News Flash

NEWS RELEASE           Contact:  Lieutenant Barry A. Dufek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   bdufek@purcellvilleva.gov, 540-338-7422

POLICE INCIDENTS REPORT

PURCELLVILLE, VA., July 17, 2020

07/11/20            1:17 a.m.           37000 Block of Perkins Court                 Barking Dog

Officers were dispatched to the area for an anonymous call for dogs barking in the area. Upon arrival officers verified that in fact two different dogs were barking, one in the back yard and the other from inside the house.  Officers explained the dog barking laws within Town limits and released with a warning.

07/11/20            8:42 a.m.           South Maple Avenue                                             Civil Complaint

A complainant called the police because they believe they are being harassed by a neighbor due to the placement of homemade political signs in their own yard.  It is clear they differ in political views, but there was no criminal element.

07/11/20            11:15 a.m.         Haske Field                                                             Lost Property

After returning home from a baseball game at Haske Field, a juvenile and their parent’s reported that a baseball bat, baseball glove and helmet were left behind.  The juvenile returned to check the bleachers where the items were left, but they were gone.

07/11/20            11:30 a.m.         1000 E Main Street                                                Larceny/Shoplifting

The manager of Giant Food called police to report a female who has been seen on their security cameras numerous times stealing baby formula. Officers were able to identify the individual, criminal charges are pending.

07/11/20            7:27 p.m.           440 S Nursery Avenue                                           Juvenile Complaint

An anonymous caller advised that numerous juveniles were currently on the roof of Emerick Elementary School.  Upon arrival, officers made contact with five juveniles who had climbed on the roof via scaffolding from current roof repairs.  The juveniles were released to their parent’s in lieu of criminal prosecution.

07/12/20            9:21 a.m.           Rugby Court/Silcott Springs Road          Destruction of Property

Several vulgar and disturbing pictures were spray painted in the roadway at this intersection.  Town maintenance quickly painted over these obscene drawings.  Investigation pending.

07/13/20            8:42 a.m.           609 E Main Street                                                  Weapons Violation

A concerned citizen called police to advise there was a subject with a handgun chasing an individual on a bicycle.  Police units quickly responded and located a group of individuals matching the description, as well as the handgun.  It was identified that the handgun was in fact an airsoft weapon and without any internal projectiles.  Upon further investigation, officers determined this was a group of friends playing along the roadway with no malice or intent to harm anyone.  No charges are being filed.

We remind all citizens that even airsoft weapons can appear to be fully functioning guns.  Please be mindful when “playing” with airsoft weapons they can be perceived by others as something threatening and dangerous. 

07/13/20            3:05 p.m.           610 W Main Street                                                              Larceny

Management at the 7-11 called to report four juveniles stealing beer from the cooler.  All subjects left the scene prior to officer’s arrival. Surveillance video was obtained and the investigation is ongoing.

Case under investigation.

07/13/20            3:54 p.m.           1200 Block of Wolf Rock Drive           Destruction of Property

An employee of a local business reported his vehicle being “keyed” by an unknown individual sometime during his work shift.  The vehicle had damage to the driver’s side door of the vehicle.  There were no witnesses, but surveillance video has been obtained to try to identify a suspect. 

Case under investigation.

07/14/20            1:34 p.m.           200 Block of Frazer Drive                                         Emotional Crisis

Officers were called regarding an individual who was frustrated with the federal government for not dispersing money he believe he was owed.  Contact was made and it was determined that disturbing statements were made but there was no intent to act on those comments.  Mental Health information was provided and officers cleared the scene.

07/14/20            10:27 p.m.         100 Block of Locust Grove Drive                   Drunk in Public

Concerned neighbors called the police regarding an individual acting disorderly in the streets.  Officers arrived on scene and made contact with the described individual who appeared to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.  After further investigation, officers determined in fact this subject was under the influence and was arrested for Drunk in Public.

Arrested was: Craig Simms, 57, of Purcellville, VA

07/15/20            5:15 p.m.           1000 E Main Street                                                Suspicious Person

Officers were called to the Giant Food for a suspicious person who was making patrons feel uncomfortable with his presence.  Officers arrived but the subject had already left, however, the identity of the person was known to an employee.  Trespass paperwork has been issued and this individual is no longer welcome at this business.

 07/15/20            6:11 p.m.           500 Block of Gentlewood Square                                    Solicitor

A concerned resident called the police because a solicitor was going door-to-door selling pest control products.  Officers made contact with the solicitor and explained that a County permit is not sufficient to be able to solicit in the Town of Purcellville, a business license must be purchased from Town Hall.  The solicitor left the area without incident.

07/16/20            7:34 p.m.           300 Block of Locust Grove Drive                          Noise Complaint

An anonymous caller notified the police of loud music coming from an unknown house in the area.  Officers identified the house where the noise was emanating from, made contact with the owner, and explained the noise ordinance laws.

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Officers also responded to the following complaints:

In addition, officers also conducted the following:

The Town of Purcellville, Virginia

“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 12^th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.

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