Buchanan County Sheriff's Office - Virginia

10/08/2026

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Ryan Daniels for his actions on October 1st, when a 7-year-old child suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Ryan didn’t wait for someone else to step in. He reacted. He took off his belt and used it as a tourniquet, providing critical aid until first responders arrived. His quick thinking and willingness to help undoubtedly made a difference during a frightening situation.

What Ryan did represents something much bigger than that. It represents the mindset and character of the people of Buchanan County. When someone is in need, we help. We don’t wait to be asked, it's just what we do.

On behalf of the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and myself, thank you, Ryan, for stepping up when it mattered most. Your actions are a reminder of what it means to look out for your fellow man and why I’m proud to serve the people of Buchanan County. If you are in Tractor Supply today, shake his hand and thank him.

Sheriff Allen W. Boyd

10/07/2026

*************UPDATE**************

Mr. Yates has been safely located.

Thanks to the community for helping us get this information out.
Thank you to Deputy B. Rash of Tazewell County Sheriff's Office who located Mr. Yates in the Bluefield area.

PRESS RELEASE – October 7, 2026
Authorized by Stanley Lampert, Chief of Police

***** MISSING PERSON *****

The Tazewell Virginia Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public in locating an elderly and disabled male with dementia. Mr. Lloyd William Yates is 89 years of age. He is a white male, approximately 5’05” tall, 198 lbs., with grey hair and brown eyes. He is possibly wearing a sweat shirt, pair of jeans and a ball cap. Mr. Yates walks with a cane.

He will be driving a 2012 Ford Fusion sedan, white in color, bearing Virginia registration 325832. Mr. Yates left his home in Tazewell on Wednesday, October 7th between the early morning hours of 2:30 a. m. and 09:30 a. m. Mr. Yates was likely enroute to Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg, Virginia but never arrived. Yates’ vehicle does not have built in factory real time GPS tracking capabilities. Attempts to locate Yates cell phone by tracking have been conducted with negative results.

Anyone with information related to Mr. Yates and his where abouts is asked to contact the Tazewell Virginia Police Department at 276-988-2503 or dial 911.

10/06/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office stands with survivors and remains committed to supporting a community where everyone deserves to feel safe.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜

Throughout October, we’ll be sharing ways to learn about domestic violence, recognize unhealthy and abusive behaviors, support victims and survivors, strengthen healthy relationships, and take meaningful action in our communities.

What’s one thing you want to learn or do this DVAM? Tell us in the comments.

Follow along throughout the month for resources, conversations and ways to take action. And remember: You don’t have to navigate this alone. Support is available 24/7.

📞 Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text “START” to 88788
💻 Chat: thehotline.org

10/02/2026

**Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Shooting Incident Involving 7-Year-Old Child**

On October 1, 2026, at approximately 9:11 p.m., the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a gunshot wound involving a 7-year-old child at the Dollar General store in Oakwood.

Sheriff’s Office personnel were the first emergency responders to arrive on scene. Deputies immediately provided emergency medical assistance and applied a tourniquet to the child’s leg to control the bleeding.

Oakwood Fire and Rescue responded to the scene, and MedFlight was activated. The injured child was transported by air to the trauma center at Johnson City Medical Center for treatment.

The preliminary investigation determined that the child’s parent had stopped at the Dollar General and entered the store, leaving the 7-year-old child and two younger children inside the vehicle. While inside the vehicle, the 7-year-old child retrieved a handgun that was inside the vehicle. The fi***rm was discharged, striking the child in the leg.

This incident remains under active investigation by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. The names of the individuals involved will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. Charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Allen W. Boyd

09/27/2026

We were glad to welcome the children and staff from Council Head Start Preschool to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Thursday September 24th. Visits like this are about more than just showing kids a police car, they are about building positive relationships and trust with our children at an early age. We want them to know that law enforcement officers are here to help, protect, and serve them and their families. These relationships can make a lasting difference as they grow.

09/21/2026

**Investigator Lora Scott Commendation Letter**

As Sheriff, I’m used to seeing our officers recognized for making an arrest, solving a case, responding to a dangerous situation, or even saving someone’s life. Those are important accomplishments, and our deputies deserve every bit of recognition they receive for them.

But every now and then, a letter like this one comes along that means something a little different to me.

It’s not about an arrest or a major incident. It’s about how an officer treated someone—showing respect, compassion, patience, and simply taking the time to treat a person the right way.

That matters.

Law enforcement is about much more than enforcing the law. It’s about dealing with people, often on some of the worst days of their lives. Knowing that Investigator Scott made a positive impression simply by the way she treated someone is something that makes me proud.

These are the kind of letters that remind us that how we do our job can be just as important as what we accomplish.

Sheriff Allen W. Boyd

09/13/2026

We had an awesome time at Spiritfest this year. Great to meet and talk with everyone. Even got to swear in our newest Junior Deputy.

09/13/2026

September 12th is National Police Woman Day and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and honor the women who serve Buchanan County in law enforcement. Their courage, dedication, professionalism, and compassion make a difference every day in our county.

To all the policewomen who answer the call and proudly wear the badge—thank you for your service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸💙

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the brave first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. We will never forget their sacrifice, their courage, or the families who continue to carry their loss. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

Drivers — stay alert and watch for students.

Parents — teach kids to follow basic safety rules while walking or riding to school.