Roanoke Police say a suspect is in custody after a late-night robbery spree — three robberies involving a shotgun — and it all ended moments after an officer fired a shot at the suspect. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release)
Here is the full Roanoke Police news release:
The Roanoke Police Department is investigating an officer involved shooting following two armed robberies overnight and an incident in which a shotgun was brandished at another individual. Officers responded to the first incident last night, May 1, at 10:23 p.m. They were dispatched to the 300 block of 4th Street, SE regarding an armed robbery of two individuals. Upon arrival the officers located both victims who stated that they were walking on 4th Street when they were approached by two suspects. Both suspects were described as black males; one was described as wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and a mask over his face, the other was described as wearing a black jacket, dark jeans, and a puffy dark hat. The victims stated that the suspect asked a question, then the suspect wearing
the black jacket brandished a shotgun, pointing it at both victims. Both suspects obtained an undisclosed amount of money and an additional item from the victims before fleeing.
Officers responded to the second incident on May 1, at 11:05 p.m. in the 200 block of 17th Street, SW. Upon arrival they located the victim who stated that he was outside when he was approached by the suspect who asked him questions and brandished a shotgun. The victim stated that the suspect then fled. The victim described the suspect as a black male, between 20 and 30 years of age, approximately six feet in height, weighing between 160 and 180 pounds. The suspect was also described as wearing all dark clothing and a hat.
In the third incident, officers responded on May 2, at 12:32 a.m. to the 1600 block of Salem Avenue regarding an armed robbery. Upon arrival they located an adult male outside of a residence in that block and another male inside of a pickup truck. The male standing outside stated to the officers that the suspect was inside of the pickup truck and that the suspect had a shotgun. The officers, who were on duty and wearing their police uniforms, gave the suspect several verbal commands to exit the vehicle. The suspect refused and attempted to flee in the vehicle. While attempting to flee the suspect accelerated the pickup truck toward Officer D.E. Spradlin. As the truck was accelerating toward Officer Spradlin, Officer J. Fuhrman fired one shot from his police issued firearm in an effort to stop the threat against Officer Spradlin. The pickup truck was struck and the suspect was not shot. Officer Spradlin was able to dive out of the path of the truck injuring his arm. The vehicle then struck electrical boxes and a parked vehicle. Officers were able to apprehend the suspect from the pickup truck and recover the shotgun, as well as a dark hat and property belonging to
the victim in the third incident.
That victim later stated that he was in the pickup truck when he was approached by the suspect who demanded money and brandished a shotgun. The victim stated that he exited the truck and the suspect took an item belonging to him and his pickup truck. A citizen who observed the incident occurring called 911. Dispatchers relayed the information to officers who were able to arrive before the suspect fled. The suspect is identified as Deanthony Jeremiah Lark, age 19 of Roanoke. Mr. Lark is charged with robbery, carjacking, and assault on a law enforcement officer for the incident that occurred on Salem Avenue. Charges in the additional incidents are pending. The second suspect in the first incident which occurred in the 300 block of 4th Street is still being sought. Anyone who knows his identity and/or whereabouts should contact 911 immediately.
Officer Fuhrman has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.
