Pennington Gap Police Department

05/13/2026

We would like to congratulate Chief Lawson for being selected as the new Vice-President of the Southwest Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Also congratulations to Chief Mullins and Chief McGlothlin on their appointments.

Pictured:

Travis Mullins- President (Coeburn PD)
Matt Lawson- Vice-President (Pennington PD)
Seth McGlothlin- Secretary (Grundy PD)

05/05/2026

🚧 Traffic Advisory – Annual Soap Box Derby 🚧

The Town of Pennington Gap will be hosting our Annual Soap Box Derby this Saturday, May 9, 2026. We are excited to see the community come out and support this great event.

Please be advised that road closures will be in effect from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the event area. A map showing the closed roads and designated detour routes is attached to this post.

We ask all residents and visitors to:

-Plan travel accordingly during these hours
-Follow posted detour signs
-Use caution when driving near the event area

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe while enjoying this community tradition.

If you have any questions, please contact the Pennington Gap Police Department.

04/14/2026

As we get into ball season and see more activity at Leeman Field, we want to take a moment to address parking.

We’re glad to see the community out enjoying the fields, walking trail, and facilities, that’s what it’s here for. With that said, we’ve had ongoing issues with vehicles being parked on the walking trail and in areas clearly marked as no parking zones.

The area highlighted in red is the walking trail and is not a parking area. Vehicles parked there create safety concerns for pedestrians. Any vehicles parked in this area will be subject to citation.

The areas highlighted in green are approved parking areas, and we ask everyone to use those spaces when attending games and events.

We’re not looking to write tickets, we’re looking to keep everyone safe and make sure the facilities can be enjoyed by all. A little extra attention when parking goes a long way.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and hope you enjoy the season.

04/02/2026

Not every call we respond to is lights and sirens, but every call matters.

Yesterday, we were called about a bird that was stuck in fishing line and hanging from a tree. With help from the Pennington Gap Fire Department, we were able to get the bird safely down, remove the line, and even take out a lure that was stuck in it.

The bird was then transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility where it will receive proper care.

We may not have been chasing bad guys on this one, but we’re always ready to help, whether it’s a person or even a bird in our community.

Big thanks to the fire department for the teamwork.

And as a reminder, please properly dispose of fishing line and tackle. Something that seems small can do a lot of harm to wildlife.

03/24/2026

Great work by everyone involved.

**03/24/2026 PRESS RELEASE**PENNINGTON GAP MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 10 YEARS IN METHAMPHETAMINE/COCAINE CASE

03/11/2026

UPDATE, THEY HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED!! THANKS TO EVERYONE!

Vandalism at Leeman Field Restrooms

On the evening of Monday, March 9, 2026 and Tuesday March 10, 2026, the restrooms at the Welcome Center at Leeman Field RV Park were vandalized, causing damage to the facility.

The Pennington Gap Police Department is reviewing video from the area and is asking for assistance in identifying the individuals shown in the attached photos. They are believed to have been in the area around the time the damage occurred and officers would like to speak with them.

If you recognize anyone in this photo, please contact the Pennington Gap Police Department at 276-546-1177 ext 3 or send the town a private message.

We appreciate the community’s help in protecting and respecting our public facilities.

03/04/2026

⚠️ School Zone Traffic Safety – Pennington Middle School

The Pennington Gap Police Department is addressing a serious safety issue occurring at Pennington Middle School during student pick-up times.

As shown in the photo below, the roadway beside the buses is clearly marked ONE WAY with DO NOT ENTER signs. This lane is the designated exit for school traffic and the area where buses line up to pick up students.

Recently, we have observed multiple drivers entering this lane the wrong direction and even driving past or through school buses while students are loading.

This behavior is extremely dangerous and puts children at risk.

Let us be clear: this will not be tolerated. Officers will be monitoring the area, and any driver who ignores the posted traffic direction or passes school buses while children are loading will be issued a summons.

Our officers are there for one reason — to ensure the safety of the children.

Please pay attention to the posted signs, follow the correct traffic pattern, and slow down in school zones.

A few seconds of patience is worth far more than risking a child’s life.

02/27/2026

Good police work.

02/13/2026

01/25/2026

❄️ Cold Weather Advisory – Animal Welfare Enforcement ❄️

With dangerously cold temperatures expected over the next several days, the Town of Pennington Gap wants to remind residents that Virginia law requires companion animals—such as dogs and cats—to be properly sheltered and protected from the cold.

Leaving an animal outside in cold temperatures constitutes animal cruelty under Virginia law and is a criminal offense.

🚨 This law will be enforced by the Town of Pennington Gap Police Department.

Violations may result in:
• Criminal charges
• Fines and/or imprisonment
• Seizure and forfeiture of the animal
• Permanent prohibition from owning animals in the future

If you own a pet, bring them indoors or ensure they have adequate, safe, and warm shelter immediately. If you know of an animal in distress, please contact the Pennington Gap Police Department.

Protect your pets. Protect your neighbors. Stay safe.