BCSO searching for a man in domestic violence case

Used by permission of Berkeley County Sheriff Department Office Administrator Brandy Sullivan

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is asking for the publics help in locating a man wanted on domestic violence charges.

Deputies are searching for 52-year-old Fredrick Julius Reaves.

According to investigators, deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance on June 22 and determined a woman was assaulted during an argument.

Authorities say the victim was dragged into a residence, struck in the face, and strangled.

Reaves is wanted on a charge of Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature.

Investigators also learned he is on probation in South Carolina.

His court-ordered ankle monitor was reportedly tampered with and removed.

Anyone who sees Reaves is urged not to approach him and instead call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, (843) 719-4505 .

The investigation remains ongoing.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Two Charged in Felony Homicide following death of child

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Additional information has been released in connection with the tragic tractor incident that claimed the life of a 3-year-old child in Bristol.

Authorities have now filed new charges against two individuals.

Police say the incident happened April 23rd on Davis Alley, when a tractor overturned and pinned the child underneath.

Responders arrived to find a John Deere 5200 at the bottom of an embankment.

Emergency crews freed the child and began CPR.

He was then transported to Bristol Regional Medical Center, where the child was later pronounced dead.

The tractor was being operated by 21-year-old Austin Tyler-Raymond Tester, with the child riding along when it overturned.

Investigators say Tester contacted his mother, 41-year-old Kelly M. Tester, before calling 911.

Officials report there was a delay of more than 20 minutes before emergency services were contacted, and about 30 minutes before crews arrived on scene.

Authorities say Austin Tester left the scene and was later found hiding inside a residence, while Kelly Tester is accused of providing false information and helping conceal him.

Officials also say Kelly Tester had a custodial role involving the child and failed to seek immediate medical help.

Preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate the cause of death was asphyxiation.

Investigators say the delay in calling 911 impacted the ability to provide life-saving care.

Austin Tester is now charged with felony homicide, in addition to earlier charges, and is being held without bond.

Kelly Tester has been charged with felony child abuse and neglect, felony homicide, and is also being held without bond.

Authorities investigating possible police impersonation near Charles Town Racetrack

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

Law enforcement is investigating a suspicious vehicle incident reported near the Charles Town racetrack, raising concerns about a possible case of police impersonation.

According to a community member, the incident occurred Friday, August 8th: “While driving, I saw flashing red and blue lights behind me. I pulled over, but the vehicle was not a police car ,  it was a blacked-out older Mercedes with Maryland tags, one taillight out, and no siren. It sped past me and went into the racetrack parking lot.”

Officials are urging the public to be on alert.

If you see a vehicle matching this description or encounter a suspicious vehicle using emergency lights, do not pull over unless you’re in a safe, well-lit public area.

Instead, call 911 immediately and report the location, vehicle description, and any other identifying details.

Authorities remind residents to stay vigilant and look out for one another.

Police impersonation is a serious offense, and public safety remains the top priority.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

January is National Stalking Awareness month

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing January as National Stalking Awareness Month.

Stalking is a serious crime that can instill extreme fear and anxiety in victims, often threatening their safety.

Stalking behaviors can include repeated unwanted phone calls, showing up uninvited, or following individuals.

Statistically, one in three women and one in six men will experience stalking in their lifetime.

Alarmingly, 40% of stalkers are current or former intimate partners, and about 20% of stalkers may resort to using a weapon to threaten or harm their victims.

In the U.S., an estimated 13.5 million people are affected by stalking each year.

If you believe you are being stalked or are in immediate danger, please call 911. For more resources, visit stalkingawareness.org.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Page county emergency communications has new feature

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The Page County Emergency Communications Center has an important announcement for
residents: We’re here for you in emergencies in more ways than one.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can’t call 911, you can text 911 instead.

The center is equipped to handle text communications, allowing you to send your location and needs via text message.

Simply create a message, enter 911 as the recipient, and provide the necessary information.

A dispatcher will respond to you right away.

For any questions about texting 911, please call the non-emergency line, 540-843-0911.

Please remember, do not test the 911 text feature.

Stay safe!

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

First responders adopt innovative addressing system

In Clarke County, emergency first responders are revolutionizing rescue efforts with the
adoption of what3words app, an ingenious global addressing system.

Instead of relying on general locations after a 911 call, what3words provides three unique words that pinpoint an individual’s exact location, whether on a mountain or along a riverbank.

This precision saves critical time and ensures prompt assistance.

The system divides the entire world, including bodies of water, into 10-by-10-foot squares and assigns each square a unique combination of three words.

Designed specifically for first responders, what3words is available as a free app and functions in over 40 languages.

The beauty of this system lies in its permanence—the words assigned to each square remain fixed indefinitely.

Before embarking on any outdoor adventure, it’s advisable to download the app to your phone.

Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool for ensuring safety in emergencies: https://what3words.com/about.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Frederick County Public Safety launches Next Generation 911

Used by permission Frederick County Virginia Government

An email from Frederick County announced the launch of the Next Generation 911 system in the county.

Frederick County Public Safety Communications has installed the Next Gen system to basically adjust to the way we communicate today for faster response in emergency situations.

The new technology allows the public to share more detailed information as the system can accept videos, images and text messages.

This is especially helpful with communications between emergency agencies when responding as well.

Because 911 is rarely called by landline the system had to be updated to accommodate other devices.

The Next Gen 911 system can accept information from smart phones, medical devices, car computers and building alarms.

This is particularly useful in finding an exact location when seconds count.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.