BRISTOL VIRGINIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

🥖🚔 A big thank you to Logan’s Roadhouse in Bristol, VA, for stopping by today and treating our officers to fresh, warm rolls! Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.

As always we are thankful for community partners like you who take the time to recognize and encourage those who serve.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Street Paving Scheduled Tonight

BRISTOL, VA – June 23, 2026 - Paving crews will be working on State Street this evening, paving from Piedmont Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

"No Parking" restrictions will be enforced from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Posted signs are in place along the affected area.

Any vehicles remaining parked on State Street during these hours will be towed at the owner's expense to allow paving crews to safely and efficiently complete the work.

Motorists are encouraged to make alternate parking arrangements.

Thank you for your cooperation as these roadway improvements are completed.

🥖🚔 Thank you to Texas Roadhouse in Bristol, VA, for dropping off fresh, hot rolls for our officers today! Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated and mean a lot to those who serve our community. We are grateful for partners like you!

🐾 NOW HIRING: Part-Time Kennel Attendant 🐾

Do you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives? We are seeking a Part-Time Kennel Attendant to help care for the animals housed at the City of Bristol Animal Shelter.

As a Kennel Attendant, you’ll play an important role in:
🐶 Feeding and watering animals
🐱 Assisting with the movement and care of shelter animals
🧹 Maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for both animals and visitors
❤️ Supporting the daily operations of the shelter and helping animals on their journey to finding forever homes

This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with animals and want to serve their community in a meaningful way.

📍 Position: Part-Time Kennel Attendant
📍 Location: Bristol Virginia Animal Shelter
📍 Apply Online: ⁠ https://www.bristolva.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=102&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Kennel-Attendant-Part-Time-248

Join our team and help provide compassionate care to the animals that depend on us every day!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Seizure and Multiple Arrest

BRISTOL, VA – June 15, 2026 - On June 12, 2026, a traffic stop conducted by Bristol Virginia Police Department patrol officers resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl, suspected M**A (commonly known as Molly), drug distribution paraphernalia, and U.S. currency, leading to the arrest of three individuals on multiple felony drug charges.

The investigation began when officers observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations while traveling into the Commonwealth of Virginia. Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Island Road and Wagner Road.

During the stop, officers identified three occupants inside the vehicle. Members of the Bristol Virginia Police Department K-9 Unit responded to the scene and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics, providing probable cause for a search of the vehicle and its occupants.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately:

• Approximately 55 grams of suspected fentanyl
• Approximately 39.3 grams of suspected M**A (Molly)
• A digital scale containing suspected narcotics residue
• $2,586 in U.S. currency believed to be associated with narcotics trafficking
• A concealed set of brass knuckles recovered from one of the vehicle occupants

Members of the Bristol Virginia Police Department Narcotics Unit responded to the scene and assisted with the follow-up investigation. Through interviews, evidence collection, and investigative efforts, detectives developed information indicating the suspected controlled substances had been transported into the Commonwealth of Virginia for distribution. The Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF) also assisted during the investigation.

Cristina Clemons, age 27, of Hickory NC was arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of Transporting more than one ounce of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance into the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two counts of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Traffic Summons for Speeding
• Traffic Summons for Driving with no Valid Operator’s License

Amber M. Jones, age 28, of North Carolina was arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of Transporting more than one ounce of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance into the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two counts of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance

Demarkria M. Miller, age 34, of Gaffney SC was arrested and charge with:

• Two Felony counts of Transporting more than one ounce of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance into the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Two Felony counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two Felony counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Two Felony counts of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance
• Felony Possession of a Weapon by Convicted Felon
• Misdemeanor Possession of Concealed Weapon

All three suspects were transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority where they are being held without bond.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department commends the coordinated efforts of its Patrol Division, K-9 Unit, and Narcotics Unit for their work in removing a significant quantity of suspected dangerous narcotics from the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regional Absconder Sweep Results in 10 Arrest, 17 Warrants Served

BRISTOL, VA – June 9, 2026 - On May 26-27, 2026, local, state, and federal law enforcement
agencies conducted a coordinated absconder sweep targeting probation and parole absconders and other wanted offenders throughout Washington County, Virginia; Bristol, Virginia; Bristol, Tennessee; and Sullivan County, Tennessee.

Participating agencies included the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division, Bristol Virginia Police Department, United States Marshals Service, Washington County Sheriff's Office (VA), and Sullivan County Sheriff's Office (TN).

During the two-day operation, law enforcement personnel conducted follow-up investigations and
attempted contacts at 35 locations associated with wanted individuals. These efforts resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, fourteen warrants served, and three additional warrants obtained incident to arrest, and the seizure of approximately six grams of methamphetamine.

While the arrests and warrant services represent significant accomplishments, one of the operation's
most valuable outcomes was the collection of actionable intelligence. Officers developed numerous leads regarding the whereabouts and activities of additional wanted individuals. This information will be utilized in future enforcement efforts and is expected to assist in locating and apprehending additional fugitives.

"This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration and information sharing among local,
state, and federal law enforcement partners," said Chief D. Byron Ashbrook. "By combining resources
and working together, we are better positioned to locate wanted offenders, hold them accountable, and enhance public safety throughout our communities."

🔷 A Huge Thank You to Lowe’s and Kevin Meade! 🔷

The Bristol Virginia Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Lowe’s and Kevin Meade for their support of our SWAT training program.

Thanks to the materials provided through Lowe’s and the efforts of Kevin, our team now has a newly constructed training window that will be incorporated into SWAT training scenarios. This valuable addition will allow officers to develop and refine critical skills in a realistic training environment, helping ensure they are better prepared to safely and effectively apply those tactics during real-world operations.

Kevin’s dedication to supporting law enforcement training and his willingness to help make this project a reality demonstrates the strong partnership that exists between our department and members of our community. His hard work and commitment were instrumental in bringing this training asset to life.

We are grateful for the continued support from Lowe’s and for community-minded individuals like Kevin who help us provide the highest level of training possible for our officers.

Thank you, Kevin, and thank you, Lowe’s, for investing in the safety of our officers and the communities we serve.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is saddened to learn of the passing of former Crime Prevention Specialist Gloria Jean Gray McClure on June 3, 2026, at the age of 79.

Gloria served the Bristol Virginia Police Department for 15 years before retiring on August 1, 2005. As the department's first Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, she played a pivotal role in shaping crime prevention efforts throughout our community and the region.

During her distinguished career, Gloria helped establish numerous Neighborhood Watch programs, coordinated Bristol's National Night Out events, developed the area's first TRIAD Seniors program, and worked closely with the local Crime Stoppers Association. Her dedication to public safety and community partnerships made her a familiar and respected figure among local businesses and citizens throughout Southwest Virginia.

Gloria was also a founding member and past president of the Mountain Empire Regional Crime Prevention Association, serving 13 counties and two cities in Southwest Virginia. Under her leadership and commitment to crime prevention, Bristol achieved recognition as a Certified Crime Prevention Community.

Her passion for community service, public safety, and crime prevention left a lasting impact on the Bristol Virginia Police Department and the communities she served. We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and the foundation she helped build for future generations.

Please join us in remembering Gloria and extending our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Gloria McClure. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

On 6/4/26, Bristol Lodge 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police was proud to present Miss Victoria Turner with this year's Virginia State FOP Scholarship check of $1,000.00. She came to the Bristol VA Police Department for the presentation.

Victoria was presented the check by Bristol Lodge 48 Secretary Darryl Milligan (left) and other Lodge 48 members. Also pictured is Victoria's father, Lodge 48 Director Eric Turner (in white), Sergeant at Arms Katie Milligan, Sheriff Tyrone Foster. Back row: Gary Coleman, David Varble, Darrell Dickenson, Spencer St. Cyr, and Maynard Ratcliff. Victoria's mother, Amber Turner, was also present but not pictured.

Victoria is a fine young lady. She will be attending King University in Bristol, TN pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She is a graduate of John S. Battle High School in Bristol, VA with a GPA of 3.909. Victoria is friendly to all, incredibly smart and will be a credit to the Nursing profession. She is well deserving of the State FOP Scholarship.

Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee of the State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge of Virginia out of their Richmond Office. Local lodges have no part of the selection process unless on their members are selected by the state to sit on the committee.

🛡️ Generations of Service 🛡️

Honoring Family Legacies in Law Enforcement

Today, we continue recognizing the family legacies of service within the Bristol Virginia Police Department, highlighting officers who carry forward a tradition of dedication, leadership, and commitment to public safety.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Joseph Tester, who has served with BVPD since July 2022. Officer Tester currently works in the Patrol Division and serves on the department’s SWAT Team, as a Field Training Officer (FTO), and as a member of the Honor Guard. His dedication to the profession was recently recognized when he was named “Officer of the Year” by the Optimist Club.

Officer Tester’s commitment to service reflects a legacy established by his father, Retired Lieutenant Terry Tester, who dedicated over three decades of service to the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, serving full‑time from 1983 to 2013.

During his career, Lieutenant Tester served in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and as the Lieutenant over the Street Crimes Unit. He was widely known for his passion for developing others, serving as a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and mentor who took great pride in helping officers grow within the profession and achieve their goals.

His service extended throughout many areas of the department, including participation in SWAT, Honor Guard, Accreditation efforts, and service on promotion and hiring boards. Following his full‑time retirement, Lieutenant Tester continued serving his community in a part‑time capacity from 2013 through 2020, working as a downtown officer, assisting at The Pinnacle, supporting special events, and serving as a Juvenile Court Officer.

Service such as this reflects more than years on the job, it represents a commitment to leadership, mentorship, and a lasting impact on both an agency and the community it serves. That same commitment is now seen in Officer Joseph Tester, whose service continues the legacy built before him.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is honored to recognize Officer Joseph Tester and Retired Lieutenant Terry Tester for their dedication to law enforcement and their contributions to public safety across generations.