ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE
Roanoke Police have released the names of the officers involved in this incident, in accordance with their department’s own practices. The officers are:
- Officer D. Gilliam, almost 2 years of service
- Officer R. Germ, 2 years of service
- Officer A. Longenecker, almost 2 years of service
- Officer T. Buquor, 5 years of service
- Sergeant T. Landes, 10 years of service
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event. We are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident, and we will continue to work with the Virginia State Police to ensure a complete and unbiased review. As always, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability to our community. Any community member who is in need of resources or support is encouraged to contact our Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma (RESET) Team for assistance, and can do so by calling our RESET Coordinator at (540)853-5304. I have the fullest confidence in the Virginia State Police team working this incident, and know that this will be a fair process for all involved.”
Chief Scott Booth
No further information is currently available, however, RPD has said more updates will be released regarding this information.
ORIGINAL STORY
Virginia State Police will be conducting an investigation after a domestic disturbance involving an armed man resulted in a fatal officer-involved shooting in Roanoke overnight, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
At 12:15 a.m., Roanoke Police were called to the 700 block of 29th St NW regarding the incident and arrived to find a woman outside of the home with a serious cut. The officers were then directed inside the apartment, where they encountered a man who was still armed with a knife.
Officers ordered him to drop his weapon, but he continued to advance toward them, ignoring their commands, according to the Roanoke Police Department. That’s when an officer deployed a taser in an attempt to de-escalate the situation; however, the suspect continued to move toward them, prompting the officers to open fire.
The 26-year-old suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene, authorities said. No officers were injured during this incident.
The injured female was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.
As per department policy, the Virginia State Police have been notified and will be conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. Their names will be released within 72 hours.
“Whenever we use deadly force in the community, it’s a tragedy,” said Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth. “We would much rather have a different outcome than what we’re standing here before you today and having to talk about. We rely on our partners in the State Police to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.”
The Roanoke Police Department held a news conference at about 5:30 a.m., which you can watch below:
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.