Altavista Police Department

10/07/2026

Glad to do our part in keeping everyone safe !

10/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026
Altavista Police Arrest Hurt Man on Indecent Exposure and S*xual Battery Charges
Altavista, VA – On October 3, 2026, officers with the Altavista Police Department received a report of a male subject who allegedly followed a citizen from one business to another within the Town of Altavista. During the encounter, the individual allegedly exposed himself to the citizen, prompting a police investigation.
Through the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Glenn McKinley Chavis, 28, of Hurt, Virginia. As a result, Chavis was charged with Indecent Exposure in violation of § 18.2-387 of the Code of Virginia.
Further investigation, led investigators to identify Chavis as a suspect in a s*xual battery incident that occurred in the Town of Altavista on September 28, 2026. Subsequently, Chavis was additionally charged with S*xual Battery in violation of § 18.2-67.4 of the Code of Virginia.
Chavis was arrested at his residence in Hurt by deputies with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office. He was transported before a magistrate and was ordered held without bond pending further court proceedings.
The Altavista Police Department thanks the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office for its assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Altavista Police Department at (434) 369-7425.
Disclaimer
The charges contained in this release are merely accusations. All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/05/2026

☕️ Let’s get together for Coffee with a Cop! 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

Join us Wednesday morning from 8–10 AM at the Altavista McDonald’s for coffee, conversation, and community!

This is a chance for our officers to sit down with the people we’re proud to serve. Come by, say hello, ask a question, share a concern, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with us.

Our community is stronger when we talk, listen, and work together. ❤️

We’d love to see you there! Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, and come be part of the conversation! ☕️🇺🇸

10/05/2026

SUBJECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. THANK YOU

🚨 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE REQUEST 🚨

The Altavista Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection with an incident that occurred on October 3, 2026, in the Town of Altavista.

If you recognize this individual or have information regarding his identity, please contact the Altavista Police Department at 434-369-7425.

Please do not attempt to approach or confront the individual. Any information that may assist investigators is appreciated.

Reminder: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thank you for your assistance and continued support of the Altavista Police Department.

10/02/2026

📣 HOMEcoming PARADE REMINDER!

The Altavista Homecoming Parade is today at 5:15 PM!

The parade route will begin at Shreve Park, travel along Seventh Street to Bedford Avenue, and continue to the lower entrance of Altavista High School.

Please expect short traffic delays along the route around parade time and plan accordingly.

Come out and support our Colonels! 🎉🏈

GO COLONELS!! 💙💛

09/24/2026

APD extends its sincere thanks to Felicia and Autumn Care of Altavista for bringing us donuts today. We truly appreciate your kindness and support!

09/11/2026

Remembering 9/11 and Honoring Our Community

Our favorite Dr., Dr. Brandie Arthur, brought the Altavista Police Department some goodies from the LCA Beta Club in honor of 9/11.

We truly appreciate Dr. Arthur and the Beta Club students for thinking of our officers and taking the time to do something so thoughtful. Acts of kindness like this mean more than you know, especially on a day when we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.

Thank you, Dr. Arthur and LCA Beta Club! Your thoughtfulness and support are greatly appreciated by everyone at APD. 🇺🇸💙

08/29/2026

The Altavista Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Sheriff Steve Draper during this difficult time.

Sheriff Draper’s service and dedication to his community will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and worked alongside him.

Rest in peace, Sheriff. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered. 🇺🇸💙

You will be deeply missed! Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and unwavering support. We are grateful for the memories we shared and will always carry them in our hearts. Rest in peace. We’ll take it from here.

08/26/2026

UPDATED TO INCLUDE THIRD CHARGE

Altavista Police Department Announces Arrest Following Investigation Involving Juvenile
On August 25, 2026, the Altavista Police Department was made aware of an incident that occurred within the Town of Altavista involving a male reportedly engaging in inappropriate contact and communication with a juvenile.
A subsequent investigation by the Altavista Police Department led to the identification and arrest of Philip Donnell Johnson, 60, of Chatham, Virginia.
Johnson was charged with:
• Virginia Code § 18.2-370.2(E)(i) — S*x offenses prohibiting proximity to children; and
• Virginia Code § 18.2-371 — Causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc.
• Virginia Code § 18.2-472.1- Providing false information or failing to provide registration information for a Tier III s*x offender

Johnson was arrested on August 26, 2026, with the assistance of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department and the Chatham Police Department. He was transported to the Pittsylvania County Jail, where he was held with NO BOND.

The Altavista Police Department would like to thank the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department, Chatham Police Department, the Campbell Co. Sheriff’s Department and Virginia State Police for their assistance in this investigation. This case is a prime example of law enforcement agencies working together to target criminal activity across jurisdictional boundaries and to protect the safety of our communities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/21/2026

The Ashwell family blessed APD today with officer bags. For that we are appreciative, but there is the rest of the story. Brent had been teaching his son about community service. When tallying the number of cups needed for the bags,they found they were one short. Brent instructed his wife that was ok, they could get the Chief one later. Their young son , Keaton , said hold on, went to his room and got his UVA cup and said the Chief can have my cup. Now Keaton knew that the Chief is a huge ‘Hoo fan, but what a nice gesture to give his own cup so someone wouldn’t be left out. We are thankful for the Ashwells and the values they are passing along to their son! Brent and Lavinia are not only talking the talk but are walking the walk. APD is grateful for the support we receive from the community.