🌱 Data Shows Most Violent Area + RVSPCA Needs Your Sewing Skills

Good morning, Roanokers! Time for the Saturday Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Keep reading to find out what's going on in town including these stories and more...

• Man shot and cars damaged.
• Search warrants at Williamson Road hotel.
• Sheriff’s Deputy wins Miss Virginia title.

Let’s motor!

But first, today's weather: Rain and a t-storm; cooler. High: 65 Low: 44.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Recent data obtained by news outlet WDBJ Channel 7 shows that violence is six times more likely to occur in the northwest quadrant of Roanoke than in southwest part of the city. City leaders are frustrated after several shootings this past week and say they hope the recent violence helps people come together to find a solution. “I think they correlate with other things we’re seeing in the city — highest poverty rates, greatest food insecurity, highest heat map index, less street canopy, overall health indicators,” said Vice Mayor Joe Cobb about the statistics. (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke Valley SPCA is currently looking for donations of blankets and for volunteers who sew and can make the blankets the appropriate size for the various homeless cats and dogs that come through the Fear-Free Certified animal shelter. “Whether someone is a beginner or a veteran seamstress, this is a fun and easy project,” said Erin Dams, program coordinator at the RVSPCA. And for students in need of volunteer hours, these at home projects count. For sewing directions, email edams@rvspca.org. (WDBJ)
3. An employee of Roanoke County Sheriff's Office recently won the title of Miss Virginia at a pageant, according to a Facebook post from the department. Sgt. Brandi Lazare took home the crown at the East Coast USA pageant. The Sheriff's Office shared a photo of Lazare to celebrate her win and said in a statement, “We love that our deputies continue servitude even outside of our agency.” (WSET)
4. ATF agents, Virginia State Troopers, Roanoke County, and Roanoke City police were at the Airport Inn Efficiencies on Friday morning. The authorities were there to serve two search warrants and an arrest warrant at the Williamson Road hotel. The serving of the warrants called for a state police tactical team to be in place, but the person or persons being sought was not made public. (WSLS)
5. An unidentified man is being treated for a gunshot wound after another shooting overnight, this time in Southeast Roanoke. 911 calls came in shortly before 12:30 a.m. and when officers arrived at the scene on the 700 block of Tazewell Avenue SE they found evidence of a shooting as well as several damaged vehicles. Officers were soon notified that a man had arrived at an area hospital in his personal vehicle with what appeared to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Police are investigating and asking for anyone with any information to come forward. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• Blue Ridge Marathon — Roanoke City Special Events (All Day)
• Pet Haven Helpers Event — Roanoke Valley SPCA (10 a.m.)
• The Roanoke Valley Children's Choir presents "A Little Spring Music" (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We’ve never gotten THIS species before! This is a Solitary Sandpiper, a bird species that only occurs in Virginia on migration as they head up to Canada and Alaska to breed.” (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "ROAD CLOSURES — The Blue Ridge Marathon is TOMORROW! Ahead of the race, we want to remind you that a lot of our streets will be closed to accommodate for the course. Signs will be posted to indicate road closures and no parking zones." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We're always appreciative of our fosters. They truly save lives by caring for some of the most vulnerable pets in our community and freeing up space for animals in the shelter. (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "We are proud to announce, RCPS has been awarded the Best Communities for Music Education Award for the 11th consecutive year! The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, and students." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com