Danville honors officers after shooting response as city confronts spike in school threats

The Danville City Council on Monday recognized members of the Danville Police Department for life‑saving actions during an officer‑involved shooting and addressed a recent increase in bomb threats targeting Danville Public Schools. Police Chief Chris Wiles told the council the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police awarded multiple officers for returning fire to neutralize a threat, then rendering first aid that “very likely saved [the suspect’s] life.”

Mayor Jones and several council members praised the department. “Our Danville Police Department — the men and women — these folks are the best of the best,” Councilman Vogel said, urging the community to support officers.

Chief Wiles said investigators treat threats against schools “extremely seriously” and that the department uses all available technologies to identify those responsible. He told the council the office has opened investigations into recent threats, and that “we have made two arrests” tied to the incidents. The city attorney later explained that communicating a threat can be charged as a felony and, if convicted, may result in placement in a state correctional facility rather than a local or juvenile detention center.

Council members urged a public information push to warn students and parents about consequences for making threats and to encourage reporting. Several members suggested using school intercoms, social media and other outreach to emphasize that hoax threats are criminal and disrupt education.

The council combined the recognition and the public safety discussion in one evening; Chief Wiles and multiple council members described cooperation with Danville Public Schools and local first responders and asked the public to remain vigilant. The council did not adopt additional ordinances at the meeting; members said staff would continue investigations and outreach and that the city is coordinating with schools and prosecutors on next steps.