Winchester plans emergency response exercise
The City of Winchester will hold a full scale emergency exercise on October 1st.
The training exercise will take place at John Handley High School from 8 am to noon and include the cityâs public safety departments, public schools, and supporting agencies.
The simulated scenario will involve an active threat at Handley.
The goal is to assess first responders and school staffâs readiness in the event of a threat.
On that date, there will be increased traffic around Handley, John Kerr Elementary, and Quarles Elementary.
There will also be numerous road closures in those areas.
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Authorities across VA. investigate several bomb threats
Several sources report bomb threats at schools across Virginia on Fri. Apr. 1.
The Winchester Police Department (WPD)Â and Winchester Fire and Rescue responded to a bomb threat at John Handley High School Friday.
After a thorough investigation it was determined to be a non credible threat.
Several schools in the state received similar threats.
Broadway High School and Bridgewater College had reports of suspicious packages being at the schools.
After investigations all threats were determined to be a hoax the all clear was given by authorities and schools resumed normal operation.
There was no evacuation deemed necessary at any of the schools at anytime.
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WPD continue to celebrate their 200 anniversary
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) announced they will continue to celebrate their 200 anniversary with a car show.
On Sat. May 28 a WPD 200 anniversary Car Show will be held on the Loudoun St. Walking Mall from 1 until 5 p.m..
Enter fee is $10 with registration at 11 a.m. at the 15 N. Cameron St. location.
The show is in partnership with the Hoppers Auto Club, Inc..
Music will be provided by Retro Sound and food will be available from the Shawnee Ruritan Club.
This is a judged show and event with awards given at 5 p.m..
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Winchester Frederick Law Enforcement Foundation.
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Shots fired into Winchester residence
The Winchester Police Department responded to a shots fired report yesterday afternoon.
Witnesses identified Christopher Bee, 38, to the officers on scene for firing shots in the air and into an occupied home on Kent Street.
Officers were led to his residence where he was taken into custody.
Bee was then transported to the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center where he is held without bond.
He is charged with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possessing a firearm as a felon.
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Winchester man arrested for attempted murder
On October 8th at about 9 am, the Winchester Police received multiple calls as witnesses watched Ernesto Newman assault his girlfriend on East Pall Mall street.
According to witnesses, Newman pulled the woman from her vehicle, pushed her down, bashed her head on the ground and strangled her while yelling threats on her life.
Newman then held the victim at knife point until releasing her once WPD arrived at the location.
Newman handed himself over after the officers arrived.
He is being held without bond on charges of attempted murder, felony domestic assault and felony strangulation.
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VA. Association of Chiefs of Police honor Winchester’s own
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police honored Winchester Police Sergeant Sean O’ Connor with the distinguished award of Valor.
The award was presented at the annual Chief’s awards banquet.
O’Connor received his award for his actions in defusing a dangerous situation for he and his fellow officers in Winchester.
Not only taking control and disabling a shooter O’Connor at the same time allowed his fellow officers to escape harm.
Then O’Connor was able to coordinate, approach and begin life saving measures on the suspect.
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Winchester Police issue travel advisory
Winchester law enforcement have issued a travel advisory for today Jan. 7 for the Middle Road, Valley Ave, Route 37, Amherst Streets in Winchester.
There will be a large presence of firefighting, first responder along with other emergency vehicles starting as early as 3:45.
Vehicles and personnel will be paying final respects to Airman Logan Young who lost his life while responding to a fire in Martinsburg.
Be aware that traffic will be slow in some cases single lane in other cases during the “Honor Corridor” which is likely to last until approximately 6 p.m..
Police advise that you avoid the roads that are being used if possible.
If you have to use those roads be alert be prepared to be directed by personnel and expect what could be up to a 20 minute delay.
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