Crime and Public Safety
MGN
UPDATED NEWS RELEASE: In the early morning hours of February 3rd, 2022, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to a residential structure fire at 1311 Church Ave SE. Upon arrival, crews found the residence to be fully involved with heavy smoke and flames and an additional exposure structure partially involved. The primary residence at 1311 Church Ave SE was a total loss. During the course of the fire investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, a victim was found inside the residence. The victim was confirmed to be Joshua D. Williams – 32 years of age. The medical examiner’s office determined a preliminary cause of death to be smoke inhalation. The Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the incident, however, due to the significant fire damage of the residence the cause of the fire is presently classified as undetermined.
PREVIOUS: On Thursday, February 3, at 3:34 a.m., Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 1300 block of Church Ave SE for a two alarm structure fire. Units arrived to find one house fully involved and flames showing from a neighboring house. After the fire was extinguished, crews discovered a victim inside the house during their investigation. The victim died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the exact cause of death. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Roanoke County FB photo
UPDATE: Three people and a dog are displaced following a house fire in the 6000 block of Monet Drive in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke County that’s been ruled accidental in nature. There were no injuries reported. The fire was contained yesterday mainly to an upstairs bedroom, with smoke and water damage to other areas of the house. Damages estimated at $150,000.
From Roanoke County Fire and Rescue: Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at 7:51 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2022, to the 6000 block of Monet Drive, in the Cave Spring area, for the report of a residential structure fire. Upon arrival Units from Station 3 (Cave Spring) found a two-story home with smoke showing from the front door and the rear of the structure. The home was occupied by three adults and a dog at the time of the fire. All of the occupants, and the dog, were able to evacuate safely without injury. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. The occupants of the home will be displaced. There were no other injuries. The fire was contained mainly to an upstairs bedroom, with smoke and water damage to other areas of the house. We appreciate the assistance of Salem 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.
(From Roanoke PD) On February 12, 2022 at approximately 11:15 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a person with a gunshot wound in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street SW. Responding officers located an adult male inside a residence in the area with what appeared to be a critical injury. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The name of the victim will be released after next-of-kin is properly notified. Details about what led to this shooting are limited at this time. Throughout the course of the investigation, Bryson W. Berger, 21 of Roanoke (pictured), was identified as a suspect. Warrants for second degree murder were obtained shortly after Mr. Berger was identified. The warrants were served and Mr. Berger was taken into custody earlier this morning without incident. 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.
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a vehicle that struck a bicycle, which resulted in a fatality. The crash occurred Friday (Feb 11) at 2:35 p.m. on Route 11, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road in Botetourt County. A 2014 Dodge Journey was traveling south on Lee Highway, when the vehicle struck a bicyclist that was also traveling south on Lee Highway.
Tabitha Leigh Thompson, 39, of Fincastle, was on the bicycle. Ms. Thompson was injured and was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where she later died. Danielle M. Rock was operating the Dodge and was wearing her seatbelt. She was not injured. Ms. Rock was charged with Reckless driving. The crash remains under investigation.
(from National Weather Service) for tomorrow, Sunday, rain and snow are likely before 11am, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wildwood Fire Roanoke County photo
(Update) The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded their investigation and due to the amount of damage in the 2100 block of Wildwood Road a cause can not be determined. The damage estimate is $300,000.
(Roanoke County, VA—February 12) Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 to the 2100 block of Wildwood Road, in the Ft. Lewis area, for the report of a residential structure fire. Medic 92 (Ft. Lewis) could see heavy black smoke from a distance and marked it a working fire while responding. Upon arrival Units from Station 9 found a two-story wood frame home that was heavily involved in fire. The home was occupied by two adults at the time of the fire. Both of whom were able to evacuate safely without injury. The home is located in a steep, heavily wooded area. The structure fire did cause a small brush fire that was quickly contained. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes. The home is a total loss. The occupants of the home will be displaced and will be staying with family. We appreciate the assistance of Salem Fire and EMS on this call. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene to investigate a cause.
Photos: Roanoke City Police
ROANOKE POLICE UPDATE: Roanoke Police have arrested Clayton A. Pellitteri, 20 of Roanoke, and Haley A. Sarks, 18 of Roanoke, regarding this incident. Throughout the course of the investigation, Pellitteri and Sarks were identified as the suspects and warrants were obtained. Pellitteri is charged with two counts of malicious wounding, one count of robbery, one count of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, one count of petit larceny, and one count of prohibiting a person from calling 911. Sarks is charged with two counts of malicious wounding, one count of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and one count of robbery.
Roanoke Police immediately began searching for Pellitteri and Sarks after the warrants were obtained. On February 11th, Pellitteri and Sarks came to the Roanoke Police Department where the above warrants were served. They were both taken into custody without incident. This remains an ongoing investigation and no further details are availableat this time.
PREVIOUS: On February 8, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a person with a gunshot wound in the 500 block of Mountain Avenue SW. Responding officers located two adult men with what appeared to be non-life threatening gunshot wounds. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported both men to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation shows two suspects entered the home and engaged in a physical altercation with the victims that led to the shooting. It is believed that the suspects and victims are acquainted with one another. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made regarding this incident. Further details are limited at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
Update #2: Benjamin Daniel Lee passed way in Roanoke Memorial Hospital from his injuries.
(Update 2/10 8:45AM from Virginia State Police) An update to a fatal accident that took place early yesterday morning on the ramp to I-81 from US 220 in Troutville when two pedestrians were struck by a Jeep: Benjamin Lee, 27, of Troutville, remains in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries; David Fridley, Jr., 47, of New Castle died at the scene after being struck by the vehicle.
(Previously) BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating two pedestrians that were struck, which resulted in a fatality. The crash occurred Wednesday (Feb 9) at 2:00 a.m. on the entrance ramp to Interstate 81, from Route 220 in Troutville. A 2014 Jeep Wrangler was traveling south on Route 220 and merged onto the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 81, when the vehicle struck two male pedestrians which were walking in the roadway.
Troopers have identified one of the two pedestrians at this point. The 27-year old male was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injuries received after being struck by the Wrangler. The second pedestrian died at the scene and has not been identified at this time. For the purpose of the investigation and the identification of the second pedestrian, state police will not release the name of the individual that was transported to the hospital, until troopers can identify the second male subject. The driver of the Jeep was not injured in the crash.
MGN
Virginia State Police say a man’s body was found at the scene of a house morning in Buena Vista. Troopers are treating the incident as a crime scene, but officials say there is no danger to the public. As of Friday evening, police are not releasing further information.
Stacey Sheppard (L) and Joe Cobb (center). Ian Price photo
Two members of Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission joined us live in-studio this morning to talk about a recent community assessment that details how gangs have impacted people’s lives in some Roanoke neighborhoods. Here is that complete conversation with Roanoke City Councilman Joe Cobb, who chairs the Commission, and Stacey Sheppard, also a member of the commission.
Summary of results from survey:
• On feelings of safety and gang activity respondents from youth serving agencies are in agreement with community residents and leaders.
• As for the way, many from youth agencies emphasize a lack of activities for youth and as one respondent said, “Lack of options for building a sense of belonging outside of school”. Others insist that the level of activity hasn’t changed but that it is now being more widely reported. They also mention generational poverty, generalized gun violence, and lack of stable family/home life. Overall, in comparison to community residents and leaders, their solutions revolve less around the criminal justice system and more social welfare, therapy, and youth programs.
V. Youth Serving Agencies and Community Questionnaires and Interviews
• Respondents feel that the strengths of Roanoke lie in its championing of diversity, “small town” community feel and the breadth of resources available to the community as well as in the collaboration of the different agencies that provide them.
• Respondents identified a wide range of community issues including gun violence, generalized youth violence, gang violence, domestic violence, drug use/addiction, lack of mental health resources, poverty, lack of resources, lack of youth opportunities, homelessness/affordable housing, community fear/mistrust, legal cynicism, and institutionalized racism.
• Respondents were consistent that violence was impacting residents’ quality of life but many also elaborated that it was concentrated in the NW and SE quadrants of the city and also intersected with racial segregation. The trauma caused by increasing violence is engendering the communities with fear and mistrust.
• For the causes of violence respondents pointed toward poverty and racial injustice, both from lack of opportunity to provide for oneself and family as well as an outlet for built up frustration. Many mentioned that youth violence was not necessarily gang related but interpersonal violence springing from miscommunication and conflict. In both cases youth feel they do not have alternatives to violence and means of building healthy relationships. Drug addiction and trafficking are also sources of conflict that turn to violence as a solution.
• Respondents point to young, poor, black/African American boys as the primary victims, as well as low-income youth in general. The homeless, elderly, and drug addicted also become easy targets for violence.
• Aside from violence, affordable housing and lack of transportation were identified as primary concerns for Roanoke.
• Underlying causes of these problems mentioned were systemic racism, mistrust/legal cynicism, and lack of youth opportunities
• In terms of solutions for criminal justice, while there were calls for more accountability and criminal punishment there were also many calls for system reform to be more preventative and take a less carceral approach, embracing diversity, and building back community trust.