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Chesterfield construction site thefts on the rise

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- Back-hoes, enormous dumpsters, and big equipment- it's all been stolen this year from construction sites in Chesterfield County.

Police say they've seen a much higher number of thefts in that area this year. Police say they've seen a much higher number of thefts in that area this year.

Now, they're looking to the public to help stop the crimes. Police say someone took a generator, air compressor, and several shingles from a home construction site  in the Highlands.

"We couldn't put the roof on and it kind of slows us down in the process," said victim Francis Jarrelle, Builds Custom Homes.

Moving that many shingles isn't easy.

"They stole about 40 squares of shingles, that's about a ton and a half," said Jarrelle. "So, they needed about a big truck to haul it away. It wasn't an easy process. It definitely wasn't just one guy."

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$340K targets young drivers & DUI in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- Starting this week, young people in Chesterfield better be extra careful if they feel like partying. A massive drunk driving crackdown has launched, involving the organization Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc. (SAFE), local and state police.

Grant money totaling $340,000 has gone into figuring out why young people get DUI's, targeting Chesterfield County. Surveys were aimed at 18 to 24-year-old's in Chesterfield, and at least 10 other localities across Virginia. The result- 47 percent of young people in the county thought they could slip under police radar, if they drove while drunk.

Now, a message is being propelled through commercials, radio ads and seven billboards across the county- DUI's cost lives and money.

Regina Whitsett, with SAFE, is helping to coordinate the crackdown in Chesterfield County.

12 INVESTIGATES: Price of 3D printers

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- It's considered a game changer for small business, even in the nation's gun control debate: 3D printers that goes beyond ink and paper.

"It's similar, it's similar... but just think of going in another direction," said Eric McMasters. He's an assistant professor who helps to run a 3D printing lab at VCU.

Using plastic, the printer creates real objects you can hold in your hand. They are based off of designs you create on a computer.

"It basically prints one layer of plastic at a time. It kind of works like a hot glue gun," said McMasters.

Here, art students test their sculptures. Medical students make micro-organisms life size. For entrepreneurs, 3D printing is a way to make your idea a reality, to test it, to see if it works.

12 INVESTIGATES: 3D printed guns

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- While the debate continues about banning certain types of guns, a Texas group says it's found a way to make it easier for anyone to get one.

This week, Defense Distributed released a video claiming to have created a working plastic gun you can print at home.

This is technology that could bypass laws and allow anyone to get a gun. All you need is a 3D printer. Those printers are sold online and quickly coming down in price.

It's called a "wiki weapon." Defense Distributed has been testing parts and posting videos for the last year. Before this weekend, they had only tested parts separately - including the lower receiver. That's the part of the gun that is licensed. It has a serial number. If you can make the receiver, then you've essentially got the gun.

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Commission to study toughening child sex laws

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Investigators say school officials, including teachers, are having inappropriate relationships with students in far too many cases. Now, the State Crime Commission is looking to see if Virginia needs to toughen its laws.

This is a topic that has a lot of folks talking and they stand on both sides of the issue. It all centers around one question. Is any age appropriate to have sex with your teacher?

Former substitute teacher, Anna Michelle Walters had little to say earlier this year just before a judge found her guilty of having sex with an under-age student.

Walters is just one of a number of school officials arrested or convicted within the past year for inappropriate relationships with students.

"A teacher should keep it on a professional level, especially with a student," said Bryce Bradley.

"[As] long as they are 18, I don't see nothing wrong with it," Andre Johnson suggested.

TRAFFIC ALERT - All lanes back open on I-95 S in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- All lanes of I-95 south in Chesterfield are back open after a crash caused major delays Wednesday morning.

The interstate was closed southbound at mile marker 58 (Walthall), according to VDOT. 

The crash initially also closed the center and right lanes, but VDOT reports both are now back open.

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Chesterfield family expresses "relief" after school weapons charges are withdrawn

A Chesterfield High School student is off the hook after bringing weapons to school. A gun and knives were found in the 18-year-old's car at Cosby High School.

The charges were withdrawn because of a legal exception. We stopped by the 18-year-old student's home. A family member answered the door.

"How did you feel when you heard the news?" we asked.

"Relief," said the relative. "I can't talk anymore."

Police searched the student's vehicle and found a revolver, two folding knives, and two box cutters inside the glove compartment. They also found two 8 inch knives inside the trunk. The weapons charges were dropped because of a legal exception.

"The law says you can have a gun on school property if it is unloaded, and if it is in a closed container in your vehicle," said NBC 12 legal analyst Steve Benjamin.