ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - A man is dead after he was shot multiple times when an argument escalated in downtown Roanoke.
It happened in the 100 block of Campbell Avenue in front of Benny Marconi's pizza shop at 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Crime Prevention Specialist Scott Leamon with the Roanoke City Police Department says when officers arrived to the scene, a large crowd was gathered around the area where they found the victim lying on the sidewalk. Police say it was obvious he had been shot.
The victim was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:08 a.m.
Police say they have identified the man, but won't release his name until the family can be properly notified.
At this point in the preliminary investigation it appears the shooting was a result of a verbal argument and then a fight between the victim and the suspect. Officers continue to interview witnesses and collect physical evidence at the scene. Information about the suspect, including a description, is still be gathered  by detectives.
Anyone with information is asked to call the department's tipline at 540-344-8500.