Crime and Public Safety
Roanoke County Chief of Police Howard Hall will retire after 10 years in that role at the end of the year. After what they called a nationwide search Hall’s successor will come from with – 28 year veteran Michael Poindexter. Poindexter has been the Assistant Chief of Police in Roanoke County since April. His background includes criminal investigations and human resources. Poindexter will become the fourth chief of police in Roanoke County since the department was formed in 1990 – the first African-American in that position.
Roanoke County has announced the appointment of Michael Poindexter as the next Chief of Police effective January 1, 2023. Roanoke County conducted a nationwide search to fill the Chief of Police position. Poindexter received the approval of an interview committee led by the County Administrator. “Mike’s dedication and years of experience in the Roanoke Valley coupled with his education, leadership, and growth within the department were impressive. We are confident he will provide a smooth transition into the important role and fulfill the duties well,” said County Administrator Richard Caywood.
Poindexter has been acting as Assistant Chief of Police for the department since April of this year, as well as supervising the professional standards unit, the Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy, Services Division, and Crime Prevention. Before this role, he dedicated 28 years as Police Commander, Police Sergeant, and Police Officer gaining experience in criminal investigations, administration, mentorship, and human resources within numerous divisions and platoons in the County.
On November 9 at approximately 1:45 a.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a person with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of Pilot Street NW. Responding officers located an adult male victim outside of a residence in the area with what appeared to be a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man to LewisGale Medical Center for treatment.
Details about what led to the shooting are limited at this time. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
Griffin Newman
Update: Griffin Newman, 25, was arrested Tuesday night in Salem at 8:11 p.m. without incident. He is currently being held without bond. Newman is charged with Shooting within the City limits, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Eluding Police and Reckless Driving. On Monday night, he led police on a pursuit that resulted in two police vehicles being damaged and three officers suffering minor injuries.
Press Release: The Salem Police Department is asking that anyone with information related to an incident that occurred in Downtown Salem last night to contact them immediately. Detectives are currently investigating a “shots fired” event that took place in the 200 Block of East Main Street at 10:12 p.m. on Monday, November 7. Griffin Newman, 25, of Salem is wanted on various charges including Shooting within the City limits, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Eluding Police and Reckless Driving. The 911 call reported the incident occurred in the parking lot behind a Main Street business and additional information indicated the suspect had fled the scene on a motorcycle. Within minutes of receiving the call, a possible suspect was located, but the motorcyclist refused to stop for police. A pursuit ensued heading out of the city on West Main Street and the suspect was able to avoid apprehension. He was last seen traveling north on Wildwood Road. During the pursuit, two police cruisers collided at the intersection of West Main Street and Wildwood Road. Three officers suffered minor injuries in the crash, and they were transported to a local hospital for evaluation where they were treated and released. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone having information about the whereabouts of the suspect, or the incident is asked to call the Salem Police Department Detectives Division at (540) 375-3083.
The roadway is all clear after police vehicles blocked the right lane of Campbell Avenue near the corner of 5th Street investigating a car that appeared to have a gunshot through the side window or perhaps the window was smashed in by blunt force. WFIR has learned that the car attracted the attention of two police vehicles around 6 pm tonight but no civilians were spotted at the scene with no Roanoke City Fire-EMS present.
(from Roanoke PD) On November 6 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a person with a gunshot wound in the 700 block of 29th Street NW. Responding officers located an adult male victim outside of a residence in the area with what appeared to be critical gunshot wounds. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. Early this morning, officers were notified that the victim had succumbed to his injuries. His identity will be released after next-of-kin is properly notified.
Details about what led to the shooting are limited at this time. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made. This is an ongoing homicide investigation.
Photo: Salem Rescue Squad Crew
Ahead of a major anniversary, one volunteer paramedic explains why she volunteers. Darlene Gee has been a part of an all-volunteer EMS operation since she was a junior in high school, earning “Life Member” status. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with that story:
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash, which resulted in a fatality. The crash occurred Friday (Nov 4) at 9:58 p.m. on Route 676, one half of a mile north of Route 670 in Botetourt County. A 2011 Toyota Tacoma was traveling on Route 676, when the vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway, overcorrected, struck an embankment and overturned. River Scott Lawson, 25, of Troutville, Va. drove the Toyota. Mr. Lawson was not wearing his seatbelt and died at the scene. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
From Roanoke Police Department: On November 5, 2022 at approximately 12:45 a.m., Roanoke Police Officers working in the downtown area heard a gunshot, then observed a large group of people leaving a parking lot in the 100 block of Campbell Avenue SE. Officers began running towards the scene where they located an adult male victim lying on the ground with what appeared to be a critical gunshot wound. Officers began rendering aid and attempting to control the large crowd that was surrounding the victim and scene. Roanoke Fire-EMS arrived and transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Details about what led to this shooting are limited at this time. This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call(540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.