ROANOKE, Va. – FRIDAY 8:30 P.M. UPDATE
State police announced on Friday evening that the man who was shot by Roanoke police after allegedly firing shots at officers died from his injuries.
26-year-old Rasheed Moorman, of Roanoke, died at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
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. Moorman and the other man were persons of interest in the shooting, according to state police.
The men ran away when officers approached, and police chased them. Officers returned fire when Moorman turned and started shooting at the officers, according to state police.
No officers or residents at the apartment complex were hurt, however state police said Moorman fired shots into a Roanoke police vehicle and the window of an apartment occupied by an adult and a child.
Police recovered Moorman’s gun at the scene.
Once Virginia State Police completes its investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for final review and adjudication.
ORIGINAL STORY
One person is in the hospital, likely with life-threatening injuries after being shot by Roanoke police officers on Thursday afternoon.
The shooting happened at the Ashton Heights Apartments, previously known as Caru Apartments, just before 3:15 p.m.
During a news conference, Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman said that the man who was shot by the officer was taken to the hospital.
“I don’t think there is any officer who feels good about having to use his or her weapon,” Roman said. “History tells me that these officers are upset that they had to use the tools available in the capacity that they did.”
With regards to the man’s condition, Virginia State Police Sgt. Rick Garletts said he did not know the exact condition, but did say, “I would certainly say it is life-threatening.”
Roman said that officers attempted to talk with two men who are believed to be involved in a shooting that happened on Monday.
When officers stopped the two, they ran.
Roman said as the officers went to chase them, one of the two men pulled out a gun and fired at the officers more than once.
Two officers fired back at the man, hitting him and then provided medical aid, according to Roman.
The police have not yet located the other man they were chasing.
Virginia State Police are also taking part in the investigation.
“We’ll get through this investigation together, and being as transparent as we can throughout this investigation,” Roman said. “In an instance like this, we’re reactive, in terms of trying to get every question answered and ensuring the community knows we’re being transparent.”
At 6:30 p.m., Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman held a news conference about the shooting, you can watch that below:
Stay with 10 News for more on this breaking story.
Roanoke police respond to an officer-involved shooting on June 25, 2020.