ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Roanoke City Police Department announced Wednesday one of their own is back on the job following a shooting incident in downtown earlier this year.
As we've reported, on April 25, 2015 Sgt. M.E. Thompson was working off-duty on a downtown assignment. Police say he observed a disorderly crowd and radioed a request for additional officers. Sgt. Thompson began assisting other officers in dispersing the crowd in the parking lot in the 100 block of Campbell Avenue S.E.
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As the officers were clearing the crowd, a police captain observed a man walking through with a firearm. Roanoke police say the captain relayed the information to the other officers on the scene.
Roanoke police say the officers drew their weapons and commanded the suspect to stop and drop the handgun. The male suspect turned toward the officers with the gun in his hand and Sergeant Thompson fired one shot in the direction of the male. The male suspect was not struck by the shot. They say the fired shot struck an unoccupied vehicle next to him.
The male suspect, identified as Malik Seanking Roman, 26, of Roanoke, Va., dropped the firearm, which was recovered. Police say Roman was immediately taken into custody.
Roman was arrested at the scene and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. His case is still active in Roanoke City Circuit Court.
Sergeant M.E. Thompson returned to full duty on June 18, 2015.
Roanoke police say Sergeant Thompson's actions were also reviewed by the Roanoke Police Department Disciplinary Review Board and Thompson was found to have acted within policy.