Roanoke City Police say two men who tried to force their way into an apartment late last night were met with a struggle and gunfire. It happened at the Westwood Village Apartments just off Salem Turnpike near Fairview Elementary School. Roanoke Police say someone knocked at the door, and when a man inside answered, two people tried to force their way in — one showing a gun and wearing a ski mask. Police say a struggle followed, and someone else inside the apartment fired a shot that killed the masked intruder and leading the second suspect to flee.
(Continue reading for more information, including the suspect’s description.)
Here is the full Roanoke City Police news release:
Roanoke, VA- The Roanoke Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on October 2, 2012. Officers responded at 11:15 p.m. to the Westwood Apartments located in the 800 block of Westwood Boulevard. Upon
arrival officers located the body of a male in a lower level hallway.
Through the course of the investigation officers determined that an adult male inside the residence heard a knock at the door. The male inside the residence stated that he opened the door and two suspects forced entry into the residence. The male stated he then physically struggled with one of the suspects who brandished a firearm and was wearing a black ski mask. During the struggle, a second individual inside the residence fired a firearm striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy is being conducted. His identity has been determined and that information is being withheld at this time pending notification of his family members.
The second suspect fled from the residence. The Department is working to locate this individual. He is described as a
black male, between six feet and six feet three inches in height, weighing between 215 and 230 pounds. No one has been charged at this time.
Anyone with information regarding the identity and/or whereabouts of the second suspect, or anyone with additional information about this crime should call the Roanoke Police Department at (540) 853-5959 or Crime Line
at (540) 344-8500. Crime Line may offer a monetary reward for any information leading to an arrest in a crime.
