BRISTOL VIRGINIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

06/05/2026

🔷 A Huge Thank You to Lowe’s and Kevin Meade! 🔷

The Bristol Virginia Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Lowe’s and Kevin Meade for their support of our SWAT training program.

Thanks to the materials provided through Lowe’s and the efforts of Kevin, our team now has a newly constructed training window that will be incorporated into SWAT training scenarios. This valuable addition will allow officers to develop and refine critical skills in a realistic training environment, helping ensure they are better prepared to safely and effectively apply those tactics during real-world operations.

Kevin’s dedication to supporting law enforcement training and his willingness to help make this project a reality demonstrates the strong partnership that exists between our department and members of our community. His hard work and commitment were instrumental in bringing this training asset to life.

We are grateful for the continued support from Lowe’s and for community-minded individuals like Kevin who help us provide the highest level of training possible for our officers.

Thank you, Kevin, and thank you, Lowe’s, for investing in the safety of our officers and the communities we serve.

06/05/2026

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is saddened to learn of the passing of former Crime Prevention Specialist Gloria Jean Gray McClure on June 3, 2026, at the age of 79.

Gloria served the Bristol Virginia Police Department for 15 years before retiring on August 1, 2005. As the department's first Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, she played a pivotal role in shaping crime prevention efforts throughout our community and the region.

During her distinguished career, Gloria helped establish numerous Neighborhood Watch programs, coordinated Bristol's National Night Out events, developed the area's first TRIAD Seniors program, and worked closely with the local Crime Stoppers Association. Her dedication to public safety and community partnerships made her a familiar and respected figure among local businesses and citizens throughout Southwest Virginia.

Gloria was also a founding member and past president of the Mountain Empire Regional Crime Prevention Association, serving 13 counties and two cities in Southwest Virginia. Under her leadership and commitment to crime prevention, Bristol achieved recognition as a Certified Crime Prevention Community.

Her passion for community service, public safety, and crime prevention left a lasting impact on the Bristol Virginia Police Department and the communities she served. We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and the foundation she helped build for future generations.

Please join us in remembering Gloria and extending our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Gloria McClure. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

06/05/2026

On 6/4/26, Bristol Lodge 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police was proud to present Miss Victoria Turner with this year's Virginia State FOP Scholarship check of $1,000.00. She came to the Bristol VA Police Department for the presentation.

Victoria was presented the check by Bristol Lodge 48 Secretary Darryl Milligan (left) and other Lodge 48 members. Also pictured is Victoria's father, Lodge 48 Director Eric Turner (in white), Sergeant at Arms Katie Milligan, Sheriff Tyrone Foster. Back row: Gary Coleman, David Varble, Darrell Dickenson, Spencer St. Cyr, and Maynard Ratcliff. Victoria's mother, Amber Turner, was also present but not pictured.

Victoria is a fine young lady. She will be attending King University in Bristol, TN pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She is a graduate of John S. Battle High School in Bristol, VA with a GPA of 3.909. Victoria is friendly to all, incredibly smart and will be a credit to the Nursing profession. She is well deserving of the State FOP Scholarship.

Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee of the State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge of Virginia out of their Richmond Office. Local lodges have no part of the selection process unless on their members are selected by the state to sit on the committee.

06/04/2026

🛡️ Generations of Service 🛡️

Honoring Family Legacies in Law Enforcement

Today, we continue recognizing the family legacies of service within the Bristol Virginia Police Department, highlighting officers who carry forward a tradition of dedication, leadership, and commitment to public safety.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Joseph Tester, who has served with BVPD since July 2022. Officer Tester currently works in the Patrol Division and serves on the department’s SWAT Team, as a Field Training Officer (FTO), and as a member of the Honor Guard. His dedication to the profession was recently recognized when he was named “Officer of the Year” by the Optimist Club.

Officer Tester’s commitment to service reflects a legacy established by his father, Retired Lieutenant Terry Tester, who dedicated over three decades of service to the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, serving full‑time from 1983 to 2013.

During his career, Lieutenant Tester served in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and as the Lieutenant over the Street Crimes Unit. He was widely known for his passion for developing others, serving as a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and mentor who took great pride in helping officers grow within the profession and achieve their goals.

His service extended throughout many areas of the department, including participation in SWAT, Honor Guard, Accreditation efforts, and service on promotion and hiring boards. Following his full‑time retirement, Lieutenant Tester continued serving his community in a part‑time capacity from 2013 through 2020, working as a downtown officer, assisting at The Pinnacle, supporting special events, and serving as a Juvenile Court Officer.

Service such as this reflects more than years on the job, it represents a commitment to leadership, mentorship, and a lasting impact on both an agency and the community it serves. That same commitment is now seen in Officer Joseph Tester, whose service continues the legacy built before him.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department is honored to recognize Officer Joseph Tester and Retired Lieutenant Terry Tester for their dedication to law enforcement and their contributions to public safety across generations.

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Preliminary Media Release – Vehicle Crash Investigation

BRISTOL, VA – May 29, 2026 - At approximately 2:06 p.m., officers with the Bristol Virginia Police Department, Bristol Virginia Fire Department and Bristol Lifesaving Crew responded to a reported single-vehicle crash at 1171 Commonwealth Avenue.

Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling southbound on 381 when it veered across the roadway, crossed the center median, and entered the northbound lanes near the intersection at Commonwealth Avenue. The vehicle then continued through a parking lot before striking a building located at 1171 Commonwealth Avenue. Following the collision, the vehicle caught fire.

Several good Samaritans assisted in removing the driver and a child passenger from the vehicle prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

The adult male driver was transported by Virginia State Police Med-Flight to a regional hospital for treatment. The child passenger was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel and was later released to family members.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the condition of the driver is unknown at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident is asked to contact the Bristol Virginia Police Department at (276) 645-7400.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

05/29/2026

Honoring a Legacy of Service — and a Career of Dedication

Today, we continue recognizing the family legacies of service within the Bristol Virginia Police Department, while also honoring the retirement of one of our own whose commitment to this profession has helped shape the next generation.

Master Officer / School Resource Officer Jason Barlow retires today after a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning decades of dedicated service to the Bristol community.

Master Officer Barlow began his law enforcement career in 1997, later joining the Bristol Virginia Police Department in 2003. During his time with BVPD, he served in a variety of roles including Patrol Officer, K9 Handler, School Resource Officer, and Accident Reconstruction Officer, demonstrating a broad and dedicated commitment to the profession.

For the past six years, Master Officer Barlow has served as the School Resource Officer at Virginia High School, where his presence, leadership, and dedication to protecting students and faculty have made a lasting impact. His service to the school community has been unwavering, and he will undoubtedly be missed.

Continuing his legacy of service are his sons, Officer Thomas Barlow and Officer Joshua Barlow.

Officer Thomas Barlow began his career with the Bristol Virginia Police Department in 2020, serving in Patrol before becoming the School Resource Officer at Bristol Virginia Intermediate School, continuing the important work of building relationships and protecting students within our schools.

Officer Joshua Barlow began his law enforcement career with the Abingdon Police Department in 2021, where he served until April 2026, when he joined the Bristol Virginia Police Department as a Patrol Officer.

Together, this family represents a powerful example of service passed from one generation to the next. The values, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by Master Officer Barlow are now reflected in the service of his sons, who continue to protect and serve their community.

As Master Officer Barlow retires, his legacy does not end, it continues through those he has mentored, the students he has protected, and the next generation of officers carrying that commitment forward.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to Master Officer Jason Barlow for his years of service and congratulates him on his retirement, while proudly recognizing the Barlow family for their continued dedication to public safety.

05/23/2026

This Memorial Day weekend, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

As you gather with family and friends, please make responsible choices behind the wheel. If you plan to drink, plan ahead for a safe ride home.

Drive Sober. Arrive Alive.

From all of us at the Bristol Virginia Police Department, have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arrest Made in Motor Vehicle Theft and Related Incidents

BRISTOL, VA – May 21, 2026 - The Bristol Virginia Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a series of motor vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, and related incidents that occurred on May 11, 2026.

At approximately 7:14 a.m. on May 11, 2026, officers responded to the 300 block of Hill Park Drive in reference to a reported stolen vehicle. The victim reported that her maroon 2012 Ford Explorer had been taken overnight. The vehicle also contained personal items, including cash, identification, and credit cards. Two additional vehicles at the residence had been entered, with cash reported stolen from one.

During the course of the investigation, officers determined that the stolen vehicle had been involved in a motor vehicle crash earlier that same morning at approximately 2:18 a.m. in the area of Cross Street and Magnolia Lane. The vehicle had been recovered and towed from the scene.

Further investigation by the Bristol Virginia Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division revealed multiple related incidents across the city, including additional vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, and crashes involving stolen vehicles. Investigators identified a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage, officer encounters, and evidence collected during the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Hunter L. Kersey, age 23, of Granite Falls, North Carolina, was identified and taken into custody.

Kersey has been charged with:

• Two counts of Felony Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
• Two counts of Misdemeanor Petit Larceny

Additional warrants were obtained on May 15, 2026, and served on May 20, 2026, charging Kersey with:

• Two counts of Misdemeanor Hit and Run
• One count of Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License

Kersey is currently being held without bond at the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department reminds citizens to secure their vehicles at all times and to avoid leaving keys or valuables inside unattended vehicles.

05/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Arrested Following Armed Robbery Investigation

BRISTOL, VA – May 20, 2026 - The Bristol Virginia Police Department has arrested two individuals following an investigation into an armed robbery that occurred on May 5, 2026.

On May 5, 2026, officers responded to a report of a robbery involving a firearm. The victim reported he had arranged to meet an individual at a residence in the 2100 block of Bradley Street after communicating through a social media platform. Upon arrival, the victim was approached by a masked suspect who displayed a firearm and demanded his belongings. No injuries were reported.

The Bristol Virginia Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation which led to the ex*****on of search warrants at the residence and a vehicle associated with the incident. During the search, officers recovered fi****ms, ammunition, suspected narcotics, and property believed to be connected to the robbery.

As a result of the investigation:

Gregory Wheeler Jr., age 41, of Bristol, Virginia, was arrested on May 5, 2026 and charged with:

• Felony Robbery: Displaying a Firearm in a Threatening Manner
• Felony Robbery: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Firearm
• Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

On May 7, 2026, additional warrants were obtained and served on Wheeler, including:

• Felony Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• Felony Possession of a Sawed-Off Rifle
• Felony Wearing a Mask to Conceal Identity
• Felony Abuse/Neglect of a Child: Reckless Disregard for Life
• Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Ma*****na
• Felony Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
• Felony Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule I/II Substances
• Felony Robbery (July 2024 Case)
• Felony Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (July 2024 Case)
• Felony Grand Larceny (July 2024 Case)

Wheeler was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, where he is currently being held without bond.

Teela N. Irick, age 34, of Bristol, Virginia, was arrested on May 5, 2026 and charged with:

• Felony Robbery: Displaying a Firearm in a Threatening Manner
• Felony Robbery: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Firearm

On May 7, 2026, additional warrants were obtained and served on Irick, including:

• Felony Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• Felony Possession of a Sawed-Off Rifle
• Felony Abuse/Neglect of a Child: Reckless Disregard for Life
• Felony Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule I/II Substances
• Felony Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
• Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Ma*****na

Irick was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, where she is currently being held without bond.