Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office

07/31/2026

07/24/2026

Deputies with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office will increase its traffic enforcement efforts targeting speeders for .

The operation starts Saturday July 18, 2026, through August 3, 2026. Deputies will be visible and looking for speeding vehicles, as well as aggressive drivers throughout the County as well as Interstate 20, State Highway 64, and Farm to Market 859.

This enforcement will also help reduce the risk of fatal crashes due to high speeds. Reminder if you see flashing lights on the side of the road. It is state law to move over to the next lane or slow down 20mph below the posted speed limit. This includes Emergency Vehicles, TxDOT, and Wrecker Drivers.

We want to ensure every Texan is safe on the roadways.

07/20/2026

🚨🚨🚨SCAM ALERT 🚨🚨🚨
The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating reports of an unidentified male contacting citizens by phone identifying himself as a Van Zandt County Sheriff Deputy. The subject will tell you that you have a warrant, and you must pay a fine or you will be arrested. Please do not give this subject any of your personal information or pay the fine he is requesting. This is a scam ! If you do receive a phone call contact the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

07/18/2026

Congratulations to Jordan Goldsmith for graduating the East Texas Law Enforcement Academy today. Jordan has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 4 years assigned to the detention center as a Sgt. This year Jordan was selected from our Deputy Sheriff Cadet Program. The program gives employees at the Sheriff’s Office the opportunity to transfer to Deputy Sheriff. Jordan will now start her field training as a Deputy Sheriff in our Patrol Division.

07/17/2026

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m., investigators with the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the Wills Point Police Department, and the SPCA of Texas, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Van Zandt County Road 1118 near Grand Saline.
The investigation began in June 2026 after the Sheriff's Office received a report of suspected cockfighting activity at the property. Following a thorough investigation, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant that revealed evidence consistent with possessing roosters for the purpose of cockfighting.
During the ex*****on of the search warrant, authorities seized 181 roosters, U.S. currency, cockfighting paraphernalia , and a travel trailer believed to have been used to transport roosters for cockfighting.
Investigators also served an arrest warrant on a Justin Blake Hart from Grand Saline and transported him to the Van Zandt County Detention Center where he was booked in for Cockfighting, a State Jail Felony under Texas law.
Sheriff Bridger commended the investigators for their dedication and professionalism throughout the investigation. He also expressed appreciation to the SPCA of Texas for its assistance in safely seizing and transporting the 181 roosters to its Dallas facility, and to the Wills Point Police Department for its support in the ex*****on of the search warrant and arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

07/15/2026

Come join us today 7-9am Fire Grounds Coffee Shop - Station 1 for Coffee with a cop and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation.

07/12/2026

Public Service Announcement:

The Wills Point Police Department is aware that a train has broken down and is currently blocking several railroad crossings within the City of Wills Point.

At this time, the only available crossings are:
• North Mary Street.
• Van Zandt County Road 3501 at Van Zandt County Road 3523.

The railroad has advised that repairs are underway and estimates it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours before the train can be moved and the crossings reopened.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and ask motorists to use the available crossings and allow extra travel time until the issue is resolved. We will provide updates as they become available.

07/08/2026

****** For Immediate Release******

On July 7, 2026, Deputies with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with the Texas Attorney General’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit, served a felony arrest warrant on Larry Plant, the Maintenance Director for Martin’s Mill ISD.

Mr. Plant was taken into custody without incident on an outstanding Dallas County warrant charging him with Indecency with a Child – Sexual Contact. He was transported to and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail without incident.
The Martin’s Mill ISD administration was immediately notified of the operation and fully cooperated throughout the process.

Sheriff Bridger stated, “This arrest is another example of the working relationships between law enforcement agencies and our local institutions. By working together, we remain committed to protecting our community and ensuring those accused of serious crimes are taken into custody safely and professionally.”