FRPD seeks help identifying individuals
The Front Royal Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying two individuals.
FRPD is searching for the pair due to an incident that occurred at Rural King on South Street on February 6th between 10:30 AM and 11:05 AM.
One subject is described as a white female in dark pants and a maroon fleece jacket with a bandana covering her face, a black beanie and red/white Converse shoes.
The other is described as a light skin black male, wearing dark pants, a gray jacket, black beanie, a disposable face mask, and gray shoes.
They were observed leaving in a dark colored, 4 door, SUV.
A link to security camera photos of the individuals are available here.
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Bristol man arrested for soliciting local minors
Detectives from the Front Royal Police Department began an investigation regarding the solicitation of minors in the area on January 14, 2023.
An undercover operation ensued where an adult male began soliciting a detective who he believed was a 15 year old female for photographs and sexually explicit material.
The suspect was identified as 29 year old Michael T. Houchins II of Bristol, VA.
He was arrested at his home by the Bristol Virginia Police Department on February 9th for the use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
Houchins was transported to Southwest Regional Jail where he is being held without bond.
His court date is set for March 2nd, 2023 at 9:00 am in the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
FRPD is an active member in the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which is coordinated by the Virginia State Police.
If you have any information regarding this case or any other solicitation or exploitation of minors, contact the Front Royal Police Department.
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Missing Front Royal resident’s remains found
The Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) announced the reception of information last month from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) regarding the discovery of unidentified human remains in their jurisdiction.
After DNA testing, statistical analyses and other facts and circumstances surrounding the case, it was determined that the remains were those of missing Front Royal resident Kevin Smith.
He was first reported missing on January 28th, 2020.
FRPD thanked FCPD, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the Virginia Department of Forensic Science for their help on the case.
Chief Magalis added, “This is certainly not the outcome we had hoped for regarding the disappearance of Mr. Smith. We give our condolences to the Smith family during this very difficult time.”
If you have information regarding the case, contact Detective M. P. Galagher at the Front Royal Police Department.
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FRPD arrest an adult attempting to solicit a minor
Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) announced the arrest of an adult attempting to solicit a minor.
The investigation began Nov. 9 and on Wed. Nov. 22 the arrest of Avery Wood of Charlottesville was made.
A proactive undercover investigation found Wood began unsolicited communications with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female but in reality was an undercover Officer.
Some of the unsolicited material sent by Wood was Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
A designated meeting place was arranged within Front Royal and Wood traveled to the location to meet the detective posing as the female for lascivious intent.
The 53-year-old Wood was arrested and taken to the Regional Jail where he was ordered to be held without bond until his December 15 court date.
Wood is facing a 9 a.m. trail in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Anyone with any information in this or any case involving the solicitation or exploitation of any minor should contact the FRPD.
Call Detective M.R. Ramey at 540-636-2208 or email mramey@frontroyalva.com.
The FRPD is an active member of the Virginia DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Local law enforcement aids in National Drug Take Back Day
The DEA and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for the 23rd National Drug Take Back Day.
From 10 am to 2 pm today, over 4000 locations across the country will accept the anonymous disposal of any unwanted, unneeded or expired medications.
These medications are the most susceptible to theft, abuse, or poisoning.
Last year, over 107,000 Americans died of drug poisoning.
Collection sites will not collect syringes or illicit drugs.
Vapes are now accepted along with their cartridges as long as the lithium battery is removed.
Click here to locate the nearest drop-off location.
Over 15,000 hospitals, pharmacies, businesses, and local police departments also offer year round disposal locations.
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FRPD hosts Coffee with a Cop
Don’t miss Coffee with a Cop Wednesday October 5th from 8 to 11.
Come enjoy some coffee and conversation with Front Royal Police Officers.
It is a great opportunity to get to know our law enforcement and learn more about our community.
It will be held at 215 E. Main St. Front Royal.
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FRPD makes arrest for solicitation of minors
The Front Royal Police Department conducted an investigation as a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding the solicitation of minors in the area.
Officers concluded the investigation with the arrest of Sean Kreinsen, 28, of Smithfield.
An undercover operation began after Kreinsen contacted an officer posing as a female under 15 years old unsolicited and sent sexually explicit material.
Kreinsen was arrested by the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and then transported to Western Tidewater Regional Jail where he is held without bond.
His court date is set for October 13th at the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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Quarry explosion rocks Front Royal
The Front Royal Police Department report on an explosion near the north end of Front Royal.
An explosion from a planned blasting operation at the Hanson Quarry on Riverton Road parallel to Route 522 North threw rocks and debris in several directions Wed. Aug. 24 at approximately 1 p.m..
Flying materials damaged eight vehicles on 522 North and on the Interstate 66 westbound off ramp which were all shutdown.
Flying debris also damaged the Dominion Health and Fitness parking lot.
One person sustained injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
Another person was transported to the hospital for further treatment of their injuries.
Six other people suffered minor cuts and abrasions but did not require Emergency Medical Service.
Response from all agencies from Front Royal Warren County worked diligently to render the sites safe.
Support was called in from the Virginia Department of Energy Division of Mineral Mining, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State Police as well as the Warren County Building Official to assess the situation.
Utility lines were damaged and nearby businesses reported structural damage from the blast and fallen debris and rocks.
Roads were closed immediately after the first reports of the incident at 1:04 p.m. and reopened as soon as the situation was rendered safe at approximately 3:25 p.m..
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FRPD arrest suspect involved in the Ressie Jeffries lockdown
Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) report an arrest of the suspect that caused the lockdown of Ressie Jeffries Elementary School and Samuel’s Public Library Mon. Aug. 22.
After brandishing a firearm in the Royal Plaza Shopping center during a reported fight a suspect fled towards Criser Road.
Warren County Sheriff’s Office’s Canine Unit was called in to track the subject who was first tracked to Samuel’s Public Library.
Authorities searched the Library but did not find the subject and were able to continue to track him to near Royal Arms Apartments.
Following credible information from citizens Police were able to arrest Mathew Grajeda at Royal Arms Apartments Tues. Aug. 23.
The weapon Grajeda is accused of brandishing was also found and the arrest occurred without incident.
Grajeda has been charged with brandishing that firearm, obstruction of justice and reckless handling of a firearm.
Further investigation revealed that Grajeda failed to appear in court and was served an outstanding capias from Chesapeake Virginia.
The Front Royal Police Department thanks the public for their assistance in the investigation leading to a quick resolution of the incident.
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FRPD investigates gunshot death
A news release from the Front Royal Police Department confirms the investigation of a body found in Front Royal.
The Front Royal Police Department responded to a call on North Shenandoah Avenue at 10:30 on Thursday, June 30th.
Officers arriving at the scene discovered a 41 year old white male in the grassy area between First Bank and United Bank.
The person died from what is suspected to be a self inflicted gunshot wound.
The individual is not believed to be associated with the banks and walked there from a nearby hotel.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the incident.
Anyone with information should contact Detective T. A. Smith of the FRPD at 540-636-2208 or email tasmith@frontroyalva.com.
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