VSP investigate fatal crash in Rockingham County

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police (VSP) are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash Friday morning on Coopers Mountain Road in Rockingham County.

Police said a 2006 Jeep Liberty was traveling northbound when it crossed the road and struck a southbound 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The driver of the Liberty, 28-year-old Danielle Smith, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and later died.

An infant involved in the crash did not appear to be injured but was taken to the hospital for observation.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee also was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation, according to the press release.

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VSP prepare for Operation DISS-rupt on I-66 this weekend

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

The Virginia State Police will conduct Operation DISS-rupt on all 76 miles of Interstate 66 August 22nd – August 24th.

The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on four categories that spell out DISS including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Speed compliance
  • Seatbelt safety

A similar operation in February earlier this year led to:

  • 53 citations for reckless driving
  • 53 citations for distracted driving
  • 66 citations for speeding
  • four citations for seatbelt violations

No fatal crashes were recorded during the enforcement period.

The goal of this operation is to again achieve 0 fatal crashes during the enforcement period and reduce the total number of crashes for the calendar year by 10%.

In accordance with the campaign, Virginia State Police reminds drivers:

  • Ditch Distractions: Virginia’s “Hands-Free” law prohibits a driver from holding a handheld personal communications device while driving. GPS and making phone calls are legal, as long as the device is mounted or out of your hands.
  • Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service.
  • Comply with Speed Limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph, so neither should your speed. Speed-related crashes claimed 342 lives in 2025 in Virginia.
  • Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle be restrained, no matter their seating position.

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

VSP arrest Rockingham County man

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police (VSP) have arrested a Rockingham County man accused of pointing firearms at another driver on I-81 in Frederick County.

The victim reported that a driver in a white SUV waved at least 2 firearms at hime the two vehicles were traveling southbound near mile marker 308.

The incident happened Monday, August 3rd, about 6 pm.

Troopers caught up with the SUV and arrested 23 year old Jose A. Simon of Rockingham County.

Police found multiple firearms and a reported grenade inside the vehicle.

A bomb squad was called to the scene and determined the grenade was inactive.

Simon is charged with 2 counts of brandishing a firearm and illegally wearing a mask.

He is being held at the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center in Winchester.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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

FRPD car chase end in crash

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

On Thursday, July 9th at 3 pm officers with the Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) attempted to stop a green Nissan that was reported stolen.

The car failed to stop and fled the scene in the area of Villa and 6th Street, the driver continued at a high rate of speed on to Shenandoah Avenue.

While continuing onto eastbound I-66, the driver recklessly passed several other vehicles.

Just before mile marker 12, the driver exited the road entered a wooded area in the median and crashed.

The driver immediately fled the scene, a passenger also exited the vehicle at this time.

She was briefly detained for questioning before being transported to Warren Memorial Hospital.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office assisted in sitting up a perimeter.

The driver was not initially located.

Warren County Sheriff’s Deputies located James R. Lewis a short distance from the crash site.

They took him into custody without further incident.

He was taken to Warren Memorial Hospital and transferred to the RSW Jail.

Mr. Lewis is charged with several different crimes including:

  • Felony disregarding a law enforcement signal to stop.
  • Reckless Driving
  • Obstruction of Justice

More charges are pending.

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

Two killed on I-81 Thursday morning

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

Two people were killed in separate crashes on Interstate 81 Thursday, according to Virginia State Police.

In Shenandoah County, 78-year-old Dennis Marshall of North Carolina was struck and killed after getting out of his disabled vehicle, which was then
hit by a tractor-trailer near mile marker 286.

A passenger was hospitalized with injuries, and the truck driver suffered minor injuries.

A few hours later in Frederick County, an adult woman died after her SUV swerved to avoid an object in the roadway near mile marker 318.

She left the interstate, and struck a tree.

Her identity has not yet been released.

Both crashes remain under investigation by Virginia State Police.

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

Stephens City man charged following fatal crash of Strasburg resident

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two vehicle accident that occurred on Tuesday, June 23rd at approximately 11:35 pm on Route 11, Old Valley Pike, in Shenandoah County.

A 2007 GMC Envoy SUV was traveling westbound on Old Valley Pike when it struck a 2013 Ford Fusion that failed to come to a complete stop at the end of the I-81 southbound Exit 298 ramp.

The Fusion was then pushed into a travel lane on Route 11 while the GMC came to a stop on the right shoulder.

The driver of the SUV was identified in the press release as Nicholas Brill, 29, of Stephens City.

Brill suffered minor injuries during the crash and he was charged with driving under the influence.

The driver of the Ford, Nichole Sine, 39 of Strasburg, died at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

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

VSP launches 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police will officially launch the 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign on Wednesday at 11 am with a ceremony at VSP headquarters in Richmond.

The initiative aims to transform the traditionally recognized “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” into the 100 Safest Days of Summer through:

  • education
  • awareness
  • prevention
  • technology
  • community action

The time frame between Memorial Day and Labor Day has historically seen increased travel, speeding, distraction, impairment, unlicensed driving that contributes to preventable crashes and fatalities, especially in teen drivers.

During the launch event, attendees will learn about the impactful work underway on Virginia’s roadways and how these life saving messages can be brought back and shared with local businesses, churches, schools, community organizations and other groups.

Following the program and featured guest speakers including Virginia DMV commissioner Saundra Jack and Senator Danny Diggs, attendees will have the opportunity to experience LifeSafer’s Intelligent Speed Assistance technology through hands-on demonstrations and test drives.

The safe driving campaign is in partnership with the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating new drivers and their parents on the dangers of destructive driving decisions.

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

Elder Abuse Awareness month

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police is recognizing June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and encouraging residents to remain vigilant against scams and fraud schemes that often target older adults and other vulnerable individuals.

According to state police, scammers frequently use tactics that create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to pressure victims into making quick decisions.

Fraudsters may pose as government officials, financial institutions, businesses, or even family members in distress to obtain money or personal information.

Authorities urge residents to independently verify any unexpected request involving financial accounts, passwords, gift cards, money transfers, or sensitive personal information before taking action.

Virginia State Police recommends slowing down before making financial decisions, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and discussing common scam tactics with family members and loved ones.

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

State Police Investigating Fatal I-95 Bus Crash in Stafford County

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Five people are dead, and more than 40 others were hurt after a multi-vehicle crash involving a charter bus on Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Friday morning.

Virginia State Police say traffic was slowing for a work zone when a bus traveling from New York City to Charlotte failed to slow down and slammed into several vehicles.

Four members of a Massachusetts family were killed when their SUV caught fire after the crash.

A fifth victim, a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, was also killed. Forty-four people were taken to hospitals, including three with critical injuries.

The bus driver was hurt, and charges are pending as the investigation continues.

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

Suspicious package discovered in Strasburg

Strasburg Police Department logo

Authorities say a suspicious package was discovered Friday morning at a car wash on East Washington Street in Strasburg.

Strasburg Police responded to the scene along with the Shenandoah County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Virginia State Police and the State Police Bomb Unit also assisted.

A safety perimeter was established, and nearby residents were temporarily evacuated while the package was examined.

Ultimately, the package was determined to be non-explosive.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Shenandoah County Fire Marshal’s Office at 540-465-5230 or 540-459-8609.

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