UPDATE
A homicide suspect is dead, and an officer is seriously injured after a shooting on Melrose Avenue in Roanoke, according to Roanoke Police.
At 11:30 a.m., we’re told Roanoke City Police responded to a homicide in the 1600 block of Lawrence Avenue SE. That’s where Roanoke City Police say they found a man who had been stabbed multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
[WATCH: Roanoke Police hold press conference on officer-involved shooting]
Officers believe that the man stabbed to death and the suspect knew each other but did not provide further details as to what may have led to the incident.
“It’s unknown when exactly the homicide occurred, but it’s believed to be as early as mid-week this [past] week,” said Roanoke City Police Chief Scott Booth.
We’re told that later that day at about 4 p.m., three officers approached the man identified as a suspect in the homicide, walking along Melrose Avenue. The man then pulled out a gun and started firing, according to police.
“Shots were exchanged between several Roanoke police officers and the suspect,” said Booth.
Police said an officer was struck by gunfire and is being treated at LewisGale Hospital. According to RPD, the suspect was also shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
We’re told the officer is talking and alert. As of 8 p.m. Sunday, authorities said she is out of surgery but is still in critical condition.
The names of the officer and suspect have not been released. We’re told the suspect was a 39-year-old man.
“This is a very sad and traumatic day for our community and members of our department, but as a new chief, I have been here for about 35ish days now, to realize that I can lead a department that can take fire like that and still act heroically. I witnessed officers rendering lifesaving techniques to our officers and potentially saving a life there.”
Booth said officers came in on their day off to help with the shift and their department during a traumatic time.
“I’m so proud to be the chief here and to see a department that’s rallying around, not just an officer that was shot in the line of duty, but the entire department and for what they’re going through.”
Booth told 10 News that the officers were wearing body cameras.
“I have personally viewed that video, and it shows that our officers acted heroically when they approached that suspect, and he fired upon our officers.”
Virginia State Police is handling the investigation.
We’ll continue to update this breaking news story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY
There is a large police presence at Melrose Towers in Northwest Roanoke.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 News on air and online as we continue to learn more.
Source: WSLS News 10
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