Crime & Safety stories in Roanoke–Lynchburg

A man wanted for a stabbing in Kentucky was apprehended in Wise County, Virginia, following an officer-involved shooting. The Virginia State Police are investigating the incident that occurred early Sunday morning.

A man was arrested following a shooting incident in Salem on Friday afternoon. The police responded to the scene in the 1600 block of Lynchburg Turnpike, where one person was injured.

Michael Perry III faces new charges of aggravated murder during an abduction and abduction with intent to defile in the death of his wife. Two attorneys have been appointed to represent him in this ongoing case.

Leonard Blackwell Jr. has had his sentencing hearing postponed after being found guilty of second-degree murder in the strangulation death of Clarissa Jones. The jury's verdict came nearly five years after the crime.

A shooting incident in Salem left one person wounded after an argument escalated. The Salem Police Department responded to the scene on Friday afternoon.

Virginia State Police, in collaboration with federal and local agencies, seized over $733,000 worth of drugs and one firearm during investigations from October 14 to October 20. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes across the Commonwealth.

A Stafford man was arrested for vandalizing an Iwo Jima statue using a sledgehammer. The incident was reported by the Prince William County Police Department.

Kenneth Melvin Doss, a 34-year-old from Huntsville, Alabama, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for coercing his 13-year-old relative in Danville, Virginia, into sending sexually explicit images. Doss pled guilty to attempted coercion, highlighting the serious issue of child exploitation.

Human remains were discovered in Shenandoah National Park, prompting an investigation and the closure of a 9-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. The National Park Service has also reported an increase in wildlife interactions, raising safety concerns for visitors.

Virginia Commonwealth University reported a rise in alcohol-related arrests on or near its Monroe Park campus in 2025. This trend raises concerns about campus safety and student behavior.

Jahmal Edrine, a former University of Virginia football player, had sexual assault charges against him dropped just weeks before his trial. The charges included rape and abduction, which led to his removal from the team and school.

A man has been accused of beheading a statue at the Battle of Iwo Jima monument in Quantico, Virginia, causing extensive damage. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening and is estimated to have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

Michael Perry III, accused of aggravated murder in the death of his estranged wife Avriel Hooks, faces two new abduction charges. A jury trial is set for April 5 in Amherst Circuit Court.

Scammers are once again targeting recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant against these fraudulent activities.

Scammers are increasingly targeting mobile phones with sophisticated tactics. Experts provide five essential tips to help individuals safeguard their devices and personal information.

State Sen. Louise Lucas has been indicted by a Norfolk grand jury on charges including racketeering conspiracy and money laundering. The indictment follows FBI raids on her businesses, raising questions about the legality of her operations.

A woman working at an illicit massage parlor in Roanoke County reported to authorities that she was tricked into her employment. This revelation comes amid an ongoing investigation by local police.

A former prosecutor in Henrico County is suing Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, claiming he was terminated for reporting sexual harassment by a colleague. The lawsuit highlights issues of workplace safety and accountability within the legal system.

An Amherst County grand jury has indicted 20 individuals on drug-related charges, following a proactive initiative by the sheriff's office. A total of 41 indictments were issued on October 12.

A woman working at an illicit massage parlor in Roanoke County reported to authorities that she was tricked into her employment. This revelation comes amid an ongoing investigation by local police.

The Martinsville Bulletin has released its latest report on arrests made in Martinsville, Henry, and Patrick counties. This report includes details from public records, excluding certain juvenile cases and traffic citations.

Roanoke City Police report a 38% decrease in reported rapes from January to September compared to last year. Advocates highlight ongoing issues of underreporting and call for enhanced partnerships with law enforcement.

Thomas Seabolt, a Madison Heights resident, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman with an intellectual disability. The sentencing was carried out by Lynchburg Circuit Court Judge F. Patrick Yeatts.

Leonard Blackwell Jr.'s sentencing for the second-degree murder of Clarissa Jones has been postponed by a Lynchburg judge. Blackwell was found guilty in March for the 2021 strangulation death and concealment of Jones's body.

Thomas Seabolt, a 51-year-old Lynchburg resident, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the rape and sodomy of a woman with an intellectual disability. He will also serve three years of supervised probation after his release.

Mitchell Doss, a 26-year-old from Altavista, has been arrested on multiple charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. The arrest was made by deputies in Campbell County following investigations by local law enforcement.

A Radford University student has come forward with allegations of rape by two fraternity members, linking her case to a recent incident at Cornell University. The heightened public focus on the Cornell case has brought renewed attention to her claims.

A teenager has been sentenced to at least two years in a juvenile correctional center for the shooting death of a man outside an unlicensed bar in southwest Roanoke. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in the area.

A Roanoke man received time served after pleading no contest to a felony hit-and-run charge that resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man. The victim was struck while pushing a wheelchair across Williamson Road.

A Radford University student has accused two fraternity members of rape at an off-campus party in 2025, citing increased attention to her case due to a similar incident at Cornell University. The allegations have sparked discussions on social media platforms.