Vernal PD

10/14/2026

UPDATE: MISSING PERSON LOCATED

Wade Simonton has been located and is safe.

We would like to thank the public for sharing the alert and assisting in locating Mr. Simonton.

MISSING PERSON ALERT:
The Vernal Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating 65 year old Wade Simonton, who suffers from severe dementia. Wade is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds.

Wade was last seen on October 13, 2026, between the hours of 7:00pm and 8:00pm, in the area of 500 South Vernal Avenue, Vernal, Utah. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, baggy black pants, tan work boots, and an orange hat. Wade may be traveling on foot or may be riding or pushing a mountain style bicycle.

Anyone who has seen Wade Simonton or has information that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Uintah Basin Central Dispatch at (435)789-4222.

Please share this information to help locate Wade and ensure his safe return.

09/10/2026

🚧 INTERSECTION CLOSURE ALERT | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 🚧

Drivers, please plan ahead for a full closure of the SR-121 (500 North) and 1500 West intersection tomorrow, Thursday, September 10.

Crews will be switching out the traffic signal at the intersection, requiring the roadway to be fully closed from approximately 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

🚗 All traffic will be detoured during the closure. Please allow a little extra travel time, follow posted detour signs, and use caution around crews working in the area.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while this work is completed!

🔗 For additional project information, visit udotinput.utah.gov/1500westintersectionimproved.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Welcome back to the start of a new school year! As students and staff return to school, the Vernal Police Department will be focusing on school zones and crosswalks to help everyone start the year safely.

Slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our students and staff safe!

Have a great school year!

08/05/2026

The Vernal Police Department uses Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to help locate stolen vehicles, assist with missing person cases, and support other legitimate criminal investigations. ALPR cameras capture license plate information only and do not use facial recognition or identify the driver or passengers of a vehicle.

Use of the system is limited by Utah law and department policy. Searches must have a lawful purpose, are documented and electronically logged, receive weekly supervisory review, and are automatically deleted after nine months. Some Flock cameras in the community are privately owned, and the Police Department does not have unrestricted access to their data. Our goal is to use this technology responsibly to improve public safety while protecting privacy and constitutional rights.

07/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vernal Police Department Investigating Child Death

On July 28, 2026, the Vernal Police Department responded to a local hospital following the death of a 7-month-old infant.

The preliminary investigation determined the child had been transported to the hospital by her father after he discovered she had been left unattended inside a vehicle for a substantial period of time with the windows up. Upon realizing what had occurred, the father found the child unresponsive and immediately transported her to the hospital.

Investigators determined the temperature inside the vehicle was excessive. The infant was pronounced deceased at the hospital and was transported to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Based on the investigation to this point, the father, 34 year old Tommy Dean Platero, has been arrested and booked into the Uintah County Jail on a charge of Child Abuse Homicide. The investigation remains ongoing.

The members of the Vernal Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss. We also express our sincere appreciation to our partner agencies for their assistance and professionalism throughout this difficult investigation.

07/23/2026

On July 23, 2026, at approximately 11:06 a.m., law enforcement responded to the Vernal Walmart after receiving a report of a credible bomb threat.

Following an initial assessment of the information received, the decision was made to evacuate the store as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of customers and employees. Store staff and patrons quickly exited the building, and officers secured the area.

Law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search of the building with the assistance of a bomb detection K-9. The K-9 team, along with officers, completed a sweep of the store. No suspicious items or explosive materials were located.

Once the search was completed and it was determined the building was safe, Walmart was reopened to the public shortly thereafter.

This incident remains under active investigation. Making a bomb threat is a felony offense and will be investigated thoroughly. The Vernal City Police Department will use every available investigative resource to identify those responsible. Those responsible will be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

We would like to thank the many first responder agencies that assisted during this incident. We extend a special thank you to the Duchesne County Sheriff's Office for providing their K-9 team. We also appreciate the cooperation and professionalism of the Walmart management team and employees, whose quick actions and assistance contributed to the safe evacuation of the store.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vernal City Police Department at (435) 789-5835.

07/23/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

There is a significant police presence at the Vernal Walmart. Law enforcement is asking the public not to go to Walmart or enter the surrounding area at this time.

Please avoid the area, follow all officer instructions, and allow emergency personnel room to respond. Additional information will be shared when it becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation.

07/07/2026

Apply today! Job posting closes July 31st.

07/04/2026

Please celebrate responsibly!