News Releases

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the entire Commonwealth this weekend. The storm starts as snow for everyone, arriving in the western part of the state Saturday afternoon, progressing eastward into later Saturday evening. It is expected to last through Monday morning.

After 32 years of service in law enforcement, Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, has issued the following statement, regarding his retirement: “It has been an honor to serve this great Commonwealth as a longstanding member of the Virginia State Police. I am proud of the incredible work the agency has accomplished and am grateful for the commitment that our sworn and professional staff provide daily.  Virginia is in a better place today because of their dedication and I will greatly miss serving alongside them.”

A Virginia State Trooper, along with numerous unidentified Good Samaritans, helped rescue a 34-year-old Maryland man from a burning Tesla on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

Preliminary data indicates that six people died on Virginia’s roadway over the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday.  The number is two fewer than in 2024, when eight people died in fatal crashes.*  As of Dec. 1, 2025, preliminary data shows there have been 671 fatalities on Virginia roadways this year, compared to 788 in 2024.

Virginia State Police is offering guidance and recommendations to curb aggressive driving along Virginia’s roadways. Aggressive driving is always a concern for Virginia State Police. In recent weeks, shootings have occurred along multiple interstates that have prompted public concern.

From October 1-7, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.

Virginia State Police and Liberty University’s Helms School of Government have launched a novel partnership that will provide a unique pathway for criminal justice students to complete their degree while launching their careers in law enforcement.

Virginia State Police are reminding Virginians of a new state law requiring all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt after preliminary data showed six people died in six crashes on Virginia roadways over the Labor Day Holiday.  In three of the crashes, the victims were reportedly not wearing a seat belt, and in a fourth crash, it could not be determined if the victim was restrained. 

Vader, a specially trained Labrador retriever, has officially joined the Virginia State Police and will support the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team within the Department’s Wellness Program.

On June 26, 2025, James River Regional Drug Task Force members, along with members of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Byrnes Street, Goodview Va. Virginia State Police task force members seized approximately 2,041 grams of suspected cocaine, 1,000 grams of suspected heroin, 1000 grams of fentanyl, 283 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 56 grams of suspected crack cocaine, (total approximate street value of $440,000).

Virginia State Police is aware of multiple social media posts raising concerns about missing children across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia State Police is not investigating any reports of mass abductions in Virginia, nor is there evidence of mass abductions occurring in Virginia.

Preliminary data shows that 11 people lost their lives in nine traffic crashes during the four-day Fourth of July holiday statistical counting period (July 3-July 6).  There were two double fatal crashes: one involving an all-terrain vehicle in Orange County on July 4th, and a wrong-way head-on collision in the Express Lanes of Interstate 495 on July 6th.  There was also a pedestrian fatal crash in Buckingham County on July 4th.

From June 26 to July 2, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, one homicide, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.

With the Fourth of July landing on a Friday this year, traffic is expected to be heavy around the Independence Day holiday weekend.   As a result, Virginia State Police is asking drivers to please be patient while traveling the roads, and to drive within the speed limits.  As of June 30, 2025, preliminary data shows there have been 337 fatalities on Virginia roadways.

The Virginia State Police encourages everyone to be more aware of criminal and terrorism trends in their communities. Through the Virginia Fusion Center SHIELD Program— a free resource — you’ll gain access to valuable, up-to-date information that helps keep you and others safe.

From June 12 to June 18, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, one homicide and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.  

From June 5 to June 11, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.

With yet another prominent text scam making the rounds, Virginia State Police is offering tips to help Virginians, especially older Virginians and vulnerable adults, avoid being taken advantage of and potentially at risk of identity and financial theft.  June 15, 2025, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day focused on creating a better understanding of the abuse and neglect faced by the elderly.

From May 29 to June 5, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.  

From May 21 to May 28, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, one homicide case, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.   

Preliminary data shows seven people were killed in crashes on Virginia roads over the 2025 Memorial Day Holiday weekend (Friday through Monday).  The number is a significant drop from 2024 when 13 people died in crashes over the holiday.*  However, Virginians should not let their guard down as last year there were 25 fatalities that Virginia State Police investigated in the week after Memorial Day 2024.

Virginia State Police is reminding all drivers, young and old, to drive safe, smart and sober as we head into the Memorial Day weekend and summer.

From May 8 to May 14, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions.

From April 24 to April 30, 2025, the Virginia State Police, in partnership with supporting federal and local agencies, achieved significant criminal interdictions. Their ongoing efforts led to the recovery of firearms, the seizure of narcotics, the seizure of U.S. currency, and the investigation of multiple crimes throughout the Commonwealth.