Virginia State Police and the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a shooting incident occurred late this morning along Interstate 81.
Northbound lanes of I-81 are currently back open at mile marker 146 in Roanoke County after being closed due to the investigation. Authorities say a stray bullet struck the window of a car traveling northbound from Hollins to Troutville, injuring a person in the leg.
The driver pulled off and parked at a McDonald’s along Lee Highway in Troutville. Botetourt County Public Schools reported that nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Authorities have not released any information on a suspect or motive. The investigation is ongoing.
“At 10:19 a.m. Police received information about a shooting on Interstate 81 between the scales and exit 150 on the northbound side. The victim received a non-life-threatening injury which was reported from a gunshot. The victim was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Virginia State Police shut down the northbound side of Interstate 81 at exit 146 to conduct a sweep for evidence. The detour began at 12:00 p.m., and was reopened at 1:07 p.m., and the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Division will be interviewing the victim. No suspect has been identified at this time, or what lead up to the incident. The incident remains under investigation.
The Virginia State Police is asking that anyone with information on this incident to please contact us at #77 or 1-800-542-5959.”
