry. Calls for an investigation mounted after a second former employee of Cuomo's administration went public Saturday with harassment claims. AdHer accusation came days after another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, a former economic development adviser, elaborated on harassment allegations she first made in December. New York’s two U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both said an independent investigation was essential. AdJames fueled some of that criticism by issuing a report saying the Cuomo administration had undercounted deaths.
Survey finds Roanoke office space slightly increased in 2020
– A new survey found that the demand for office space in Roanoke actually grew last year even with the pandemic forcing many people to work from home. Poe and Cronk Real Estate Group released its 34th annual market survey on Tuesday which looks at office space occupancy in buildings over 10,000 square feet in downtown Roanoke and the surrounding areas. It found a 1% bump in the office occupancy rate in2020 overall, and a 3% jump in the southern business district, which includes the Cave Spring area. The real estate group’s president, Matt Huff, said companies are relocating to the region like from New York and Charlotte. “I think Roanoke actually started to attract people from other markets.”The survey also suggests that companies are anxious to get more people back in the office hopefully this year.
What’s News Today: Vaccine clinic, importance of saving
The Pittsylvania County Department of Elections and Registrar’s Office will open in a new location today. The county says the old location did not have adequate space to accommodate a volume of early voters. Carlisle School in Martinsville will hold an online auction starting today. Today kicks off ‘Roanoke Valley Saves Week.’ It’s a time to focus on the importance of saving money in an effort to prepare for the unexpected. If you were scheduled to get a COVID vaccine last Thursday in Covington, your appointment has been rescheduled for today Thursday’s clinic at First Christian Church was canceled due to winter weather.
Bedford County Sheriff’s Office approved to apply for new body cameras
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is taking another step in protecting the community and its deputies. It can now apply for a grant to purchase 15 new body cameras, after getting approval from the Bedford County Board of Supervisors on Monday. The Sheriff’s Office currently has about 70 cameras, but this will replace those that are worn out and take months to repair. The technology is used whenever a deputy is out of a patrol car and helps assure transparency. The $10,000 grant also requires a 50% match from the Sheriff’s Office.
Danville woman arrested for arson after setting her house on fire
DANVILLE, Va. – UPDATEThe Danville Fire Marshal’s Office determined the house fire that happened on 114 Freeze Road on Wednesday was intentional. There were no injuries in the fire among other occupants, but crews found a dog had died in the fire. Around 5:02 p.m., crews arrived to 114 Freeze Road to find a one-story house with heavy fire extending from the house into the carport. The house sustained heavy fire, smoke, heat and water damage. American Red Cross is assisting the family since the house was heavily damaged.
2 escape Salem house fire caused by electrical issue, officials say
SALEM, Va. – Two people escaped a fire at 415 Stonewall Circle in Salem on Monday, officials with the Salem Fire-EMS said. Firefighters were called to the home just before 1 p.m. and arrived within three minutes of receiving the call. Fire department officials said crews got the fire under control within 10 minutes and kept it from spreading beyond the basement area of the home. The Salem Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire accidental and determined it was caused by an electrical issue. The basement sustained less than $10,000 worth of smoke and water damage, firefighters said.
Guns, vehicles and more stolen from Bath County hunting cabins
BATH COUNTY, Va. – A string of break-ins in the northern part of Bath County has led to some high-profile items being stolen. The Bath County Sheriff’s Office says that items were stolen from multiple hunting cabins as the suspects forced entry into the back doors of buildings, cutting chains and locks to break-in. Here’s a list of what the Sheriff’s Office said has been stolen:2016 Camo-colored Can-Am 4-wheeler2012 green Kawasaki MULEHomelite generator12-gauge shotgun.22-caliber rifle with scopeAssorted toolsAssorted household itemsAntique red/blue vaseAntique blue/greenish ceramic horse figurineChain sawCamping equipmentA reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information about these break-ins and thefts is asked to contact the Bath County Sheriff’s Office at 540-839-2375.
Married couple found dead after Christmas Eve murder-suicide in Giles County
GILES COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2021, at 12:05 p.m. The Giles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a murder-suicide that left a husband and wife dead on Christmas Eve. The Sheriff’s Office said autopsies were completed by the Medical Examiner’s Office and the case is being treated as a murder-suicide. ORIGINAL STORYAuthorities in Giles County said there is no threat to the public after two people were found dead with gunshot wounds on Christmas Eve. The Sheriff’s Office said the medical examiner is completing an initial investigation.
Authorities arrest New River Valley man wanted for sex crimes against a child
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – Authorities have arrested a local man who was wanted by U.S. Marshals for forcible sodomy with a child less than 13 years old, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Kareem Grant was arrested in Radford on Wednesday afternoon. The warrant for his arrest was dated October 27. The Sheriff’s Office posted on social media earlier Wednesday asking for the public’s help in locating Grant.
104 inmates test positive for COVID at Virginia jail
About 100 inmates and five staff members at a Virginia jail have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Friday that 74 new cases were discovered among the inmates at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. The sheriff’s office reported the new numbers after conducting mass testing on about 1,600 inmates, deputies, civilians and contractors who work at the jail. The inmates who tested positive have been placed in quarantine and are being provided needed medical care, the release said. The sheriff’s office had reported that 70 inmates and four deputies at the jail had tested positive for the virus earlier this month.
Authorities seize 131 animals in need of veterinarian care from Virginia property
GREENE COUNTY, Va. – 131 animals are now getting the care they need after authorities seized them from a location in Greene County, Virginia on Friday. The owner of the animals, Harold Johnson Jr., is still being investigated but will be facing charges, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities seize 131 animals in need of veterinarian care from Virginia property (Greene County Sheriff's Office)The animal control division of the Sheriff’s Office received several reports that Johnson Jr.'s animals weren’t being properly cared for. Investigators eventually obtained a search warrant related to the treatment and condition of the animals, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The veterinarian determined that all of the animals on the property needed veterinarian care and needed to be seized.
What’s News Today: fair food, honoring veterans
The Roanoke Valley Veterans Council will plant a tree today to honor veterans. The white oak will be planted near the corner of Reserve Avenue and Jefferson Street at the site of the former armory. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office will hold its annual awards ceremony today. The Sheriff’s Office will also recognize people in the community who have assisted the office. Fall Fair Food Fundays continues at the Salem Civic Center.
Biden expected to speak Friday night in primetime as vote counts continue
There was intense focus on Pennsylvania, where Biden led Trump by more than 27,000 votes, and Nevada, where the Democrat led by about 22,000. Trump stayed in the White House and out of sight, as more results trickled in and expanded Biden’s lead in must-win Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, officials were not allowed to begin processing mail-in ballots until Election Day under state law. In Nevada, there were a number of provisional ballots cast by voters who registered on Election Day, and officials had to verify their eligibility. The AP has declared Biden the winner in Arizona and said Thursday that it was monitoring the vote count as it proceeded.
Authorities find body inside car of missing Nelson County woman
NELSON COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE - Dec. 7 at 3:39 p.m.A missing Nelson County woman is likely dead, according to authorities. We had hoped for a different outcome in this investigation for the family and the community,” said Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith in a news release. Anyone with information related to Koogler’s disappearance is still asked to contact Investigator Reid with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 540-245-5333. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding a missing 56-year-old woman who they considered to be endangered. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office.
EXPLAINER: A closer look at Arizona
Election officials arrive for work at the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in Phoenix. The Associated Press has called the race in Arizona for Democrat Joe Biden. “The Associated Press continues to watch and analyze vote count results from Arizona as they come in,” said Sally Buzbee, AP’s executive editor. Many of the gains have been driven by the shifting politics of Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix and its suburbs. Maricopa County accounts for 60% of the state’s vote.
Lynchburg Registrar’s Office makes final push to prepare for Election Day
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg Registrar’s Office made the final push Monday to get ready for Election Day. According to the Registrar’s Office, Lynchburg has more than 55,000 registered voters. Of that, about 10,000 people participated in early voting and another 9,000 requested their ballot by mail. Despite that fact, Christine Gibbons, Lynchburg’s director of elections and general registrar, asked voters to be patient. “The lines may or may not be as long, but we also have to remember, too, because of social distancing the line might take a little bit longer, even though it may not be a long line,” Gibbons said.
Appomattox County Sheriff asks public’s help in finding third suspect in connection with discovery of human remains
APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. – There are major developments in a homicide case nearly a week after human remains were found inside an abandoned, burned-out vehicle in Appomattox County. That vehicle was discovered October 21 near the intersection of Forbes Road and State Park Road in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. The Sheriff’s Office said they have not identified the human remains. The Sheriff’s Department released a photo of two other suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department.
Accused Kenosha gunman won’t face charges in Illinois
WAUKEGAN, Ill. – Prosecutors say a 17-year-old accused of killing two protesters days after Jacob Blake was shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, won’t face charges in his home state of Illinois. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said Tuesday an investigation revealed the gun used in the Kenosha shooting was purchased, stored and used in Wisconsin. It says there’s no evidence the gun was ever physically possessed by Kyle Rittenhouse in Illinois. The Antioch teen remains held in a juvenile detention center in Lake County, Illinois, without bond due to pending criminal charges in Kenosha.
Lynchburg Registrar’s Office accused of illegally counting absentee ballots
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg Registrar’s Office is accused of violating Virginia election laws. The Lynchburg Republicans City Committee claims the Registrar’s Office counted absentee ballots Monday without a Republican representative. The group says Virginia code mandates at least one election officer from each party to be present as ballots are scanned and counted prior to election day. Lynchburg’s director of elections and general registrar declined to comment. 10 News also reached out to the Virginia electoral board, but have not received a response.
Trump, Biden signs being stolen, vandalized in Southwest Virginia
GILES COUNTY, Va. – A Southwest Virginia sheriff’s office is letting people know it’s taking reports of personal property damage seriously. The Giles County Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints about political signs being stolen or vandalized, according to a Facebook post by the department. Investigators are working with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office on at least one case. The Sheriff’s Office reminded people that these signs are considered personal property and that deputies will be conducting extra patrols in areas where problems have been reported.
Investigation opened into match-fixing at French Open match
PARIS – The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened a police investigation into suspicions of match-fixing at the French Open. The Paris prosecutor’s office said the investigation is centered on suspicions concerning one match at Roland Garros and also casting a broader look for any other evidence. German newspaper Die Welt and French sports daily L’Equipe said there were suspicious betting patterns in the first round of a women’s doubles match on Sept. 30. The prosecutor’s office said probe was opened on Oct. 1, the day after. The French tennis federation, which runs the French Open, referred all questions to the Tennis Integrity Unit, which oversees corruption investigations in the sport.
40+ containers of illegal fireworks seized as two men arrested in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. – Authorities charged two men Thursday after seizing more than 40 containers of illegal fireworks in Roanoke, according to the Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office. The Office received a complaint of the sale of illegal fireworks earlier this week and after an investigation, in coordination with police, officials said they witnessed two men selling illegal fireworks. When officials searched their vehicle, they found the containers of illegal fireworks. Mark Burnette, 65, of Salem, was charged with possession of illegal fireworks and sale of fireworks without a permit. Roy Abbott, 45, of Roanoke, was charged with possession of illegal fireworks.
Campbell County noose was leftover Halloween prop, investigators say
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – After seeing a social media post of what looked like a noose on the roof of a Campbell County home, the Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation. While the Sheriff’s Office did not receive any calls about this picture, deputies found the house and talked with the resident about the matter and its public perceptionAs it turns out, the noose was a Halloween prop, one of many seasonal items on the property, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The resident said there was no intention to upset anyone in the community and immediately removed it.
Search underway for missing Floyd County man
Published: May 4, 2020, 10:52 pm Updated: May 5, 2020, 7:36 amFLOYD COUNTY, Va. – Authorities are searching for a 49-year-old Floyd County man who was reported missing last week. On Thursday, deputies were dispatched around 8 p.m. to Indian Valley Road near the Montgomery County line in reference to a possible missing person, according to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office. Young’s vehicle was found at his home, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies with the Floyd and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Offices searched the residence and river nearby, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office did not provide 10 News with a photo of Young.
Man hospitalized after shooting in Nelson County
NELSON COUNTY, Va. – A man was hospitalized after a shooting in Nelson County on Thursday. It happened on Hunting Lodge Road in Shipman, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a complaint of shots fired to find a man who had been shot. The Sheriff’s Office did not release the man’s name or comment on the extent of his injuries. This incident is still under investigation but it appears to be isolated and there is no outstanding threat to the public, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Female inmate dies at Martinsville City Jail
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Virginia State Police are investigating after a female inmate at the Martinsville City Jail died on Tuesday morning. The Martinsville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death but said state police are handling the investigation, which is standard operating procedure. 10 News has reached out to state police for comment on the investigation but has not heard back.
Shooting victim's mom: 'Someone tell me why they did this to my son'
SOUTH BOSTON, Va. - Travis Pannell's family and friends gathered in South Boston on Friday night to honor his life and legacy. Pannell was found shot to death in Franklin County after he'd been reported missing out of Roanoke for about a month. "I'm not going to feel better until someone tells me why they did this to my son," Gregory said. "I really miss my son, I truly miss him." Gregory said the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is making progress on the case, although the Sheriff's Office has not given any updates.
S&P 500 on track for fresh all-time high
Drew Angerer/Getty Images(CNN) - US stocks climbed Friday on hopes for progress on the "phase one" trade deal between the United States and China, putting the S&P 500 on track for a new all-time high. The S&P climbed above its record closing high on July 26 around midday Friday. The Dow is up 0.6%, or 170 points, still some 370 points below its all-time closing high. All three indexes are on track for a gain this week, driven mostly by corporate earnings. However, on Friday, the Office the US Trade Representative said that the United States and China made headway on finalizing their phase one trade agreement.
Los Angeles jury recommends death penalty for the 'Hollywood Ripper'
CNN VideoLOS ANGELES (CNN) - A jury has recommended the death penalty for Michael Gargiulo, known as the "Hollywood Ripper," the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Friday. The jury, made up of six men and six women, deliberated for "several hours" before reaching the death sentence recommendation, the office said in a release. A second murder victim, Mario Bruno, a neighbor of Gargiulo's, was killed and mutilated in December 2005. Gargiulo's sentencing is scheduled for February 28, the DA's office said. He has also been charged in a 1993 slaying in the Chicago area, the DA's office said.
Two missing teens found after extensive, week-long search in Campbell County and beyond
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. - After more than a week-long, extensive search, two Campbell County teens were found safe. The Sheriff's Office thanked the Bedford County Sheriff's Office and EMS personnel for their role in locating the 15-year-olds, but did not mention where the teens were found. Jacob Morris and Jasmyn Gordan were reported as runaways/missing persons on Sept. 17 by their families, according to the Campbell County Sheriff's Office. Authorities believed that the two were traveling together. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
NASCAR gives tickets to Earnhardt Jr. crash first responders
NTSB has arrived at the scene where Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s plane crashed on Thursday in Elizabethton, Tennessee. (CNN) - NASCAR paid back the first responders of the plane crash that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family survived with a night at the races. The Carter County Tennessee Sheriff's Office said it got free tickets to the Bristol Motor Speedway night race along with others who responded to the crash. "We had a great time with our first responder family at the BMS night race! A big thank you to NASCAR for giving us and all the agencies that responded to Dale Jr.'s plane crash free tickets!," it said on Facebook.
Deputies escort son of fallen colleague to first day of school
Sheriff's deputies escort 9-year-old Caden Dixon -- here with mom Stephanie -- to his first day of class. GAINESVILLE, Ga. - The members of the Hall County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office knew that the first day of school would be difficult for Caden Dixon; it marked one month since his dad died in the line of duty. Because Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon of Gainesville, Georgia, couldn't be there for his 9-year-old son's first day of class, the other deputies stepped in. "He was having a rough morning because he didn't want to go to school without his dad being there," Sgt. "Since the tragedy last month, members of the watch and other deputies, particularly Sgt.
Meek Mill to get new trial and judge
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images(CNN) - A Pennsylvania appeals court overturned Meek Mill's 2008 conviction on gun and drug charges Wednesday, ordering a new trial and judge in the case. The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that a trial judge erred in not granting the Philadelphia rapper a new trial "based on after-discovered evidence," in accordance with the state's Post-Conviction Relief Act, it said in its ruling. "I'd like to thank the Pennsylvania Superior Court for overturning my conviction and granting me a new trial. Roc Nation is an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, with whom Meek has collaborated on numerous ventures of late, both commercial and philanthropic. The two also announced Wednesday that Meek's Dream Chasers Records label will fall under the Roc Nation umbrella.
LA man charged after police found more than 1,000 guns in his home
Gregg Canes/CNNLOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles man found with more than 1,000 guns in his Bel-Air home in May was charged with 64 felony counts, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Monday. State law prohibits the manufacture, distribution, transportation, importation and sale of any assault rifle or .50 BMG rifles, except in specific circumstances, according to the California Legislature. Saenz pleaded not guilty during a Monday morning arraignment at the Los Angeles Superior Court. 'A hoarder's house'Saenz's property resembled "a hoarder's house" and it took 30 law enforcement officers more than 15 hours to clear the house and remove all the weapons, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told CNN. A law enforcement official said back in May they had not found any evidence linking Saenz to terrorism.
Florida man admits to lighting firecrackers under a child's bed
CRESTVIEW, Fla. - A Florida man told Sheriff's deputies that he threw firecrackers under the bed of a sleeping 9-year-old girl in a "prank gone wrong," according to a post on the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office Facebook page. Matthew Morrison, 44, of Crestview, Florida, was arrested Saturday after deputies responded to a home after the explosion woke the little girl. The owner of the house where this happened told the Sheriff's office that Morrison lives in a tent outside the house and came inside without permission, according to the Sheriff's Office Facebook post. Responding officers spoke with the little girl who said the explosion scared her, making her cry and shake, according to the Facebook post. The Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.