UPDATE 7:34 a.m. (11/3/21): On Tuesday, Democratic Del. Chris Hurst issued an apology after he was pulled over by Radford authorities on Monday night following an incident involving vandalized campaign signs.

This news comes as Republican Jason Ballard is projected to defeat Hurst in the race for the House of Delegates’ 12th District.

Officials say a deputy from the Radford City Sheriff’s Office notified the Radford City Police Department about a possible vandalism in progress near a polling precinct in the city shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1.

After the deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in connection with the vandalism, a police officer arrived and confirmed that several political signs near the polling precinct were damaged.

Radford City Sheriff Mark Armentrout told WFXR News that Hurst and his passenger — identified as Emily Frentress, Hurst’s girlfriend — were the ones pulled over by authorities Monday night.

Police reportedly gave Hurst a notice for driving on a suspended license.

Hurst told WFXR News that it was actually an insurance issue with his car and that he took care of it the following morning.

The delegate also came under fire for tampering with political signs.

Hurst says he is sorry for his actions and hopes to move forward.

This has been a real drag out race, it’s been very competitive, and, in some degree, it’s been sometimes nasty. You know, election eve, you’ve run a really hard race, run a very long campaign, and you just do a prank to be a goof and, you know, it just happens to be done by somebody who is very apologetic for what they’ve done and realizes that, you know, I have people looking up to me and I have a real responsibility that I need to live up to, and I think in my actions, legislatively and what we’ve been able to accomplish for this district, I continue to show that we get results for the New River Valley, but again I apologize to people for disappointing them and it’s something I’m just looking to move forward from.”

Del. Chris Hurst, District 12 for the House of Delegates

UPDATE 7:04 p.m.: Del. Chris Hurst posted a tweet about voting, but hasn’t addressed the situation from Monday night.

Below is what Hurst tweeted out on his Twitter account:

Hurst tweeted that he was thankful for those who voted in this year’s election. He also went on to encourage voters who are still in line to stay in line and cast their ballot.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: The Radford City Police Department shared new information about the vandalism of political signs in Radford Monday night, an incident in which Radford City Sheriff Mark Armentrout confirmed Del. Chris Hurst was pulled over.

According to the department, shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, a Radford deputy notified police about a possible vandalism in progress near a polling precinct in the city.

Police say the deputy initiated a traffic stop and requested assistance from the department.

When the officer arrived, authorities say that officer identified both people involved in the incident, took a statement from the deputy, and confirmed several political signs were damaged at the original location.

Armentrout told WFXR News that the other person involved in the incident was Emily Frentress, but could not confirm her connection to Hurst.

At the request of Radford City Police Chief Jeff Dodson, the department says the matter has been transferred to Virginia State Police.

When WFXR News reached out to Virginia State Police about whether Hurst was involved in the vandalism incident, they said they could not comment on any inquiry about an investigation related to any elected official.

Meanwhile, Hurst’s opponent in the race for the House of Delegates’ 12th District, Jason Ballard, shared the following statement about the incident with WFXR News:

“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.”

Jason Ballard, candidate for 12th District delegate

WFXR News has yet to hear back from Hurst about this incident.

RADFORD, Va. (WFXR) — According to authorities, Del. Chris Hurst — who is running for reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates’ 12th District — was stopped Monday night following an incident involving campaign signs in Radford.

Radford City Sheriff Mark Armentrout told WFXR News that a deputy noticed a woman pulling up, turning over, and messing with campaign signs over at the Radford Rec Center and then getting into a vehicle around 10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1.

After the deputy contacted the Radford Police Department about the woman, authorities pulled over the vehicle and discovered that Hurst was driving, the sheriff says.

According to Armentrout, the delegate was given a notification for driving on a suspended license.

There is no word yet if the woman is facing charges in connection with this incident. However, it is against state law to illegally remove or vandalize campaign signs.

WFXR News has reached out to Hurst and the Radford Police Department about this incident, but has yet to hear back.

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