Crime and Public Safety
On April 10, 2023 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Roanoke Police we’re notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a person with a gunshot wound in the 1600 block of Salem Avenue SW. Responding officers located three victims — two juvenile males, one adult female — with gunshot wounds. All three appeared to have non-life-threatening injuries. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported all three victims to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.
No suspects were located on scene and the investigation is in the early stages.
PITTSYVANIA, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash, which resulted in a fatality. The crash occurred Friday (Apr 7) at 7:15 a.m. on Route 718, at its intersection with Route 839 in Pittsylvania County.
A 2001 Toyota Camry failed to yield the right of way, while making a left turn onto Route 718 and was struck by a 2020 Western Star tractor trailer, which was traveling east on Route 718.
The driver of the Toyota was identified as David Franklin Scarce, 75, of Dry Fork, Va. Mr. Scarce was wearing his seatbelt and died at the scene. The driver of the Western Star was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.
Just after midnight today a Roanoke Police Officer on routine patrol near 22nd Street NW and Loudon Avenue NW heard several shots fired. Then the officer was was notified of a person with a gunshot wound in the 2500 block of Shenandoah Ave NW. Officers located an adult male victim with what appeared to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and there was property damage to the residence consistent with a shooting. A suspect was not located on scene and no arrests have been made at this time. Late last night Roanoke Police were also notified that a person with a gunshot wound had arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital via personal vehicle. The adult male victim had injuries that appeared to be non-life-threatening.
On March 29, 2023 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of shots fired in the 2000 block of Hanover Avenue NW. While officers were en route to the scene, they were notified that a person had been injured during the shooting. Responding officers located an adult male victim with what appeared to be non-life threatening gunshot wounds. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.
On March 28, 2023 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a shooting that had occurred in the 2800 block of Meadows Street NW. Responding officers located a vehicle with damages that appeared to have been caused by gunfire. Officers also located a juvenile female with what appeared to be a minor gunshot wound, and were later advised that a juvenile male had arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital via personal vehicle with what appeared to be a minor gunshot wound. The juvenile female was transported by personal vehicle to and treated at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Preliminary investigation indicates the victims’ vehicle was traveling South towards Bowman Park, when another vehicle passed them traveling North. Shots were fired from the vehicle traveling North striking the victims’ Southbound vehicle. The offender then fled the scene. Officers were able to identify the offender, a juvenile male, and immediately began searching for him. He was located as his residence in Roanoke County.
Roanoke County Police and Roanoke Police Officers took the juvenile offender into custody and transported him to the Roanoke Police Department to speak with detectives. Officers obtained and served petitions for Malicious Wounding and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. The offender was transported to the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center without further issue.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for breaking and entering using home surveillance footage. Authorities say 21-year-old Alexander Gill of Hardy was arrested after he was located wearing the same clothes he was in the camera footage from just after 4:30 Sunday morning. He’s facing several charges including burglary and two felonies for property damage over $1,000. Continue reading
ROANOKE, Va. – On March 16th, 2023, the Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant 1500 block of Riverside Terrace SE in Roanoke, Va., as a result of a long-term drug investigation which involved several counties in the Roanoke area, to include Bedford, Alleghany, and Botetourt.
Seized during the investigation was approximately 10.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.1 ounces of fentanyl, 13 grams of heroin, 30 grams of cocaine, 9.2 ounces of marijuana, 57 doses of Suboxone, and 33.5 doses of prescription pills, 20 firearms, and $6,647 in U.S. currency. The street value of all drugs seized are $1,051,367.00.
Ronnie Edward Niday, 19, of Roanoke, Va., was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug, distribution of methamphetamine, and distribution of fentanyl.
Shawn Michael McCraw, 35, of Roanoke, Va., was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug.
Ashley Nicole Bobbitt, 23, of Roanoke, Va., was charged with possession of a schedule I/II drug, possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug.
Niday, McCraw and Bobbit are being held with no bond at this time at the Roanoke Adult Detention Center.
The Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task force is comprised of investigative personnel from the Roanoke City Police Department, Salem Police Department, Vinton Police Department and Virginia State Police.
Police have arrested a man who was wanted after slamming his vehicle in reverse striking a Roanoke City Police car while authorities were trying to apprehend him. 25-year-old Ryan Guerrant allegedly made the escape attempt in June of last year after a Roanoke man was found shot on Colonial Avenue SW. Police recovered 51 grams of fentanyl, 187 grams of methamphetamine, and a handgun. Guerrant is being held without bond.
(update) The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office reports that the fire on Plymouth Drive this morning originated in the kitchen and is still currently under investigation. Damages are estimated at $60,000.
(Roanoke County, VA—March 19, 2023) Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at 8:27 a.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 to the 100 block of Plymouth Drive, in the Hollins area of Roanoke County, for the report of a residential structure fire. First arriving crews from Station 5 (Hollins) found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of a 1.5 story brick home and marked it a working fire.
At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by one teenager and a dog and two cats. There are no injuries to people or pets. The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes. A family of three will be displaced and staying with family in the area. The American Red Cross will be assisting this family. We appreciate the assistance of Roanoke Fire and EMS on this call. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene to investigate a cause and provide a damage
estimate.
Update: The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office says 16 year old Kacey Crimmins of Vinton, who was reported missing Tuesday has been found safe. Details about her disappearance are limited.
Previous: The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile. Kacey Crimmins , age 16 of Vinton left her residence around 5:30pm on 3-14-2023. She was wearing a grey shirt, blue jeans, and pink/white Vans shoes. She is 5’2, 140 pounds, light brown hair with highlights. She wears dark black glasses and her ears are pierced. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827.