Southampton County Sheriff's Office

09/06/2026

***NEWS RELEASE***

ATTEMPTED TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO MANHUNT

For immediate release:

Franklin, Southampton County, VA-
On Sunday, September 6, 2026 at approximately 0100, a Southampton deputy attempted a traffic stop due to reckless driving on Armory Drive. The driver refused to stop, fleeing into Suffolk. The driver struck a Sheriff’s Office vehicle and came to rest in a field on Longstreet Lane where he then fled on foot. Southampton deputies, Suffolk Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Franklin Fire and Rescue conducted the manhunt with K9s and drones. Evidence was found that led to identifying the subject. He turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office later in the morning.

The subject, Markele Tarshawn Wiggins of Franklin, faces charges including felony eluding, and reckless driving with felony property damage charges pending.

We would like to thank the Virginia State Police, Suffolk Police Department, and Franklin Fire and Rescue for their assistance in the search.

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09/04/2026

The Labor Day weekend is upon us! As you make your plans, we would like to share a few safety reminders.

***Slow down and buckle up. Expect increased traffic.

***Put the phone down. Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk.

***Never drink and drive. If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to get home safely.

***If you’re on the water, wear a life jacket and operate your vessel responsibly.

***Secure your home and vehicles before heading out for the weekend.

***Look out for one another. If you see something suspicious or believe someone is driving impaired, report it.

Our deputies will be out throughout the holiday weekend working to help keep our roads, waterways, and communities safe.

From all of us at the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, have a great Labor Day weekend!

08/31/2026

***NEWS RELEASE***

ARREST MADE AFTER DRIVER FLEES FROM PURSUIT ON FOOT

For immediate release:

Sunbeam, Southampton County, VA-
On Monday, August 31, 2026 at approximately 0315, a Southampton deputy attempted a traffic stop on Delaware Road. The driver refused to stop, and ultimately wrecked his vehicle. He then fled on foot in the Sunbeam Road area. The SWAT team responded to a call for backup at approximately 0330. A premier was set up and K9s attempted tracking. The subject had fled into the swamp.
At approximately 0930 a citizen on Sunbeam called in a possible sighting of the subject. Deputies and SWAT responded to the area and again set up a perimeter to begin searching, they were able to slowly close this perimeter tighter thanks to the help of continued reports from citizens in the area. Deputies observed a suspicious vehicle, a passenger exited the vehicle and fled into the woods. As K-9 units were being swapped out, deputies sighted the subject in the woods. He was given commands but did not comply. He was taken into custody at 1246.
The subject, Shane Bradshaw, faces charges including driving on a revoked license (DUI), reckless driving by speed, felony eluding, two counts of felony hit and run, and two counts of felony property damage.

We would like to thank the Virginia State Police, Franklin Fire and Rescue, Boykins Fire and Rescue, Southampton County EMS, and the four K9s for their assistance in the search.

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08/29/2026

On August 29, 2009, the Southampton County Sheriff's Office and our community tragically lost Deputy Sheriff Christopher Darby Ray in the line of duty. On that morning, Deputy Ray and his field training officer were involved in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call for service. On this day, we remember and honor Deputy Christopher Ray and his service to our community. You are gone but not forgotten. Forever 116.

08/27/2026

🚔 IT’S ALMOST TIME! 🚔

October 6th is approaching quickly! We still have room for any of our Community Partners that would like to set up a table. We’re expecting a large turnout again this year with lots of fun, music, and food.
If you would like to set up a table, please contact Deputy Cynthia Phippins at 757-653-1960 or email [email protected] for more information.
This event is totally free for everyone in our community. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

08/26/2026

We would like to send a special Thank You to Family 4 Eternity for stopping by the Sheriff’s Office today to spread some cheer and good will amongst our staff!

We greatly appreciate all of our Community Partners. It is a great blessing to see everyone coming together to strengthen community bonds. Thank you for being among the few who strive to serve the many!

08/26/2026

The Southampton County Sheriff’s Office would like to sincerely thank the Southampton County Board of Supervisors for their commitment to our employees and to the future of public safety in our community by implementing the results of the compensation study.

Our current employees work hard every day to serve and protect the citizens of Southampton County, and this investment recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to our community.

This step also allows us to better compete with other law enforcement agencies in our area when it comes to attracting and retaining qualified employees. A strong, competitive workforce means a stronger Sheriff’s Office and, ultimately, a safer community for everyone.

We are grateful to the Board of Supervisors for recognizing the importance of investing in the people who serve Southampton County. Thank you for standing behind our employees and supporting the future of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office.

08/25/2026

☀️BEAT THE HEAT☀️

What a wonderful treat of fresh, homemade lemonade and icy snow cones!
The Sheriff’s Office Family was thrilled to receive some wonderful refreshments courtesy of Tanya Moore, Lakesha Woodley, and Katie Whisenant from Gentiva Hospice.
Thank you so much ladies! We are always honored to receive special treats from our community partners.

08/19/2026