Gallipolis Police Department

08/28/2026

🚍 School Bus Safety Reminder 🛑

We have already issued one citation for a school bus passing violation this school year.

Motorists are reminded that traffic in both directions must stop on Eastern Avenue and Upper River Road when a school bus is stopped and actively loading or unloading children.

Please be aware that the center left-turn lane does not constitute a divided highway and does not exempt motorists from the requirement to stop for a school bus.

During the last school year, we documented a total of 30 school bus passing violations within the city limits. Each violation places children at unnecessary risk.

We ask everyone to remain alert, obey the law, and exercise extra caution around school buses. A few seconds of patience can help protect a child’s life.

Thank you for helping us keep our community’s children safe.

Law enforcement officers said this isn't a new problem.

08/28/2026

We invite you to follow the Gallia County Victim Services page. The Gallia County Victim Services office is located within the City Solicitor’s Office, inside the Gallipolis Justice Center at 518 2nd Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio. They can be reached by phone at (740)446-7933.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in the places meant for our communities to enjoy. Victim Services provides support and resources to victims of crime bridging the gap between the victims and the court.

08/13/2026

Great big shoutout to Little Caesars Pizza Pizza Paws for the donation of a first aid kit for K9 Kana and her handler Patrolman McKnight. We very much appreciate your support! Also a shoutout to Lowe's-Barboursville, WV for their donation of the bag used for the kit!

07/20/2026

The Gallipolis Police Department is currently attempting to locate 37 year old James Slater of Charleston, WV who has been reported missing.

James was last seen in the area of Taco Bell in Gallipolis, Ohio on 7/18/2026 at 3:00 A.M. wearing a grey tank top and blue jeans. James is approximately 6’1” tall with blue eyes and blonde hair and is also known to walk with a limp.

If you have seen James, or have any information that could help us locate him, please contact the Gallipolis Police Department at 740-446-1313.

06/29/2026

June 29, 2026

Due to excessive temperatures and heat advisories, the following Cooling Centers will be available in
Gallia County:

FOR ALL POLICE, FIRE, AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, CALL 911!

The Gallia County Senior Center located at 1165 State Route 160, Gallipolis OH

Tuesday June 30, 2026, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday July 1, 2026, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday July 2, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm


Field of Hope Gymnasium located at 11821 State Route 160, Vinton OH

Tuesday June 30, 2026, 8:00am – 6:30pm
Wednesday July 1, 2026, 8:00am – 6:30pm
Thursday July 2, 2026 8:00am – 6:30pm
Friday July 3, 2026 8:00am- 6:30pm

We do realize this does not take care of housing people in the evening or night time but that becomes a bigger event requiring additional resources. This at least allows for citizens to find a cool place during the hottest time of the day.

06/26/2026

Have You Seen Him?

The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Zach Cline, age 40, who has been reported missing.

Zach was last seen on or about June 17, 2026 in the Shoestring Ridge Road area near Gallipolis.

There is concern for Zach’s welfare due to known issues with drug dependency, and we are asking anyone who may have seen him or has information regarding his whereabouts to contact our office.

If you have seen Zach, or have any information that could assist in locating him, please contact the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office at 740-446-1221.

Please share this post to help us locate Zach and ensure his safety.

06/23/2026

GALLIA COUNTY JURY CONVICTS BIDWELL MAN AFTER ONE-DAY TRIAL

Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jason D. Holdren has announced that Gary W. Woodrow, 52, of Bidwell, Ohio, was convicted by a Gallia County jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, following a one-day trial.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on one count of Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, a second-degree felony, after deliberating for less than 90 minutes.

Woodrow faces a maximum prison sentence of 8 to 12 years. The State will seek the maximum penalty at the sentencing hearing scheduled for August 12, 2026.

Woodrow is also currently awaiting trial on two additional felony indictments.

The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Emily VanSickle and Amanda Miller. The case was investigated by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Chief Justin Rice of the Gallipolis Police Department.

06/04/2026

Great big thanks to the Gallia, Jackson, Meigs Su***de Prevention Collaborative who brought donuts and goodie bags for the officers today! We appreciate your support!

05/22/2026

Due to inclement weather, the memorial service honoring the memory of David A. Poling, scheduled for this evening, has been moved to the Gallipolis Municipal Courtroom, located at 518 Second Avenue.

The service will still begin at 5:30 p.m.