News Flash

PURCELLVILLE, VA March 20, 2023 - 

3/10/23             1:01 p.m.         200 Block of Willie Palmer Way                                 Hit and Run

The complainant parked his undamaged vehicle in the lot at approximately noon. He returned to the car at 1:00 p.m. and noticed damage on his passenger side fender. No note with information was left and there were no cameras in the area. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Officer Nett at 540-338-7422 x2122

3/10/23            8:11 p.m.         200 Block of Nursery Avenue                                      Assault            

Two middle schoolers from rival schools had an altercation in which one dumped a slushy on the head of the other. The investigation revealed that the two had no interaction prior to this encounter. There are conflicting stories as to what prompted this action.  The incident was captured on cell phone video.  Officers spoke to both involved parties and their parents. The School Resource Officers at both schools were notified.  The investigation is on-going. 

03/11/23          2:14 a.m.         Hirst Road and Berlin Turnpike                                 DUI                 

A deputy came upon a vehicle that was attempting unsuccessfully to back out of a ditch.  Upon approach he noticed that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. A Purcellville Officer arrived on the scene and spoke to the driver, who refused to take any field sobriety tests, indicating to law enforcement that he was obviously intoxicated. He was transported to the jail, where his blood alcohol level was tested and found to be at .22. He was charged with DUI- Third offense.  He was held until his arraignment. 

03/13/23          12:50 p.m.       100 Block of Hatcher Avenue                          Larceny

The complainant reported that a package that had been delivered on March 12^th and left on his porch, was missing on the 13^th.  A check of security cameras from the complainant and nearby residences yielded pictures and video of a subject removing not only the complaint’s package, but mail from multiple mailboxes.  Offices reviewing the video recognized suspect and responded to his residence, where they observed the item stolen from the complainant’s porch, along with mail from multiple residences in town.  The stolen items were recovered and the postal inspectors were notified.   The investigation is on-going and charges are pending.  

03/15/23          5:35 p.m.         Cyberspace                                                     Sextortion

On 3-14-23, the complainant, an 18-year-old, received a message on Instagram from an unknown female. A few chats, followed by nude photos, were exchanged. Shortly thereafter, the woman demanded $100, or she would send the nude photos to the complainant’s contact list.  He sent two, $50.00-dollar transactions, via Venmo to the woman, who promptly requested more money.  At this point, he declined, informed his parents, and called the police.   Police assisted the victim in blocking the suspect from his social media accounts.   

 This type of incident is known as sextortion and typically targets teens aged 14-17.  To educate your children in how to recognize this type of scam, please see: https://www.ice.gov/features/sextortion 

03/15/23          11:52 p.m.       Town of Purcellville                                        Mental Health Crisis

Officers responded for a possible suicidal subject. Upon arrival, they had a back and forth contact with a person who was possibly suicidal. The subject was in and out of the house, and finally surrendered without incident.  The subject was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. 

03/16/23          6:04 a.m.         341 N. Maple Avenue                                      Larceny                                  

Two vehicles in the parking lot were entered and items were removed. One car was locked and a rock was used to break the window. The other vehicle was unlocked, so no force was used.  The items stolen were in plain view in the vehicle. The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is asked to call Officer Nett at 540-338-7422 x 2122. 

Officers also responded to the following calls for service:

In addition, officers also conducted the following: