News
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – The Virginia Senate has advanced a bill that would increase the threshold of what is considered a felony larceny.The bill the chamber passed Thursday would increase the amount from $200 to $500.Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposed the change before the session started. The governor said at the time that Virginia’s felony larceny threshold had been set in 1980 and was the lowest in the country.A similar bill passed the full Senate in 2016 but was killed in a House committee.Proponents say raising the threshold would save taxpayers’ money because of fewer people incarcerated for larceny. Supporters of the high threshold say the strict law prevents theft.
Hunter Hall
A Vinton man faces multiple charges for allegedly breaking in to more than a dozen vehicles two nights ago in the Mountain View Road area. 18-year-old old Hunter Hall was nabbed after a foot chase yesterday morning. Police say officers were able to find several items reported stolen in those break-ins. Hall faces more than two dozen charges in all, and police say he is jailed without bond.
(Continue reading for the Vinton Police news release.)
Sam Rasoul
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A bill that would clarify that cigarette and cigar butts count as litter is advancing at the Virginia General Assembly with bipartisan support.The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Del. Sam Rasoul, makes clear in Virginia code that the butts count as litter.Republican Del. Jackson Miller, a former police officer, said the legislation was needed because some judges are dismissing tickets for littering because they don’t consider cigarette butts as trash.The bill narrowly cleared a GOP-controlled House committee Wednesday, but still needs to pass the full House and the Senate before being sent to the governor.
Roanoke Fire-EMS photo
Roanoke Fire-EMS officials say smoking materials started today’s apartment building fire on the 500-block of Walnut Avenue Southeast. One person was inside at the time and got out safely; six people in all were evacuated. Fire damage was contained to one apartment. The loss is estimated at $50,000.
(Continue reading for the Roanoke Fire-EMS news release.) Continue reading
From Roanoke City Police: This morning at 6:27 am officers responded to an attempted robbery at the Star Valley Mini-Mart in the 800 block of Highland Avenue SE. The suspect’s picture is attached. He was described as a white male, around 5’8″ with medium build. The suspect entered the store, pointed sunglasses at the clerk, and demanded money. The clerk was physically assaulted, but prevented the suspect from taking money from the cash register. The clerk was not seriously hurt. The suspect left on foot. No firearm was involved. Anyone with information can call the RPD tip line at 540-344-8500. Callers can choose to remain anonymous. Anonymous text messages can be sent to 274637 [Crimes]. Please start any text message with the keyword “RoanokePD:” to ensure that it’s properly sent. The investigation is ongoing.