Del. Hurst pulled over after campaign signs damaged; opponent issues statement

RADFORD, Va. (WDBJ) - Delegate Chris Hurst (D-12) was pulled over in traffic Monday night and notified that his license was suspended. No charges have been filed.

Hurst was pulled over after a Radford City Sheriff’s deputy saw a woman turning over and messing with campaign signs at the Radford Rec Center, an election polling precinct. The deputy then saw the woman get in a car. When the deputy did a traffic stop and requested assistance from a Radford Police officer, the driver of the car was identified as Hurst. The woman’s name has not been released.

The Radford Police officer took a statement from the deputy and confirmed damage to several political signs.

Radford Police have asked Virginia State Police to take over the investigation. VSP isn’t commenting, saying, “Because your inquiry concerns an elected official, I am not able to comment. VSP can only investigate an elected official at the authorization of the Attorney General. Per their guidance, any inquiry related to any investigation of any elected official...VSP can’t make a comment.”

Jason Ballard, running as a Republican for the same seat for which Hurst is running for reelection, issued this 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.”

Hurst has not responded for requests for a comment on this incident, but Tweeted Tuesday:

Spending the morning talking with voters across HD12 about what's at stake in this election. For more on where you can cast your vote go to https://t.co/DpH71p77Mx! pic.twitter.com/kllqfE9LkN
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) November 2, 2021

Thank you to the thousands of folks across the New River Valley for making their voices heard, regardless of who you've voted for your vote matters. If you're in line, stay in line, your vote matters too.
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) November 2, 2021

Radford Mayor David Horton posted the following statement on Facebook:

Stay with WDBJ7 as this story develops.

Copyright 2021 WDBJ. All rights reserved.