09/03/2026
UPDATE – September 3, 2026
Matthew Donald Counts, 55, of Bristol, Virginia, has been charged with Virginia Code § 18.2-60 – Threats of death or discharge of a fi***rm on school property, a Class 6 felony.
As part of the investigation, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at Counts’ residence. Evidence was recovered during the search that supported the charge.
Counts was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, where he is currently being held on a $7,500 secured bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Threats Involving Wallace Middle School Lead to Arrest
On Thursday, September 3, 2026, at approximately 8:48 a.m., Washington County 911 Dispatch received a report that an employee of SPIG Industries, located in the 14000 block of Industrial Park Road in Bristol, Virginia, had made threats of su***de and violence involving Wallace Middle School to fellow employees.
Wallace Middle School was immediately placed on a brief lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement responded. Officers arrived at the business and took Matthew Donald Counts, 55, of Bristol, Virginia, into custody without incident at approximately 9:18 a.m.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Wallace Middle School Resource Officer for his immediate action, responding officers for their quick response, and the Virginia State Police for their assistance.
The situation was resolved within approximately 30 minutes of the initial call, and there is no ongoing threat to Wallace Middle School or the community.
Additional information regarding charges will be released as appropriate.
