UPDATE: Hurst, female stopped after Radford deputy observes campaign sign vandalism

Radford City Sheriff Mark Armentrout confirmed this morning that 12th District Delegate Chris Hurst and a female passenger in a car he was driving was stopped by a deputy late Monday night after the deputy observed the woman vandalizing campaign signs.

Armentrout said he could confirm the following:

“My deputy, about 10 p.m. saw a woman tampering with, bending over, turning over election signs at the Recreation Center precinct in Radford. Since we are not the primary law enforcement, he called Radford City Police Department and told them what he had seen and asked what the police wanted him to do.  They advised him to stop the vehicle.

“Upon the police department arriving and our guy stopping the vehicle, the driver was identified as Chris Hurst and the passenger was Emily Frentress. The police department took over from there. They realized that Mr. Hurst’s license was suspended and they issued a notification to Mr. Hurst.”

According to a press release from the Radford City Police Department, damage to several political signs as reported by the deputy was confirmed.

“At the request of Radford City Police Chief Jeff Dodson, the Virginia State Police has been contacted and the matter has been transferred to the Virginia State Police. Any further request for comment should be directed to the Virginia State Police,” the release stated.

Hurst’s opponent in the 12th District, Jason Ballard, issued the following statement:

“I am deeply disappointed that Chris Hurst has decided to end his campaign in such a reckless way. His latest misstep is yet another reason why he doesn’t deserve another term as Delegate. I, on the other hand, will remain laser focused on the issues that matter most to the people of the 12th District. I will always strive to set a good and positive example for my children and the fine people of the New River Valley.”