Web Staff
R. Alan Wright
From Botetourt County: Fincastle, VA — On the evening of Thursday, June 23, 2016, while participating in the rescue of a family stranded in their home by high waters, Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief R. Alan Wright was critically injured. In an attempt to save the lives of others, Wright was pulled under the flood waters for a few minutes. Once pulled from the water by fellow fire and rescue workers, Wright was in cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated. He was transported to Alleghany Regional Hospital where he was stabilized and transferred to Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Wright remains in critical condition at this time. His family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from his brothers and sisters from the fire service, as well as family and community members. The family asks that you continue to pray for Wright while he continues to recover. For anyone wishing to help Wright’s family can do so by donating to the Alan Wright Recovery Fund at the Bank of Botetourt Eagle Rock Branch.
From Virginia State Police: SALEM, Va. – Thanks to the outpouring of calls and emails from the public and to the local media for their continuing coverage of this ongoing investigation; the Virginia State Police Salem Division’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Field Operations with the assistance of the United States Marshall Service have located and seized the suspect vehicle believed to have been involved in the fatal hit-and-run that occurred June 22, 2016. Investigators located the Buick at a residence in the City of Roanoke Tuesday evening (June 28). State Police have also identified the individual who was driving the Buick the night of the crash and appropriate charges will be determined by the Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
Previously: Virginia State Police Special Agent R. D. Conley, Jr. and Senior Trooper D. Purcell are investigating the hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on Interstate 581. The crash occurred a half mile north of Orange Ave. at 10 p.m. on the north side of I-581 in the City of Roanoke. A 2002 Chevrolet Malibu lost control, spun around and struck the Jersey wall on the left side of the roadway. The driver of the Malibu, Lori D. Alls, 44, of Roanoke, Va., was not injured the crash and exited the vehicle. As she attempted to cross the roadway to the right shoulder, she was struck by another vehicle which fled the scene. Alls died at the scene.
Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
Click Here to visit RedCross.org and donate to West Virginia Flood Victims.
From The Virginia Department of Transportation: STAUNTON – (5 a.m.) More than a dozen roads are closed Friday morning in the Alleghany County area due to flooding. There are also reports of downed trees and utility lines, and motorists are advised to travel with extreme caution.
Both directions of Route 60 (Midland Trail) in Alleghany County are closed because of downed utility lines and roadway washout. The affected portion is between Interstate 64 exit 10 and the western city limits of Covington.
An earlier lane closure on I-64 westbound at mile marker seven has been cleared.
The Virginia Department of Transportation cautions that flooded roads are hazardous as long as they are covered by water and motorists should heed the barricades and “Road Closed” signs.
Continue reading to find out how to stay up to date on the latest road conditions
From Virginia State Police: TROUTVILLE, Va. – Virginia State Police Trooper M. Sinnott is investigating a two vehicle crash which occurred on June 22, 2016 at 5:50 pm on Route 11 just south of Bryant Road in Botetourt County.
A 2002 Dodge Ram Pick-up was traveling north on Route 11 when it crossed the center line and struck a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
The Dodge Ram was driven by Russell Wayne Dulaney, 76, of Roanoke VA. Mr. Dulaney was wearing his seatbelt and believed to have had a medical emergency prior to the crash and died at the scene.
The 2002 Chevrolet was driven by Barbara T. Shires, 55, of Roanoke, VA. Ms. Shires was wearing her seatbelt and was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. The passenger, Cory W. Shires, 36, Roanoke, was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation.
From Roanoke Police Department: ROANOKE, Va.-Roanoke Police were on foot patrol in the area of Ms. Choc’s Lounge, 2328 Melrose Avenue N.W. when they heard multiple shots being fired from within the establishment. The crowd,estimated in excess of 150 people, began running out from inside the business. Officers responded and began rendering aid to those that had injuries. Investigation revealed that an argument among multiple patron’s started and quickly turned into a physical altercation, and shots were fired.Douglas Troy Hale, age 28 of Roanoke, De’mitreas Gerard Hale, age 26 of Roanoke, Courtney Desean Bratcher, age 28 of Roanoke and Shannon Lewis Walker, age 27 of Roanoke were found to wounds from the altercation from inside the business. Douglas Hale and Courtney Bratcher were transported by Roanoke Fire EMS to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.No arrests have been made. Anyone with any information concerning this incident can call the Roanoke Valley Crime Line at 540-344-8500.
Here’s the press release from the Lieutenant Governor’s office: ROANOKE – Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam will visit Roanoke on Sunday, June 19. During the trip Lt. Governor Northam will bring greetings to the Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge and keynote the Harrison Museum of African American Culture’s Annual Reception.
Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 11:00am Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge Service, 806 Jamison Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 4:00pm Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 25 Campbell Avenue SE, Roanoke, Virginia 24011