Bristol, Virginia, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office hosted the ‘Back to School with the Badge Bash’ to celebrate the new school year and strengthen community ties. Local first responders, including police and fire department members, engaged with students through various activities, including a wiffle ball game. Families received school supplies to aid in their preparations for the upcoming school year. Contrastingly, a drug distribution investigation led to the arrest of Austin O. Boardwine, raising safety concerns related to illegal activities in the community.
Bristol, Virginia – The Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office held the Back to School with the Badge Bash on Saturday, an event aimed at celebrating the new school year while fostering community relations. Featuring participation from local police and the Bristol Virginia Fire Department, the event provided a range of activities for students, who were able to meet and interact with local first responders. Additionally, school supplies were distributed during the event, available while they lasted.
The event included an entertaining wiffle ball game between first responders and students, promoting a friendly atmosphere in anticipation of the upcoming school year. Bristol, Virginia Schools are set to begin classes on Wednesday, August 13th, making the timing of this community event particularly relevant for families preparing for the school year ahead.
In a contrasting note, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department has arrested a man following a drug distribution investigation. The suspect has been identified as Austin O. Boardwine, whose arrest is the result of a coordinated effort involving detectives from the Bristol Police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police.
On Thursday, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence located on Robin Circle. This operation, part of the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force’s initiatives, revealed significant findings. During the search, officers discovered several items indicative of drug distribution, including a digital scale, U.S. currency, and a distributable amount of cocaine. Additionally, a handgun with multiple rounds of ammunition, body armor, and methamphetamine were also located at the scene.
Austin O. Boardwine is noted as a convicted felon, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition. Compounding the seriousness of the situation, Boardwine’s juvenile child was present in the home at the time of the search. This aspect raised significant concerns regarding child safety amidst illegal drug activities. The Bristol, Virginia Police Chief highlighted these safety concerns as particularly alarming for the community.
Austin O. Boardwine has been charged and is currently held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon without bond, as legal proceedings advance.
The contrasting themes of community engagement and law enforcement efforts address two sides of life in Bristol, Virginia. While the Back to School Bash aims to unify and support local families as they prepare for the upcoming school year, the drug-related incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in safeguarding the community.
Key Points:
– The Back to School with the Badge Bash was hosted by the Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office.
– Participation from local police and the Bristol Virginia Fire Department enhanced community engagement.
– School supplies were distributed while they lasted, helping families prepare for the new school year.
– A man named Austin O. Boardwine has been arrested following a drug distribution investigation.
– The investigation revealed significant illegal activities and raised concerns for child safety.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the Back to School with the Badge Bash?
- The purpose of the event was to celebrate the new school year.
- Who participated in the Back to School Bash?
- Local police and the Bristol Virginia Fire Department participated in the event.
- What items were distributed at the Back to School Bash?
- School supplies were distributed during the event while supplies lasted.
- When will Bristol, Virginia Schools start classes?
- Bristol, Virginia Schools are set to begin classes on Wednesday, August 13th.
- Who was arrested in connection with a drug distribution investigation?
- The suspect is identified as Austin O. Boardwine.
- What items were discovered at the search on Robin Circle?
- Authorities discovered several items indicative of drug distribution, including a digital scale, U.S. currency, and a distributable amount of cocaine, as well as a handgun, ammunition, body armor, and methamphetamine.
- Why is Austin O. Boardwine’s case particularly serious?
- Austin O. Boardwine is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, and his juvenile child was present in the home during the search.
Event Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Back to School with the Badge Bash |
| Hosted by | Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office |
| Date | Saturday |
| Goals | Celebrate the new school year, community engagement |
| Activities | Meet first responders, wiffle ball game, supply distribution |
| School Start | Classes begin on August 13th |
| Arrested Individual | Austin O. Boardwine |
| Charges | Drug distribution, illegal possession of firearms |
| Investigation Team | Bristol Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police |
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Additional Resources
- WCYB: Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office Holds Back to School Event
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- WSET: Man Facing Numerous Charges in Bristol Virginia
- Google Search: Austin Boardwine
- SuperTalk 92.9: Officer-Involved Shooting in Bristol Virginia
- Google Scholar: Officer-Involved Shooting in Bristol
- WJHL: Bristol Virginia Police to Implement Facial Recognition Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Facial Recognition Technology
- WCYB: Bristol Authorities Searching for Armed and Dangerous Suspect
- Google News: Bristol Armed and Dangerous Suspect
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
