Radford Watch

Crime & Police

Public safety reports and crime data for Radford City. Stay informed about incidents and police activity in the community.

City treasurer, sheriff’s office warn public of scams

Fraud

Radford treasurer's office and sheriff's office warn residents about scams involving fraudulent texts and emails targeting utility customers' personal information.

June 23, 2026Radford, Virginiahttps://radfordnewsjournal.com/city-treasurer-sheriffs-office-warn-public-of-scams/

Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt Shot and Killed During Wellness Check

Violent Crime

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt, 31, was shot and killed on May 29, 2026 while conducting a wellness check in Fancy Gap. Suspect Michael Puckett was apprehended in Surry County within 24 hours. Hundreds gathered in Radford to honor Deputy Utt during his funeral procession.

May 29, 2026Fancy Gap, Carroll County, VAWSLS

Radford City Schools: 44 School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Captured

Traffic

Radford City Schools stop-arm cameras captured 44 traffic violations since January 2026, with hotspots on Rock Road and Main Street. Videos submitted to Radford Police for enforcement.

May 29, 2026Rock Road and Main Street, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Noise Ordinance Violations Spike During Spring

Public Order

Radford PD reports a seasonal increase in noise complaints, particularly in neighborhoods near Radford University.

April 12, 2026Multiple LocationsRadford Police Department

Theft from Motor Vehicle - University Avenue

Theft

Multiple reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles in the University Avenue area near Radford University campus.

April 10, 2026University AvenueRadford Police Department

Shoplifting Incident - Walmart Supercenter

Theft

Two individuals charged with felony shoplifting for stealing merchandise valued over $500.

April 5, 2026Walmart, East Main StreetRadford Police Department

Vandalism at Bisset Park

Vandalism

Vandalism reported at Bisset Park facilities including damage to restrooms and picnic shelters. Investigation ongoing.

April 2, 2026Bisset ParkRadford Police Department

DUI Checkpoint Results - March 2026

Traffic

Radford PD conducted a DUI checkpoint on Tyler Avenue resulting in 3 arrests and multiple citations for various traffic violations.

March 22, 2026Tyler AvenueRadford Police Department

Drug-Related Arrest - Downtown

Drug Offense

Arrest made for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances following a routine traffic stop.

March 18, 2026Main Street/Rock RoadRadford Police Department

Suspect in double killing at church charged for unrelated offenses

Violent Crime

Roanoke Police identify suspect in Feb. 8 double shooting at Refreshing Church; two men killed, suspect held without bail on unrelated charges.

February 8, 2026Refreshing Church, Carroll Avenue NW, Roanoke, VAhttps://www.wdbj7.com/2026/03/06/suspect-double-killing-church-charged-unrelated-offenses/

Man arrested in Radford stabbing and robbery

Violent Crime

Corey Edward Carter, 56, arrested for stabbing and robbery on Feb. 1 on 200 block of Second Street in Radford. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding and robbery.

February 1, 2026200 block of Second Street, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Stabbing and Robbery on Second Street

Violent Crime

Corey Carter, 56, arrested for aggravated malicious wounding and robbery after a man was stabbed multiple times on the 200 block of Second Street on Feb. 1, 2026.

February 1, 2026200 block of Second Street, Radford, VAWSLS

Radford University officers respond to swatting call

Public Order

Radford University received a swatting call referencing Heth Hall on Dec 2. Campus police searched and found no threat. Public asked to contact RUPD.

December 2, 2025Heth Hall, Radford Universityhttps://www.wdbj7.com/2025/12/03/radford-university-officers-respond-swatting-call/

Radford Police Hold Community Safety Event Following Weekend Shooting

Violent Crime

Radford PD hosted a community safety event on Downey St after a teen fatally shot someone, promoting gun safety via 'Lock It Up, Save a Life' campaign.

September 16, 2025Downey Street, Radford, VAhttps://www.wdbj7.com/2025/09/16/radford-police-hold-community-safety-event-following-weekend-shooting/

Fatal Shooting on Downey Street — Juvenile Charged

Violent Crime

A victim was found dead from a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of Downey Street at approximately 2:35 a.m. A juvenile suspect was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a handgun by a person under 18, and use of a firearm in a felony. Police Chief Holdaway cited a spike in gun-related crimes.

September 13, 20251100 block Downey StreetRadford Police Department / WSLS / WDBJ7

Fatal Shooting Near Radford University Campus - Community Concern

Violent Crime

Minor charged with second-degree murder in fatal shooting near Radford University campus. Police chief cites spike in gun crimes and outside gang influence.

September 13, 2025Neighborhood near Radford University campus, Radford, VAWSLS

Community Safety Event After Fatal Shooting on Downey Street

Violent Crime

Radford Police held a community safety pop-up on Downey Street following a fatal shooting where a teen allegedly killed another person. The event focused on gun violence prevention and firearm safety education.

September 13, 2025Downey Street, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Fatal Shooting on Downey Street - Juvenile Charged

Violent Crime

A juvenile was charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting at the 1100 block of Downey St. in Radford at 2:35 a.m. on September 13, 2025.

September 13, 20251100 block of Downey St., Radford, VAWDBJ7

Final Sentencing in 1st Pawn Gun Store Heist

Theft

Austin Blake Hixon, 36, of Christiansburg, was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison for possessing stolen firearms and perjury in connection with the November 2022 break-in at 1st Pawn in Fairlawn. He was the last of five co-conspirators sentenced. Stolen firearms were traded for methamphetamine.

August 28, 2025Fairlawn (1st Pawn)U.S. Attorney Western District of Virginia / ATF / WSLS

Radford Police Investigating Series of Vehicle Break-Ins, One Suspect in Custody

Theft

Radford Police investigating series of vehicle break-ins across multiple areas; one suspect in custody after Ring camera footage.

August 26, 2025100 block of Monroe Street, Monroe Terrace, and Rivers Edge areas, Radford, VAWSLS

Radford City Police arrest man after shots fired in the air

Weapons Offense

Brent J. Thompson arrested after firing gun into air during altercation on Fairfax St, charged with multiple firearm offenses, DUI, and assault.

May 29, 2025500 block of Fairfax St, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Shots Fired on Fairfax Street — Man Arrested

Violent Crime

Brent J. Thompson was arrested after brandishing a firearm and firing it into the air during an altercation in the 500 block of Fairfax Street. He was apprehended on East Main Street and charged with brandishing a firearm, reckless handling of a firearm, DUI, willful discharge of a firearm, and assault & battery. Held without bond.

May 29, 2025500 block Fairfax StreetRadford Police Department / WDBJ7

"It was just an initiate panic." Radford University students react to shooting on Main Street

Violent Crime

Two charged after shooting on Main Street near Radford University shakes students; freshman describes receiving campus alert during class.

April 18, 2025Main Street, Radford, VAhttps://www.wdbj7.com/2025/04/18/it-was-just-an-initiate-panic-radford-university-students-react-shooting-main-street/

Double Shooting on E. Main Street - Two Charged

Violent Crime

Robert Leonard and Sidney Schwartz charged with multiple felonies including aggravated malicious wounding after double shooting on 1100 block of E. Main St. in Radford.

April 17, 20251100 block of E. Main St., Radford, VAWDBJ7

Shooting Near Radford University — Four Arrested

Violent Crime

An altercation on East Main Street near campus erupted into gunfire, wounding two. Four suspects arrested on charges including aggravated malicious wounding, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Two additional suspects still sought.

April 17, 20251200 block East Main StreetRadford Police Department / WSLS / NRV News

Two More Arrested in E. Main Street Shooting

Violent Crime

Dominick Anderson and Trevion Johnson arrested for robbery and weapons charges in connection with April 17 double shooting on E. Main St. in Radford.

April 17, 2025E. Main St., Radford, VAWDBJ7

Man Arrested After Radford Chase

Theft

Joey Lyn Phipps, 43, arrested after 6-mile chase in stolen vehicle, faces felony eluding, stolen goods, and outstanding warrant charges.

February 10, 20251200 block of Rock Road East, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Man arrested after domestic violence incident

Assault

Maurice A. Miller, 33, arrested for domestic violence including malicious wounding, strangulation, assault and battery against a family/household member, and obstructing 911.

January 31, 2025400 block of Davis Street, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Crime Report

Drug Offense

Radford police crime report lists multiple incidents on Jan. 1-2, including drug violations, simple assaults, and property vandalism at various locations.

January 1, 2025Multiple locations in Radford, VA including Third Avenue, New River Drive, Clement St., Jeffries Drive, and Third St.https://radfordnewsjournal.com/crime-report/

Man Arrested in Radford Sexual Assault Investigation

Assault

Bryant Sylvester Weaver arrested in Radford for sexual assault, strangulation, sodomy, and abduction on Forest Ave. Held without bond.

October 1, 2024200 block of Forest Avenue, Radford, VAWDBJ7

Radford man arrested and charged with sexual assault after investigation

Assault

Radford man Bryant Weaver arrested for sexual assault, strangulation, and other charges after Oct. 1 incident on Forest Ave.

October 1, 2024200 block of Forest Ave., Radford, VAWSLS

Man faces 45 counts of child pornography charge

Public Order

Gregory Thoma of Radford indicted on 45 counts related to child pornography including possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation.

September 25, 2024Radford, VAWDBJ7

Two additional people charged in connection with shooting near Radford University campus

Violent Crime

Two more charged in April 17 shooting near Radford University; victims shot near 1200 E Main St in isolated incident.

April 17, 20241200 E Main Street, Radford, VAWSLS

Woman sentenced in two-year-old daughter’s death

Violent Crime

A Christiansburg woman, Heather Renee Bentley, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the 2024 death of her two-year-old daughter, receiving 40 years for felony child neglect and 5 years for second-degree murder.

January 1, 2024https://radfordnewsjournal.com/woman-sentenced-in-two-year-old-daughters-death/

Grand jury hands down indictments on murders

Violent Crime

A Montgomery County grand jury indicted two individuals for murder in separate cases involving the deaths of senior citizens due to abuse or neglect.

January 1, 2023https://radfordnewsjournal.com/grand-jury-hands-down-indictments-on-murders/

Suspect self-inflicts personal injury after police chase

Public Order

A vehicle pursuit by RUPD and Radford City Police ended in the Third Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, where the suspect self-inflicted a personal injury after exiting the vehicle.

January 21, 2017Third Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, off Grove Avenue, Radford, VAhttps://radfordnewsjournal.com/suspect-self-inflicts-personal-injury-police-chase/

Update: Missing Radford teen found unharmed

Public Order

Missing 13-year-old Amythst 'Amy' Palmer of Radford was found unharmed after leaving her residence in the early morning hours.

March 6, 2014Radford, Virginiahttps://radfordnewsjournal.com/police-searching-for-missing-radford-teen/

Break-ins a concern for police

Theft

Radford police are investigating multiple break-ins at residences near Radford University's east side campus area that occurred during Thanksgiving break.

December 8, 2009East side residential area near Radford University campus, Radford, VAhttps://radfordnewsjournal.com/break-ins-a-concern-for-police/

Remembering Gina Hall on the anniversary of her disappearance

Violent Crime

Remembering Radford University student Gina Hall, who disappeared June 28, 1980. Stephen Epperly was convicted of her murder, though her body has never been found.

June 28, 1980Radford, Virginiahttps://radfordnewsjournal.com/remembering-gina-hall-on-the-anniversary-of-her-disappearance/