Middletown Police Department VA

05/31/2026

On behalf of the Middletown Police Department, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Deputy Logan Utt from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, who tragically lost his life yesterday while serving his community. We hope for a quick recovery for the second deputy that was injured in this tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the fallen deputy, injured deputy, and all members from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in this devastating time.

05/21/2026

Summer is road trip season, and whether you’re headed to the beach or going to an outdoor concert, it's important to always buckle up.

Last year, Virginia recorded a total of 4,957 crashes, 1,176 serious injuries and 277 fatalities involving unrestrained occupants. This year's statewide May Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 11 – 31, reminding everyone to buckle up for safety. The campaign’s goal is to educate communities about the importance of wearing your seat belt, no matter where you’re sitting or how far you're going. The “Click It or Ticket” message reinforces that seat belt safety isn’t just the smart choice, it’s the law.

Please visit the following resources for more information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lghzH_UdxSk
https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/click-it-or-ticket

05/19/2026

As summertime approaches, we would like to remind the community about the dangers of pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH). “Children can die in hot cars even if it’s not a hot summer day. Hot car deaths can happen in vehicles parked in shaded areas in temperatures as low as 57 degrees, even with the windows cracked. Heat can have devastating effects on a child’s body, as children’s bodies warm five times faster than adult bodies. Injury or death can happen very quickly in a hot car,” according to this NHTSA press release.

Feel free to visit the following for more information:

Too many children are dying from heatstroke after being left or trapped in a hot car. A child's body temperature rises faster than an adult's. Learn more facts and the steps to take so your child isn’t left in the back seat of a vehicle.

05/19/2026

During May, various safety initiatives take place, such as National Youth Traffic Safety Month, Bicycle Safety Month and Motorcycle Safety Month. In 2025, Virginia recorded 77 fatalities involving teen drivers, along with 15 bicyclist fatalities and 104 motorcycle involved fatalities.

Youth Traffic Safety

As the school year comes to an end, traffic crashes involving teen drivers begin to increase beginning around Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day weekend. To address this trend, the Virginia DMV will participate in the 100 Safest Days of Summer program, a teen-focused campaign promoting safe driving behaviors to prevent crashes. Responsible teen driving is critical to protecting everyone on the road.

Bicycle Safety

To ensure the safety of bicyclists on the road, drivers and bicyclists must work together to safely share the road. Drivers and bicyclists must work together to share the road safely. Drivers can help ensure bicyclist safety by staying alert, giving them plenty of space, and being patient when passing. Bicyclists can stay safe by wearing protective gear, following traffic rules, riding predictably and planning their route before heading out.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle Safety Month highlights the shared responsibility of all road users to ensure safety for motorcyclists. Riders are urged to adopt safe practices, wear protective gear and VDOT-approved helmets, and seek formal training through programs like the Virginia Rider Training Program (VRTP), which significantly reduces crash risks. At the same time, drivers must stay alert and respect motorcyclists' rights. Through mutual awareness and responsible behavior, we can create safer roads for everyone.

For more information, please see the following resources:

Youth Traffic Safety
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/programs/teens
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/instruction/driver-education
https://www.100safestdaysofsummer.org/
Bicycle Safety
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
https://bikeleague.org/ridesmart/rules-of-the-road/

Motorcycle Safety
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgCNNlkaQSY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcQNULyBh6I
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/programs/motorcycle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BODfW0ghGN4

As you might expect, when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured. In this section, you’ll

05/11/2026

In recognition of National Police Week, we would like to commemorate the brave men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while providing safety and serving their communities. They embody a sense of integrity, respect, professionalism, and excellence through their exceptional duties even when presented with high risks. We would like to extend an appreciation for their unwavering commitment and wholeheartedness they present every day. National Police week is a memorable time to recognize and remember the fallen heroes who have lost their lived in the line of duty. Their bravery and heroic actions will never go unnoticed. As we reflect upon this week on the sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters, we also show gratitude to the families and loved ones of fallen officers, our deepest condolences go out to them.

We appreciate all our fellow law enforcement partners for their remarkable services and keeping the community safe. We are honored to be able to serve alongside each and every one of them.

05/05/2026

This Cinco de Mayo, we would like to remind the public of the dangers of drinking and driving and the importance of designating a sober driver before celebrating.
Last year, during Cinco de Mayo weekend, there were 71 alcohol-related crashes that resulted in 17 alcohol-related serious injuries and 4 alcohol-related deaths. We encourage everyone to stay safe and prevent further drunk driving tragedies on Virginia roadways.

03/20/2026

***REMINDER***
Expect traffic delays this weekend due to bridge repairs on Interstate 81. There will be NO PARKING along Main Street until repairs are concluded.

Expect MAJOR delays on I-81, Rt. 11, and in Shenandoah County, Frederick, Warren + Page this weekend! I-81 SB will be closed at MM 285 (near Woodstock) from 6 p.m., Sat., March 21 through 9 a.m., Sun. March 22.

More at https://bit.ly/4lAU4Ml

Virginia Trucking Association

03/17/2026

***SCAM ALERT***

🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨

We are seeing an increase in scam messages circulating in our community, including ones claiming to be from the Virginia DMV.

⚠️ Please be aware:
The DMV will NEVER send text messages about fines, license suspensions, or request personal or financial information via text.

If you receive a message like this:
❌ Do NOT respond
❌ Do NOT click any links
🗑️ Delete it immediately
📲 Report it as spam on your phone

If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the DMV directly using official channels. The link gives more information on these scams: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/news/virginia-dmv-warns-customers-text-scam

The image below is an example of a scam text that was recently reported.

Please share this post to help protect others in our community.

03/17/2026

The Middletown Police Department is now participating in the use of flock safety cameras within town limits, as publicly mentioned in prior town council meetings.

03/17/2026

*** VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RELEASE***

Southbound I-81 Closed March 21-22 at Woodstock
for Overpass Bridge Repairs
Route 604 bridge remains closed as repairs from vehicle strike continue

STAUNTON – Motorists should expect major delays on southbound Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County during the weekend of March 21-22, 2026, due to overpass bridge repairs in the Woodstock area. Southbound I-81 is scheduled to be closed from 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, through about 9 a.m. Sunday, March 22.

During the closure, motorists should prepare for major delays in the area. Traffic impacts are expected on I-81, Route 11 and other roadways not only in northern Shenandoah County, but also in Frederick, Warren and Page counties.

Contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation will be repairing the Route 604 (North Street) bridge over I-81 near mile marker 285. A dump truck with a raised bed struck the bridge in September, causing extensive damage to a structural beam. The I-81 southbound closure on March 21-22 is needed so crews can cut through the bridge deck and railing, remove the damaged beam and place the new beam.

During the March 21-22 work, the following closures and detours will be in place:

• I-81 southbound traffic will detour at exit 291 (Toms Brook) and go east on Route 651 (Mount Olive Road), south on Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for about eight miles, and then west on Route 42 (Reservoir Road) back to I-81 at Exit 283 (Woodstock).

• The I-81 northbound exit 291 off-ramp to Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) will be closed.

• In the town of Woodstock, the westbound Route 42 left lane from Route 11 (South Main Street) to Ox Road will be closed. The left turn lane from northbound Route 11 onto Route 42 will also be closed.

On Feb. 13, Route 604 was closed to through traffic between Summit Avenue in the town of Woodstock and Route 676 (Fravel Road). Signs direct motorists to use nearby Spring Street as a detour route. That closure is expected to last until April 30.

All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Call 800-367-7623 or use its mobile friendly website.