Police Detain Incoherent Man After Bristol Motor Vehicle Incident

Authorities say the 37-year-old refused to exit his vehicle and may have been involved in prior crashes.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:36am

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Police in Bristol, Virginia responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Wednesday evening involving a car that allegedly struck a residence on Stafford Avenue. Officers located the vehicle with an adult male suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Zachary Bigelow, seated inside. Bigelow allegedly appeared incoherent and refused officers' commands to exit the vehicle. He was eventually secured by police and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement face when dealing with potentially impaired or unstable individuals who are involved in motor vehicle incidents. Ensuring public safety while also providing appropriate medical care for the suspect is a delicate balance.

The details

According to police, Bigelow may have been involved in two prior motor vehicle crashes in the surrounding area earlier in the day. Officers were able to determine that the residence was not actually struck by Bigelow's vehicle. No additional injuries were reported related to the incidents.

  • The initial report of a motor vehicle collision came in just before 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Stafford Avenue was temporarily closed as police worked to secure the area.

The players

Zachary Bigelow

A 37-year-old Bristol resident who was detained by police after allegedly refusing to exit his vehicle and appearing incoherent.

Bristol Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported motor vehicle incident and detained Bigelow.

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What’s next

The incident remains under investigation by the Bristol Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Duncan at 860-584-3011.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement face when dealing with potentially impaired or unstable individuals involved in motor vehicle incidents, as ensuring public safety while also providing appropriate medical care is a delicate balance.