West Virginia Town Dismisses Police Force Over Evidence Room Breach
WHO:
Fox News - The Barrackville Police Department announced that Sergeant Hunt would serve as the officer in charge while police operations continue.
Fox News - Councilmember Alex Neville acknowledged taking a set of police keys during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and town council members.
Fox News - Former Barrackville Police Chief Zachary Freeburn wrote a letter detailing his resignation, which was intended to be read at the canceled July 7 town council meeting.
Fox News - Barrackville Police Sgt. Hunt discovered the evidence room had allegedly been entered when he arrived at the department.
TMZ - The entire police force of Barrackville, West Virginia, was fired.
NY Post - The Barrackville Police Department was involved in the incident.
WHAT:
Fox News - A petition was launched by a Barrackville resident urging the town council to reinstate Freeburn, stating he was "forced to resign due to what many residents believe was unnecessary overreach by the newly elected Town Council."
Fox News - The Barrackville Town Council announced the cancellation of the July 7 meeting due to "a lack of sufficient information regarding items listed under unfinished business."
Fox News - A petition was launched by a Barrackville resident urging the town council to reinstate Freeburn, citing "unnecessary overreach by the newly elected Town Council."
Fox News - The Barrackville Town Council canceled the July 7 meeting due to "a lack of sufficient information regarding items listed under unfinished business."
TMZ - The police department announced that every officer was relieved of duty after an alleged breach of the evidence room.
NY Post - The firing of the entire police force was effective immediately.
WHERE:
TMZ - The incident occurred in Barrackville, West Virginia.
WHY:
Fox News - Freeburn's resignation was prompted by directives from the town council that he believed violated West Virginia law governing municipal police departments, leading to concerns about a hostile work environment.
Fox News - Freeburn's resignation was prompted by directives from the town council that he believed violated West Virginia law governing municipal police departments.
TMZ - The firing was prompted by an alleged break-in to the evidence room.
HOW:
Fox News - Hunt alleged that town officials had previously discussed conducting an inventory of the department without officers present.
Fox News - Hunt claimed that during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and town council members, Councilmember Alex Neville acknowledged taking a set of police keys.
TMZ - The announcement regarding the firing was made via a Facebook post by the Barrackville Police Department.
(UPDATED July 8, 2026 22:23 UTC)
The Barrackville Police Department has announced that Sergeant Hunt will take charge of police operations while the situation unfolds. In a related development, Councilmember Alex Neville has acknowledged taking a set of police keys during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and other council members. Additionally, a petition has been launched by a resident urging the town council to reinstate Freeburn, who resigned amid concerns about directives he felt violated West Virginia law, which has raised issues about the work environment for officers.
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(UPDATED July 8, 2026 21:21 UTC)
Zachary Freeburn, the former police chief of Barrackville, has submitted his resignation in a letter meant for a town council meeting that was ultimately canceled. This decision follows allegations that the town council's directives violated West Virginia law, and it has sparked a petition from a local resident calling for Freeburn's reinstatement, citing concerns over the council's actions. Additionally, police Sergeant Hunt reported that during a meeting, Councilmember Alex Neville admitted to taking a set of police keys, raising further questions about the council's conduct.
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(UPDATED July 8, 2026 18:26 UTC)
In a dramatic turn of events, the entire police force of Barrackville, West Virginia, has been fired effective immediately following an alleged break-in to the evidence room. The Barrackville Police Department announced this decision through a Facebook post, citing a serious breach of protocol. This unprecedented action has left the small community in shock as they grapple with the implications of the incident.