Gate City Police Department

08/16/2026

We would like to remind everyone to be safe as school starts back. Leave early and allow time to get to work or school, watch for children waiting on buses, be observant at school zones, and watch for children at school crossings. We wish each student and school employees a safe and wonderful school year! Please drive safe.

07/24/2026

Chief Sivert would like to give a shout out to Officer Meade and Officer McKinney!! Officer Meade and Officer McKinney saw this elder gentleman almost fall several times while trying to weed-eat this bank in his yard. Officer Meade went and helped this man finish mowing the bank, while Officer McKinney kept a watch and answered any calls that came across the radio. I’m proud of you both!

07/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gate City Police Department Seizes Approximately 334 Grams of Suspected Methamphetamine, Pills, and Over $5,400 in U.S. Currency

Gate City, VA – July 20, 2026 – On the evening of July 19, 2026, Officer Meade and Officer McKinney of the Gate City Police Department observed a white SUV driving erratic when Officer Meade initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing indicators that the driver may have been impaired.
During the investigation, Officer Meade conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. While the investigation was ongoing, Deputy Nash of the Scott County Sheriff's Office deployed K-9 Odin to conduct a free-air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle. K-9 Odin gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics.
Based on the alert, Officer McKinney and Deputy Nash conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers located a bag containing a crystal-like substance consistent with suspected methamphetamine, along with $5,457 in U.S. currency. A subsequent search of the driver resulted in the discovery of a significantly larger quantity of suspected methamphetamine concealed on her person.
In total, officers seized approximately 334 grams of suspected methamphetamine, numerous prescription narcotics, and $5,457 in U.S. currency.
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Tia Johnson of Gate City, Virginia, who was taken into custody without incident.
Johnson has been charged with the following offenses:
• § 18.2-248.03 – Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 227 Grams of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
• § 18.2-248.01 – Transporting More Than One Ounce of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance into the Commonwealth of Virginia with Intent to Distribute
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (More Than 100 Grams)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule V Controlled Substance
The Gate City Police Department remains committed to aggressively combating the distribution of illegal narcotics in our community. Removing dangerous drugs from our streets helps protect the safety and well-being of our citizens.
The Gate City Police Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Scott County Sheriff's Office, especially Deputy Nash and K-9 Odin, for their assistance and teamwork throughout this investigation.

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

📢 EVENT UPDATE | SCOTT COUNTY AMERICA250 CELEBRATION

We're keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for July 3, and the comfort and safety of our guests remain our top priority. The forecast has changed again and now predicts record breaking temperatures above this week's earlier prediction.

Due to the new forecast, guests will be permitted to bring factory-sealed non-alcoholic beverages into the event. 💧

We encourage everyone to stay hydrated as you enjoy a full day of music, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and an unforgettable evening of live entertainment and fireworks.
We look forward to celebrating America250 with you at Legion Field in Gate City on July 3!

🇺🇸 Stay cool. Stay hydrated. We'll see you there!

07/01/2026

🚨 PLEASE READ: Important Information for the Scott County250 Celebration 🇺🇸

We are SO excited for Friday! With a great crowd expected, we want to make sure everyone has a fun, safe, and smooth experience—and we need your help to make that happen. 😊

Please take a moment to review the list of allowed and prohibited items before you arrive at Legion Field on July 3rd.

☀️ It’s going to be a hot one! We’re taking steps to help everyone stay comfortable by providing plenty of shade, food, and water throughout the day. Food trucks will be located both inside and outside the stadium, and a covered tent area near the food trucks will be available for guests to sit, eat, and cool off.

🪑 You’re welcome to bring your own folding camping chairs, and you may leave them inside the stadium when we temporarily clear the venue before the evening ticketed concert.

🎟️ Concert Entry Information - The stadium will close at 3:00 PM to prepare for the evening concert. Anyone re-entering after 3:00 PM must have a concert ticket. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate for $25 (cash only).

Once your ticket has been scanned, you’ll receive a wristband, which will serve as your admission for entry into the stadium throughout the evening.

⭐ VIP guests: Chairs will be provided in the VIP section, but you’re also welcome to bring your own folding camping chair if you prefer.

Thank you for helping us make the Scott County 250 Celebration a memorable day for everyone. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

07/01/2026

☀️ HEAT ADVISORY FOR SCOTT COUNTY AMERICA 250 – JULY 3RD ☀️

Temperatures are expected to reach 95° with high humidity during our America 250 celebration in Gate City.

💧 Drink water often
⛱️ Take breaks in the shade
👒 Wear light clothing and sunscreen
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Check on children and older adults
🐕 Never leave children or pets in vehicles
If you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, or develop a headache, get to a cool place immediately and hydrate.

Let's celebrate safely and enjoy a great day honoring America's 250th birthday! 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

☀️ EXTREME HEAT SAFETY REMINDER FROM THE GATE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ☀️

The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures over the coming days. We encourage everyone to take extra precautions to protect not only yourselves, but also your pets.

🐾 Ensure your pets have access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times.
🐾 If your pet is outdoors, provide adequate shade and shelter from the sun.
🐾 Limit walks and outdoor activity to the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
🐾 Remember that asphalt and concrete can become hot enough to burn your pet's paws. If you must walk your dog during the day, stay on grassy areas whenever possible or use protective paw coverings.
🐾 Never leave a child or pet unattended inside a parked vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness in your pets, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, difficulty walking, or collapse. If you observe any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool location immediately and seek veterinary care.

Virginia law requires owners to provide companion animals with adequate care, including sufficient food, water, shelter, and protection from extreme weather conditions. Failing to do so may result in criminal charges under Virginia's animal welfare laws.

Let's all do our part to keep our families, including our four-legged family members, safe during this period of extreme heat.

If you observe an animal in immediate distress due to the heat, please contact Scott County Dispatch 276-386-9111 as soon as possible.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and look out for one another.

Gate City Police Department

06/23/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2026
Gate City Police Department
Gate City, Virginia

Arrest Made in Attempted Arson Investigation at First Apostolic Church

The Gate City Police Department announces that an arrest has been made in connection with an attempted arson incident that occurred at the First Apostolic Church on Jackson Street in Gate City.

On June 13, 2026, officers responded to a reported incident involving damage consistent with an attempted fire being set at the church. The building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Following a detailed investigation conducted by the Gate City Police Department, a suspect was identified. As a result, James Scott Davis ,45, of 168 Highland Street, Gate City, Virginia 24251, was taken into custody on June 19, 2026.

Mr. Davis has been charged with the following offenses:
• Arson of an Unoccupied Dwelling (Va. Code §18.2-77)
• Vandalism (Va. Code §18.2-127)

Mr. Davis is currently being held on a $5,000 secured bond at the Duffield Regional Jail.

This incident remains under investigation. The Gate City Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all places of worship and the community as a whole. We encourage anyone with additional information related to this case or any suspicious activity to contact the department.

Chief Terry Sivert
Gate City Police Department