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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VA seeks public input on Statewide Safety Plan

Virginia is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) – Arrive Alive.

This is a statewide initiative that establishes priorities and strategies for improving roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The plan addresses safety for all road users, including drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

The SHSP is overseen by a Steering Committee.

Made up of the following organizations:

  • Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT),
  • Virginia State Police (VSP),
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
  • Department of Health (VDH)
  • Other state and local agencies and transportation safety partners.

As part of the update, the committee is asking Virginians to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about roadway safety.

Public feedback will help identify safety priorities and inform the next version of the SHSP.

This will guide transportation safety efforts across Virginia in the coming years.

Residents are encouraged to share their perspectives to help shape strategies aimed at reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives on Virginia roads.

Learn more about the Strategic Highway Safety Plan – Arrive Alive and how to provide feedback through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s safety plan page

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

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.

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.

VSP seize firearms and narcotics

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

 

The Virginia State Police (VSP), in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, reported significant criminal interdictions across the Commonwealth from Feb. 18 through Feb. 24, 2026.

The activity was part of ongoing crime suppression initiatives.

According to the agency’s weekly report, troopers and task force members recovered firearms, seized substantial quantities of narcotics, confiscated U.S. currency, and investigated a range of criminal offenses, including human trafficking.

During the weeklong enforcement effort, Virginia State Police recovered seven firearms with an estimated total value of $3,500.

Authorities reported the seizure of more than 150 pounds of narcotics during the operation.

State police and state task force partners confiscated approximately 116.8 pounds of narcotics.

Federal task forces that include Virginia State Police personnel, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, seized an additional 34.6 pounds.

The estimated denied revenue from the seized narcotics totaled $1,003,474.

A breakdown of the drugs recovered includes:

  • 2.9 ounces of cocaine
  • 1.2 ounces of crack cocaine
  • 134.5 pounds of marijuana
  • 10 pounds of methamphetamine
  • 1 ounce of fentanyl
  • 6.6 pounds of THC consumables

In addition to narcotics, authorities seized $250,000 in U.S. currency.

Virginia State Police stated that the enforcement actions are part of broader, ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and dismantling criminal enterprises throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Virginia State Police remain steadfast in their mission to enhance public safety and uphold the laws throughout the Commonwealth while supporting the Governor’s initiatives on violent crime,” the agency said in a statement.

VSP emphasized that close coordination with local, state, and federal partners remains critical in targeting narcotics distribution networks, firearms violations, and related criminal activity.

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

VSP warn drivers ahead of potential winter weather

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

The Virginia State Police are monitoring possible winter weather across the Commonwealth this weekend.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution:

  • Slow down
  • Increase following distance
  • Stay alert, especially on bridges, overpasses, and ramps

For up-to-date road conditions, visit 511Virginia.gov before traveling.

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

VSP unveil new inspection stickers

As the calendar turns to 2026, Virginia drivers will notice a fresh look on their windshields.

The Virginia State Police (VSP) have officially transitioned to a new blue safety inspection sticker for vehicles passing inspection this year.

While the blue decals carry over the high-tech anti-counterfeiting features introduced last year.

The most significant update for 2026 actually involves the vehicles that don’t pass.

The traditional pink “rejection” stickers are being retired in favor of a new white design.

These new rejection stickers feature a much stronger adhesive to ensure they stay put throughout the 15-day grace period.

VSP noted that older versions often peeled off too easily.

The new white stickers are designed that they must be physically scraped off once the vehicle finally passes.

The department now uses one orange sticker design for all small vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers.

By making stickers harder to forge and easier to track, the state aims to ensure all vehicles are vetted by qualified professionals.

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

New Jersey man taken into custody

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

A 52-year-old New Jersey man was taken into custody Friday afternoon following a police pursuit that began in Prince George County and ended in Sussex County.

Virginia State Police (VSP) was alerted around 11:45 a.m. of a wanted individual with possible mental health concerns traveling southbound on I-95 toward Richmond.

Troopers located the vehicle near Exit 45 and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to stop, leading to a pursuit.

The pursuit continued south into Sussex County, where the vehicle slowed.

During efforts to contain it, the suspect vehicle struck several state police vehicles.

Troopers were eventually able to stop the vehicle near the 21-mile marker.

The driver was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as Brian L. Weiner of Toms River, New Jersey.

He was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Charges are pending.

VSP report no troopers were injured.

The investigation is ongoing.

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