SAM ROMAN

78-year-old Harry Eggleston has lived on Stratford Park Drive in Roanoke for five years. He said he’s never heard of any violence happening in his neighborhood, until Wednesday.

Virginia State Police is now in charge of investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened at Leehy Manor Apartments in Southwest Roanoke Wednesday morning, according to Roanoke City Police Chief Sam Roman.

A 2019 murder in the Star City is now one step closer to being solved.

On the heels of weekend gun violence in Star City, Roanoke City Council got a status report on October gun violence.

Attorney General Jason Miyares, former Governor George Allen, local law enforcement, and other leaders gathered to address the issue

Roanoke city officials have released a video message in response to “an unprecedented amount of threats towards school staff and students.”

Shaquan Roman is using his role as outreach coordinator for Eastern Appalachian Adult & Teen Challenge to help people struggling with addiction.

The release said that on Friday, 23-year-old Demarcus Glenn pled guilty to one count of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in the advancement of a drug trafficking crime.

As part of its 90th-anniversary celebrations, Advance Auto Parts gifted Roanoke Police and Fire departments with $2,500 of gift cards to increase community safety.

On Tuesday, the Roanoke City Council discussed crime rates in our area.

Roanoke City Council got an update on efforts to reduce gun violence in the city during their afternoon session Monday.

This is just one of many shootings in 2022 in the Star City.

Every two years, the City of Roanoke looks to get feedback from its residents using a citizen survey. Some of the biggest concerns voiced in 2021's survey were crime, housing and downtown parking.

Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman said it will take more than just his team to combat gun violence in his city.

The weekend in Roanoke ended the way too many others have before it: with several shootings.

Nearly $2 million worth of American Rescue Plan money will be spent on programs in Roanoke to combat gun violence.

Crime concerns rise in Roanoke as police investigate three different shootings that span over only a matter of two days.

Leaders in the city of Roanoke addressed the rising gun violence being seen in the Star City on Tuesday evening.

Communities across the country, and right here in our area gathered for National Night Out on Tuesday.

In an effort to get guns off the street, an event will be held where Roanoke residents can exchange guns for grocery gift cards next month.

Seeing an uptick in violence is nothing out of the ordinary or specific to Southwest Virginia or even the Commonwealth. However, what is new is how brazen these acts of violence have gotten and how young some of the suspects have been.

After two shootings in less than 24 hours, Roanoke City’s police Chief wants the community to know the city is working to address it.

A new season of Lea Youth Outdoor Basketball is underway and it’s not too late for players to get in on the fun.

Roanoke police are investigating after a teenage boy was shot outside the Berglund Center on Wednesday afternoon.

Police departments nationwide are struggling with staffing and now Roanoke's top cop says they're losing officers at an alarming rate.

Roanoke's top cop is calling on the community to come together in the wake of recent shootings.

A person was shot inside of Valley View Mall a little before 7 p.m., a terrifying scene for employees such as Brandi Jarvis. “Just a pop, pop, pop. “I have worked in this mall at many different stores for five years now, and I have never in my life been this scared,” she said. As law enforcement agencies from all across the area converged on Valley View, Police Chief Sam Roman outlined what happened within. Cummings says it was already a scary day in the mall before the shots went off.

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE: Dec. 26, 2020 at 8:42 p.m.One person is hospitalized after shots were fired in Valley View Mall on Saturday night. Valley View Mall officials said there were several people involved in a verbal altercation, leading one person to shoot inside the mall. UPDATE - Dec. 26, 2020 at 7:38 p.m.Roanoke Police says “RPD is investigating an incident at Valley View Mall. Please avoid the area.”Valley View Mall says “police are onsite investigating an incident. ORIGINAL STORYThere’s a large police presence at Valley View Mall in Roanoke Saturday night.

ROANOKE, Va – As crime continues to rise in Roanoke, a new unit in the police department is working to lower violence and bridge the gap in the community. Roughly 80% of gun-related incidents in Roanoke have been connected to gang violence, so the police department underwent a realignment to create a new gang detection unit. The rise has also prompted the city to hire a Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma Coordinator, better known as RESET. “Some folks don’t know where to turn to in the event of experiencing traumatic appearances, and then that’s what we’re there for,” RESET Coordinator Lloyd Merchant said. New policing efforts also include visits from the department in hopes of gaining the community’s trust.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke police arrested a man after they said he shot at another driver on I-581 in Roanoke on Wednesday afternoon. 19-year-old Jaylan Holland, of Roanoke, was arrested and charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle. Police said a driver attempted to merge onto I-581 South at Orange Avenue when they encountered Holland’s vehicle, also headed south. Police said they arrested Holland at a business in Salem later Wednesday night. Roanoke police chief Sam Roman applauded the “outstanding work” by the police department’s Patrol Division and Violent Suppression Team.

ROANOKE, VA. – Tuesday night, police departments across the country and right here in Southwest Virginia gathered for National Night Out, an event designed to build connections and work on crime reduction. National Night Out brings neighborhood groups together with officers and other public safety officials. The event is designed to bring law enforcement and the community together, building bridges between the two. “This is fantastic to see the community coming in, this is what we want to bring an atmosphere for our law enforcement where we can introduce our law enforcement officers to the community in a non-enforcement environment," Ward said. “I like to give less attention to what the relationships are like and more attention to what opportunities exist to create better relationships," Roman said.

ROANOKE, Va. – On Thursday, Roanoke leaders addressed the city’s recent uptick in gun violence. “Just like you, I am frustrated and angry about this crisis of gun violence that is happening in our community," expressed Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, chair of the city’s Gun Violence Task Force, detailed how his team is working collaboratively with the police department on intervention and prevention. “We wanted to definitely hit the streets hard and serve these warrants and get these violent offenders in custody," stated U.S. Thanks to this initiative, deputies from other agencies, such as the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to help.

ROANOKE, Va. – Recent violence in the Star City may be linked to “gang culture,” according to Roanoke City Police Chief Sam Roman. “I’m ready to say that we are seeing activity that is consistent with gang culture,” said Roman. While “gang culture” carries part of the blame, Roman said community cooperation is also important. Community support, however, is key before another life is lost, he said. Roanoke City Council also created a “Gun Violence Task Force.” Mayor Sherman Lea and Vice Mayor Joe Cobb are part of this committee.

ROANOKE, Va. – Friday morning, Roanoke City’s Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence met to help curb shootings in the Star City. The city’s task force, renamed the Ad Hoc Study Committee on the Reduction of Gun Violence, discussed gang violence and re-incarceration, education and safer neighborhoods. Roanoke City Police Chief Sam Roman updated the group on crime statistics in the city. Solutions included forming a comprehensive plan for folks to re-enter society after serving jail time, educating youth, and sharing stories about how gun violence has impacted people in the community. The committee discussed meeting bi-weekly, instead of just once a month.

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. – Patrick Crimmis was sitting on his front porch near the entrance to the Ashton Heights apartment complex when an officer-involved shooting happened on Thursday. “I just heard, ‘pow pow pow,‘” Crimmis said. Virginia State Police on scene after an officer-involved shooting in Roanoke on June 25, 2020 (WSLS 10)“Obviously, the officers are very upset. According to police, officers believed the two men may have been involved in what neighbors say was a gang-related shooting at the apartment complex Monday night. Friday afternoon, 10 News called the leasing office at the apartment complex for comment.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman held a news conference after an officer-involved shooting on Thursday afternoon. Roman spoke for about 20 minutes at 6:30 p.m. after officers shot a man who fired first at them, according to police. The shooting happened at the Ashton Heights Apartments, previously known as Caru Apartments, which are in the northwest part of the city. Our feed had a few issues early on, we apologize for the glitching.

ROANOKE, Va. – FRIDAY 8:30 P.M. UPDATEState police announced on Friday evening that the man who was shot by Roanoke police after allegedly firing shots at officers died from his injuries. The shooting happened at the Ashton Heights Apartments, previously known as Caru Apartments, just before 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Police said they approached Moorman and another man to talk to them about a shooting that happened earlier in the week. Officers returned fire when Moorman turned and started shooting at the officers, according to state police. ORIGINAL STORYOne person is in the hospital, likely with life-threatening injuries after being shot by Roanoke police officers on Thursday afternoon.

ROANOKE, Va. – Juneteenth commemorations happened all across the country on Friday, but Roanoke’s celebration had a different set of leaders. Roanoke’s NAACP Youth Council organized Friday afternoon’s Juneteenth march through Roanoke’s Gainsboro neighborhood. “I realized I’m black inside and out, and I’m proud of that fact.”Several notable Roanokers attended the Juneteenth commemoration, including Mayor Sherman Lea, Police Chief Sam Roman, and Del. Washington-Brown said she’s optimistic Roanoke can make even more social progress by the time next Juneteenth comes, especially if people her age speak up. “I hope that other youth see this, and are encouraged to step forward and use their voices,” Washington-Brown said.

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. – As peaceful protests continue in Roanoke, city and police officials are speaking out about George Floyd’s death and the reaction from citizens. Protestors hold signs outside the Roanoke City Police Department on Wednesday. (WSLS)City officials held a virtual news conference on Wednesday to say they are heartbroken by Floyd’s death and the actions of the Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd’s death are inexcusable. They said they’ve worked hard to represent the city’s citizens to make sure that everyone has equal access to success. Roman did defend his officers’ use of pepper spray during protests on Saturday, saying there were threats of property damage and violence.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and other city leaders are scheduled to speak on Wednesday afternoon. Rather than just focus on a coronavirus update, as in past weeks, they will also be discussing the recent protests in the city. Police Chief Sam Roman will also be speaking.

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. – Roanoke city manager Bob Cowell announced that he declared a local state of emergency for Roanoke on Saturday. That gives city leaders authority to set a curfew if needed. Roanoke City police chief Sam Roman said city leaders want to advocate for peaceful protests and provide a safe place for people to do so and let their “very worthy” voices be heard. WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE HERE:Roman said there were approximately six arrests stemming from the protests on Saturday and into Sunday. Get the WSLS 10 News App in your app store to get push alerts and follow 10 News on Facebook as we are livestreaming many updates.

ROANOKE, Va. – On Saturday, two different groups protested in Roanoke. The store had an emergency early shutdown around that same time and there was damage done to a window there. From there, protesters drove to Burlington on Hershberger Road and then went to the Sheetz across from the Berglund Center. While there, protesters chanted, “hands up don’t shoot”Private security tried to keep peace and protesters left there at about 10 p.m. The protest ended when someone hurled a firework at officers and the gathering was declared an unlawful assembly.

That will be one of the first issues new police chief Sam Roman will need to address. “Our goal is not to go out and charge as many instances as we can,” explained Roman. “The goal is to ensure that we educate.”He is taking the reins during a time when even the police station is closed to the public. The solution does not live with one entity. “So it’s my goal to be part of that solution be collaborative based.”For now the chief is anxious to see the health crisis in his rear view mirror.

ROANOKE, Va. – The City of Lynchburg holds a public hearing on its budget for the next fiscal year, which includes increases to water, sewer and trash collection fees. There is a limit on the number of people who will be allowed in council chambers. The Salem School Board could approve its budget for the next fiscal year. Sam Roman takes over today as Roanoke’s new police chief. He worked for the Roanoke Police Department for 25 years before leaving to become chief in Lexington.

LEXINGTON, Va. – When Lexington Police Chief Sam Roman takes over as chief of the Roanoke Police Department on March 31, he’ll be walking to a place he knows pretty well. After serving in Roanoke’s department for 25 years, he left in late 2017 after rising to deputy chief in the Star City. So I don’t see any need for a huge sweeping changes,” Roman said from his current office in Lexington. The incoming chief said he is looking forward to his new role in Roanoke even though the city is in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Obviously the governor’s office, obviously Virginia Department of Health.