Roanoke police report 7% reduction in shootings, cites role of community cooperation in reducing violence

Roanoke, Virginia – In a statement that resonates with a sense of cautious optimism, the Roanoke Police Department has reported a 7% reduction in fatal and non-fatal shootings in the current year compared to 2022.

The department’s Interim Chief, Jerry Stokes, suggests that a notable decrease in gang activity within the city, and the potential influence of various resource groups may be contributing factors to this decline. He acknowledges that gun violence remains a persistent challenge in the city. However, he asserts that a cooperative effort is vital in mitigating this issue.

Chief Stokes expressed a degree of frustration regarding the challenges posed by the public’s reticence. He said, “People’s unwillingness to assist us hinders a family or a victim from getting justice.” This sentiment echoes the frequent police admonition: ‘See something, say something’. However, for those seeking resolution, like Bobbie Casey, the phrase carries a deeper emotional weight.

Casey’s daughter, Kyyona, was tragically killed four years ago, and her case remains unresolved. Chief Stokes reassures that a cold case detective has been assigned to uncover the truth. “It’s not that we’re completely ignorant of what occurred or who may have been involved, but we live in a country where we have to have facts to prosecute someone,” he explained.

Kyyona’s case symbolizes the grim reality of youth-related violence in Roanoke City. However, Stokes suggests the dynamics are beginning to change. “Based on what I reported to the [Gun Violence Prevention Commission Tuesday night], it’s not concentrated in younger people anymore,” Stokes commented, suggesting a broader spread across age groups.

He further credits initiatives like RESET’s mentoring program and mental health clinics in helping to break the cycle of violence. “This year we don’t have as many gang and group involvement incidents,” Stokes stated, reflecting on the city’s positive strides towards combating gang-related crime.

However, Stokes acknowledges that violence persists. “Our community doesn’t like this and is intolerant of that [violence], and that is why the whole city has a response to this,” he emphasized. In response, the Roanoke Police Department has been collaborating with the Reform Initiative, assessing current training tactics and promoting inter-agency cooperation.

While there isn’t a universal solution to gun violence, Stokes and victims like Bobbie Casey remain hopeful that concerted community efforts can make a difference. In Casey’s words, “Somebody sees something, this is Roanoke. You not getting away in Roanoke without nobody seeing nothing.”