Crime and Public Safety

In the interest of enhancing existing security measures, Salem Civic Center officials announced today that they are implementing a new clear bag security policy beginning on Saturday, September 17 (the Gary Allen concert). The new policy is designed to regulate the size and types of bags that may be carried into the venue for all events. “We are constantly reviewing our safety and security procedures,” says Wendy Delano, Salem’s Director of Civic Facilities. “Having a clear bag policy will provide a safer environment for our valued guests and will speed up the screening process for them as they enter the venue.” Fans are strongly encouraged to carry as few items as possible when coming to the Salem Civic Center.

Here are the types of bags that are permitted:
• Bags that are made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC
• Clear bags that are not larger than 12” tall x 6” deep x 12” wide.
• One-gallon plastic freezer bags (a Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, approximately 4.5” tall x 6.5: wide, with or without a handle or strap.
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items, but only after a proper inspection at an entrance that is
specifically designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. Fans can still bring allowed items into the venue such as non-professional cameras, binoculars, and smart phones, if they are stored in a pocket or an allowed clear bag.

Update 4:05 Roanoke County Police, Fire, and Rescue are on scene in the 8200 block of Bent Mountain Road, for a single vehicle crash involving a vehicle that went off the road and down a steep embankment.  Bent Mountain Road will be closed in both directions between Moonlight Lane and Strawberry Lane.  At this time, it is unknown when the road will be reopened.  Drivers are asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes.  

On US-221 in Roanoke County, in the vicinity of Countrywood Dr, motorists can expect delays due to a vehicle crash. The north left lane and right lane are closed. The south through lanes are closed. (as of 3:45 pm). Reports are that a truck went off Bent Mountain Road.

(from Bedford County Sheriff’s office) On 8/29/22 at approximately 1100PM the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a truck blocking the roadway and a possible disturbance on Planters Drive in the Huddleston area of Bedford County. When Deputies arrived in the area the suspect and vehicle had left the scene. While on scene, Deputies identified that an assault and property damage had occurred. Deputies began patrolling the area and soon located the dump truck involved in the incident. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at which time the suspect refused to stop leading  Deputies on a lengthy pursuit that started in the Huddleston area of Bedford County and finally ending in the Town of Bedford at which time the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect was identified as Steven Harold Behnke, 53 years of age from Lynchburg. Behnke was arrested for Felony Eluding Law Enforcement, Driving Under the Influence, Assault on a Family Member and Property Damage. Behnke is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Amherst Facility without bond. I would like to also thank the Virginia State Police, Bedford County Dispatch, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Bedford Police Department for their assistance in this incident.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot during an attempted robbery or carjacking, the NFL team said Sunday night.

The 23-year-old former Alabama player was taken to a hospital with what the team called non-life-threatening injuries. The team said in a statement staff members were with Robinson at the hospital.

Coach Ron Rivera said he had been with Robinson.

“He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support,” Rivera said on Twitter. “He wants his teammates to know he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all & will be back soon doing what he does best.”

D.C. police reported a shooting in the northeast section of the city and said it was on the lookout for two possible suspects.

Robinson, a third-round draft pick, was was expected to start for the Commanders this season. He had been particularly impressive during training camp and preseason games, likely earning the job over incumbent Antonio Gibson.

 

“Brian’s been great,” offensive coordinator Scott Turner said recently. “He’s a real serious guy. Football is extremely important to him. He takes a lot of pride in being a physical runner.”

Robinson traveled with the team for its preseason finale at Baltimore on Saturday night but did not dress.

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound back rushed for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns last season at Alabama. The Commanders selected him with the 98th pick in the draft.

MGN

On Tuesday, August 23, at 2:39 p.m., Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched for a possible structure fire on the 200 block of Wells Ave NW. Arriving units found smoke showing from the eves of a residential structure and flames in a second-floor window. The primary fire was quickly extinguished. Crews then spent an extended amount of time on scene extinguishing hot spots, where the fire had extended into the walls of the structure. No injuries were reported. At this time the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. The total damages to the structure and contents is estimated to be $80,000

UPDATE: She’s been located in Roanoke, no longer missing.

 

Previous (Rocky Mount, Virginia.On Monday, August 22nd , 2022) the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Center received a report of a missing person. Alisha Osbourne (DOB: 02/06/1994) was last seen on Monday, August 22nd, 2022 on Glen Meadow Drive in Rocky Mount. Alisha was not believed to be driving a vehicle. She was last seen wearing a light blue hoodie, dark blue Champion leggings, and grey Chuck Taylor shoes. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Alisha Osbourne, please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 540-483-3000.

(From Roanoke PD) On August 21 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Roanoke Police were on patrol along Campbell Avenue SW when they heard several gunshots in close proximity. Officers headed towards the gunshots, ultimately locating a scene at a parking garage in the 30 block of Salem Avenue SW. Responding officers located evidence of a shooting, but no victims or suspects were located on scene. A short time after the initial call aired, officers were notified that an adult male with a gunshot wound had arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital via personal vehicle. Officers responded to speak with the man, who was receiving treatment for what appeared to be a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation indicates there was an altercation in the parking garage that led to the shooting. No arrests have been made regarding this incident at this time. 

(from Roanoke PD) On August 20 at approximately 5:30 a.m., Roanoke Police were notified that a person with gunshot wounds had arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital via personal vehicle. Officers responded to the hospital where the adult male victim was receiving treatment for his injuries. Ultimately, the man succumbed to his injuries. His name will be released after next-of-kin is properly notified.

At this time, a crime scene regarding this shooting has not been located. No arrests have been made and this remains an ongoing homicide 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.