09/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Efforts of Bristol Virginia and Bristol Tennessee Police Lead to Arrest
BRISTOL, VA – September 3, 2026 – A South Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges,
including Attempted Aggravated Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, following a stolen vehicle
investigation conducted by the Bristol Virginia Police Department. Warrants were obtained for Peyton Jack Finch, age 18, of Gaffney, South Carolina, charging him with Felony Attempted Aggravated Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer and Felony Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.
On September 3, 2026, Bristol Virginia Police Patrol Officers responded to a report of a stolen 2017
Jaguar XE from the 400 block of Carter Street. During the course of the investigation, officers located the stolen vehicle at the Travel Inn on Euclid Avenue. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and
conducted interviews with several individuals believed to be connected to the vehicle theft. Through investigative efforts, Finch was identified as a suspect in connection with the stolen vehicle.
As Investigators and Patrol Officers continued attempting to locate Finch, a Bristol Virginia Police
detective encountered a red Ford Focus believed to be associated with the investigation. The detective
identified himself as a law enforcement officer and issued commands for the driver to stop and exit the
vehicle. The driver accelerated the vehicle toward the detective, forcing the detective to move out of the vehicle's path to avoid being struck before the vehicle fled the area. Finch was later identified as the
driver.
Bristol Tennessee Police Department officers responded around noon to the area of 17th Street and West State Street to assist Bristol Virginia Police with locating the vehicle that had fled from BVPD during the investigation. During the search, officers discovered two vehicles on the Tennessee side of the 900 block of West State Street that had been struck by the suspect vehicle, which had left the scene. A short time later, officers located the abandoned suspect vehicle in the 800 block of Williams Street in Bristol, Tennessee. Working together, BVPD and BTPD quickly established a perimeter around the area. Drone operators from both the Bristol Virginia Police Department and Bristol Tennessee Police Department provided aerial support during the search, while BTPD also deployed a K-9 team to assist in locating the
suspect. Officers from both agencies coordinated search efforts. The suspect was subsequently located and apprehended after fleeing on foot.
The search concluded when Bristol Tennessee Police Department CID Captain Dillard apprehended
Finch following a brief foot pursuit, bringing the incident to a safe conclusion. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between officers from both agencies.
In addition to the Virginia charges, Finch has been charged in Tennessee with leaving the scene of an
accident, evading arrest, reckless driving, and driving while license suspended or revoked. He is also being held as a fugitive from justice pending extradition proceedings in Virginia.
This incident serves as an example of the partnership between the Bristol Virginia Police Department and the Bristol Tennessee Police Department. From the initial stolen vehicle investigation and identification of the suspect to the coordinated search efforts and eventual apprehension, officers from both agencies worked seamlessly across state lines, sharing information and utilizing combined resources to ensure the suspect was safely taken into custody. The successful resolution of this incident highlights the unique relationship between the two departments and their shared commitment to protecting the Bristol community.
“Our officers did an outstanding job developing the information that identified the suspect, and when the incident moved into Tennessee, Bristol Tennessee Police responded immediately with personnel and resources. The teamwork between our agencies resulted in the successful apprehension of the suspect and helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion,” stated Chief D. Byron Ashbrook.
The Bristol Virginia Police Department would like to thank the Bristol Tennessee Police Department for
their outstanding assistance during this investigation. The efforts of patrol officers, Criminal
Investigations Division personnel, drone operators, and K-9 resources were instrumental in bringing this
incident to a safe conclusion. The exceptional teamwork displayed throughout this investigation reflects the strength of the partnership between both agencies and their continued commitment to public safety.
The Investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
