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Health Focus of Southwest Virginia is hosting the 43rd annual Salem Distance Run and Walk this Saturday. It helps raise money for the non-profit organization that gives scholarships to future health care professionals. And a noted distance runner will be there, as WFIR Intern Reporter Madison Everett reports:
From Roanoke County Police: (Roanoke County, VA) – During the course of an ongoing investigation, three skimmers were located at the Exxon gas station at 8201 Williamson Road, on the corner of Shadwell Road and Williamson Road in Roanoke County. The first skimming device was located on pump #2 on July 18. The other two devices were located on pumps #8 and #10 and recovered on July 24. The compromise could be as far back as June 3. The public should be advised that if they used a credit/debit card at these pumps between June 3 and July 24, the cards may be compromised. Police suggest that the account be closed and have a new card issued. If people have questions, please call the Criminal Investigations Division at (540) 777-8641.
Appalachian Power has started to install 54,000 advanced meters that use a combination of radio frequency and wireless cell phone technology. They will allow Apco to turn the power off and on remotely. Right now, the new meters are targeted for Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the Lynchburg areas. WFIR Intern Reporter Madison Everett has more:
Roanoke County fire officials say downed power lines started yesterday’s unusual fire between the rear of Fink’s Jewelers and North Cross School. Investigators say the lines ignited a row of evergreens between the two, and an ember from the burning trees started a smoldering fire in a nearby dumpster. No structural damage reported, and no one was hurt.
Updated July 20 from Roanoke County Police: Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect in the shooting that occurred early Tuesday at the Reddy Mart on Plantation Road. If anyone has information about the suspect, please call the Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center at 562-3265. No arrests have been made. The other subject involved in the shooting remains hospitalized. This case is still under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Previously: On Tuesday July 18, 2017, officers responded to the Reddi Mart in the 8000 block of Plantation Rd. in Roanoke County in refrence to two males shooting at each other. One subject suffered a gun shot wound and was transported to the hospital by rescue personel. The second subject fled the scene on foot. The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is asked to contact Roanoke County PD at 540-777-8652.
From VDOT: An overturned tanker truck hauling diesel fuel is causing major traffic impacts at the Orange Avenue and Interstate 581 interchange in Roanoke. Motorists should be aware of the following:
- Southbound exit 4E on I-581 is closed with the ramps to and from Orange Avenue shut down.
- Both eastbound lanes of Orange Avenue are blocked at the I-581 interchange. traffic is being detoured onto Gainsboro Road.
No estimated time frame for reopening exit 4E or eastbound Orange Avenue has been established. Drivers should avoid this area and seek alternate routes.
Roanoke County Police are searching for two men suspected of stealing multiple cell phones valued at thousands of dollars. Authorities say the suspects left the Wal-Mart on Challenger Avenue Tuesday in a large black sedan. Your asked to contact police with any information.
From the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office: We are investigating several larcenies from boats in the Waterwheel area of Smith Mountain Lake. The larcenies occurred between April 2017 and July 2017. The victims report that their boats were either docked or in lifts when the larcenies occurred. Items stolen from the boats include electronic equipment such as depth/fish finders, sonar units and a large number of fishing poles and tackle boxes. Anyone with information on these crimes can call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827 or Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900 or text 274637. Crime Stopper callers remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward up to $1,000.00.
UPDATE From State Police: Virginia State Police has just been notified that Kimberly Long was safely located in the Rockingham County/Harrisonburg area…and Joel Long taken into custody without incident. For any additional information, you will have to contact the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office – as they are the lead investigative agency on the abduction.