Lynchburg Man Charged After Crash That Left More Than 1,000 Without Power Monday

Joe Newton Jr., 27, of Lynchburg fled on foot and was later extricated from a culvert pipe

Lynchburg, VA – On February 2, 2026, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) responded to a vehicle crash in the 3400 block of Campbell Avenue.

Preliminary reports indicate a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Campbell Avenue struck a utility pole and two unoccupied, parked vehicles. The vehicle came to rest on its roof in a residential backyard. The driver, who was the sole occupant, fled on foot and was later extricated from a culvert pipe by members of the Lynchburg Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team. 

The driver was identified as Joe Newton Jr., 27, of Lynchburg. He was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Newton has been charged with reckless driving. According to the Appalachian Power outage map, Newton's crash caused over 1,000 people to be without power.

 The crash remains under investigation. Any additional information will be released as it becomes available. 

Anyone with video evidence or who observed the incident is urged to contact Officer Dondero at (434) 221-4644 or call Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at http://p3tips.com or via the P3 app on your mobile device. To receive a link to our anonymous tip form via text, text CVCS to 738477. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance and STOP to cancel. Please refer to the P3 Terms and Privacy Policy for more information.