ROANOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Roanoke Police Department will be shifting its focus when it comes to animal-related calls.

The Roanoke City Police Department is investigating after a man arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound Friday night.

The Roanoke City Police Department is seeking information after a woman was shot on Cove Road Saturday night.

One person was arrested after shots were fired in downtown Roanoke early Friday morning, according to Sgt. Gill with the Roanoke City Police Department.

The Roanoke City Police Department will buy two new police dogs in the coming months.

Roanoke City Police are facing two challenges: curbing the recent crime and finding officers to respond to it and investigate it.

Joining the nationwide outcry for justice of police-involved killings against Black people, Roanoke advocates call for more action against racial targeting and police brutality.

ROANOKE, Va.. – Roanoke City Police officers dropped off donations at a new educational support center for students. Thursday, officers dropped off donations for Youth Enrichment Services of Southwest Virginia, which started during the coronavirus pandemic to help local parents get back to work. Officers dropped off boxes of donations filled with toys, toilet paper, snacks, water, cleaning supplies and a big TV. “I think it’s important that we come together as a community and be blessed together,” said Officer Briana Dickerson, with the Roanoke City Police Department. All the donations were provided by individuals and businesses in the community.

ROANOKE, Va. – Thursday morning, 6-year-old Cohen Price got a surprise visit from his heroes: Roanoke City Police officers. Three officers spent time with Cohen and his classmates at First Baptist Child Development Center. They got badge stickers and asked officers about their police cars, uniforms, badges, K9′s and more. “I want to catch bad guys,” said Cohen. “Seeing their eyes all lit up, their faces bright, it just warmed by heart a little bit,” said Williams.

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE - Feb. 3, 2021Roanoke Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection to a November 2020 shooting. UPDATE - Nov. 25, 2020Roanoke police have released the name of the man shot and killed in Northwest Roanoke on Monday night. AdORIGINAL STORYA man is dead after police say he was shot in northwest Roanoke on Monday night. According to the Roanoke City Police Department, officers responded to a report of someone with a gunshot wound around 10:15 p.m. in the 2400 block of Centre Avenue NW. Officers say they did first aid until Roanoke Fire-EMS arrived at the scene.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man was fatally shot in June by police who were acting in self-defense, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Roanoke, Donald Caldwell. The officers involved in the June 25 death of Rasheed Moorman won’t face any criminals charges, Caldwell said in a statement released Monday. Officer Bourgeois started to pursue the men on foot and chased Moorman into a breezeway at the complex, according to Caldwell. Caldwell said both Officers Smith and Bourgeois provided medical aid to Moorman while they waited for the ambulance to arrive. Pursuant to an agreement with the Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia State Police conducts criminal investigations into all officer-involved shootings.

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE @ 7:28 p.m.Roanoke Police have charged a driver for the crash involving two city police officers. Both officers involved have been released from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after receiving medical treatment. ORIGINAL STORYA multi-vehicle crash in Roanoke on Friday night sent three people to the hospital, including two police officers. The force of the crash caused the parked police car to crash into the occupied police car nearby, according to police. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man who was driving the SUV and the two police officers to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, according to police.

ROANOKE, Va – A new unit in the Roanoke City Police Department is being created to combat the recent spike in violence in the city. The plans were discussed during Friday’s Gun Violence Task Force meeting, but they are still in the early stages. The latest data regarding gun violence shows incidents related to aggravated assaults where someone got shot jumped from 21 in 2019 to 36 this year. 8 of the 11 homicides in the city this year have been related to gun violence. Members of the Gun Violence Task Force say the changes are a step in the right direction.

ROANOKE, Va. – Police departments across the country are having a hard time finding enough officers. Roanoke city’s latest academy is working to address the challenges driving the shortage, from COVID-19 to the current climate around policing. COVID-19 has complicated the process but it hasn’t kept 12 recruits from pursuing careers as Roanoke city police officers. “Just really help people to be honest, just serve and protect,” said Lauren Camper, a Roanoke police recruit. “Training new officers is really our best way to make a better impact on the community and the department,” Masters said.

ROANOKE, Va. – A female teenager was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after police says he was shot early Monday morning. Investigators tell 10 News it happened at around 1:15 a.m. on the 300 block of 9th Street SW, near Patterson Avenue. Police have not made any arrests or released information about a suspect. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text the Roanoke City Police Department at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent.

Since Thursday, four crashes killed three pedestrians and a man driving a motorcycle. The second crash was on Williamson Road in front of Northwest ACE Hardware just after 9 p.m. on Friday. A man driving a motorcycle died around 12:30 a.m. on Monday after police said he lost control of the bike. Roanoke City Police Sergeant Trista Noel said drivers and pedestrians need to take responsibility for their own safety. Roanoke Police have warnings and advice for pedestrians and drivers after four people died in separate crashes in a week.

ROANOKE, Va. A few dozen people marched in downtown Roanoke on Friday night in the fight against systemic racism. No Justice, No Peace - Roanoke organized the march. The group gathered in front of the Roanoke City Police Department and then marched to Lee Plaza and to the market. In addition to pushing for social justice, theyre also asking that police release and drop the charges against the man arrested for allegedly knocking over the Robert. E Lee monument in downtown Roanoke.

ROANOKE, Va. – A juvenile male was hospitalized after a shooting in Roanoke, though police have not yet been able to establish a crime scene. At around 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, the Roanoke City Police Department was notified the victim arrived at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with what appeared to be “critical” gunshot wounds. Officers haven’t established a crime scene yet or made any arrests, but the investigation is ongoing. This is the latest in a string of Roanoke shootings in which victims show up to the hospital with gunshot wounds but police can’t establish where the shooting happened. [Roanoke police: No arrests made in shooting due to lack of evidence, victim not cooperating]Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Roanoke City Police at 540-344-8500.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City police are investigating six shootings in the last six days that hurt six people, including two boys. On the heels of a violent weekend, another violent night in Roanoke city sent three people to the hospital Wednesday. The first shooting happened at around 10:30 p.m. A juvenile male walked into Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds. Police later learned that shooting happened near Eureka Park Recreation Center off of Carroll Avenue NW. “That is a big concern, obviously, anytime we see, not just an uptick in gun violence, but in any crime,” said Roanoke City Police Chief Sam Roman.

ROANOKE, Va. – We’re getting a look at an officer’s response to one of four different shootings in Roanoke this past weekend. The Roanoke City Police Department released body cam footage on Thursday from an officer at the scene of one of the shootings in downtown Roanoke. [‘It’s just terrible’: Four shootings hurt three people, damage Roanoke business]Anyone with information about the recent shootings in Roanoke is asked to call police at 540-344-8500. You can also text police at 274637, by beginning the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.

ROANOKE, Va. – According to Roanoke City Police Department, police are investigating a shooting that took place early Saturday morning near Villa Heights park. The shooting took place around 1 a.m. The victim was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.

ROANOKE, Va. – A woman whose son was killed by a Roanoke city police officer in 2019 wants the video evidence of her son’s last moments to be released to the public. Lori Hall’s son, Chase Austin, was killed in October 2019 after an officer-involved shooting in Roanoke near the Krispy Kreme on Hershberger Road NW. Austin was killed after he became confrontational and pointed a semi-automatic pistol at a Roanoke city police officer during their conversation, according to Virginia State Police. Back in February, Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell announced his findings regarding the shooting. Whatever his motivation, Mr. Austin introduced the element of deadly force into what was otherwise a relatively benign situation.

ROANOKE, Va. Crews are on the scene of a water main break in northwest Roanoke. According to the Roanoke City Police Department, officers received a report of a water main break in the 3500 block of Cove Road just after 5 a.m. Monday. Authorities did not have information on detours in the area. Stay with 10 News to learn more as this breaking news story develops.

ROANOKE, Va – Children from the West End Center for Youth got the chance to connect with local law enforcement Tuesday. The West End Walk started in 2016 as a partnership between the Grandin Theatre and the West End Center in hopes of introducing children at the center to resources in their community and connect the two neighborhoods. “Exposing kids to new opportunities is just really important to use and something we value,” West End Center for Youth executive director Amanda Nastiuk said. Run About Sports provides the children with shoes for the one mile walk from the center to the theater. “We’re really a place where kids can come and build resilience so that kids can be successful in the future,” Nastiuk said.

WATCH LIVE: Family of Israel Jackson asks Roanoke leaders to reopen investigationWhile the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke ruled Israel Jackson’s death a suicide, his family has their suspicions and feels like they’re not getting the full story. His family filed a police report within the first week of the month, according to the Roanoke City Police Department. As the death was ruled a suicide, many media outlets chose not to report on the case. Feeling like he was coming into purpose because he knew which direction he wanted to go with his life,” said Melody Jackson. “He was a beautiful person and I just want to give that to the world,” said Melody Jackson.

ROANOKE, Va. – The conversation to solutions: That’s what a local pastor called Tuesday night’s discussion between faith leaders, Roanoke’s mayor and police chief, and a local protest organizer. All the parties sat down for a candid conversation, opening up about past hurt and future healing. We've done enough of that,” said Pastor Cecil Scott, who organized the conversation. It took Pastor Scott less than 48 hours to get the Roanoke leaders to agree to sit on a stage and talk. Tuesday evening, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman, protest organizer Jordan Bell, Elevation Church Pastor David Shearer, and community mentor Jemarh Fuell, sat side-by-side with Pastor Scott to discuss looking back and moving forward.

ROANOKE, Va. – The public information officer for the Roanoke City Police Department says they received information that there could be potential civil unrest in the Valley View area. A spokesperson with CBL Properties said the decision to close the mall was made after they received information about the potential protests. According to the mall’s website, it will reopen Wednesday at 11 a.m.

ROANOKE, Va. – Monday evening, protests continued in Roanoke. “He asked you three questions,” one protester shouted at the chief, saying the chief did not answer the questions. Roman’s appearance came after repeated calls all weekend long by protesters for him to come to the protests and talk to them. Instead, saying he hopes to talk to protest organizers before a protest and be involved in the planning process. Late Saturday night until early Sunday morning, a different group of protesters, numbering possibly in the hundreds, marched through the streets of downtown Roanoke.

ROANOKE, Va. Demonstrators took the streets of Roanoke on Saturday afternoon to protest four days after the death of George Floyd. Demonstrators then made their way across the bridge into downtown Roanoke onto Campbell Ave., toward the Roanoke City Police Department. The group then made their way up Gainsboro Road as officers with the Roanoke City Police Department suited up with riot gear. Protesters then made their way to the Roanoke City Police Department in downtown Roanoke, where officers set up a barricade that demonstrators went around. George Floyd.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Food for Frontline initiative dropped off more than 90 meals at the Roanoke City Police Department on Thursday. Donations from 10 News viewers paid for lunch from Sal’s Italian Restaurant in Bonsack. Both the police and restaurant said the community has been so supportive the past several months. Chris Ramey with Roanoke police. Friday is the last official stop on the Food for Frontline tour.

40-year-old Michael Terry, of Roanoke, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the homicide of 33-year-old Cassandra Pizzi, according to the Roanoke City Police Department. ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE 12/15 7:10 p.m.Police in Roanoke have made an arrest in connection with a homicide from March. 40-year-old Michael Terry, of Roanoke, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the homicide of 33-year-old Cassandra Pizzi, according to the Roanoke City Police Department. Authorities say her body was found in a wooded area of southeast Roanoke around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Roanoke police said a woman’s body was found in a wooded area of southeast Roanoke around 7:30 a.m. on Friday.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City Police Department said they’ve been made aware of a scam happening in Roanoke. The scam involves an individual posing as a member of the Roanoke City Police Department. The text encourages the intended target to call a specific number to take care of the warrant. The Roanoke City Police Department reminds people that they will not text anyone about warrants. If you receive this text message, police say to call them at (540)-853-2212 or stop by the station and speak with an officer.

ROANOKE, Va. - The Roanoke City Police Department will soon be hiring for a new job that community activists hope will cut down on violence in the city. It's something Roanoke's Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence identified as a key part of the plan, and it's something that's been in the making in the star city for more than a decade. Roanoke Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb said the city applied for the grant earlier in the year, before the task force was formed, and never heard back. The city assumed it was not selected, and when the topic came up in the task force, members decided to keep moving on with the idea despite not receiving the money. The new team will work hand in hand with FedUp providing rapid response.

Volunteering to make sure no child goes hungry, members of the Roanoke City Police Department rolled up their sleeves to help feed hungry kids. Officers volunteered at the community solutions center with Feeding America Southwest Virginia, working in the kitchen to prepare meals. September is Hunger Action Month. These officers immediately jumped in to take action, helping to make a difference for a lot of local kids. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

ROANOKE, Va. - The Roanoke City Police Department has seen a lot of turnover. Recruit Kaylin Stenson is sprinting, jumping and crawling her way into the Roanoke City police force. "Just so we can be more effective and efficient with our law enforcement and keeping people safe in the city," Ford said. The tryout for the Roanoke Police Academy starts Saturday morning, Aug. 3. If there's a good turnout this weekend, the department is planning on holding more Saturday tryouts in the future.