Roanoke Police launch Summer Shield initiative
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – In an effort to reduce violent crime over the summer and this holiday weekend, the Roanoke Police Department has announced 'Operation Summer Shield.'
RPD said this strategic initiative will be a 'sustained and coordinated' campaign including felony warrant apprehensions, targeted traffic enforcement, and proactive criminal interdiction.
Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and members of Probation and Parole, will start by removing violent offenders and repeat criminals ahead of the summer holiday season with the execution of violent felony and high-risk warrants.
RPD arrests five in connection to Market Street shooting
Additionally, RPD will conduct downtown saturation patrols on Friday and Saturday nights during peak bar hours as part of this initiative and will implement high-visibility traffic enforcement to 'further deter criminal activity.'
'This joint enforcement with Virginia State Police Motors will include saturation patrols in high-crime areas, DUI enforcement, occupant safety checks, and reckless driving suppression.'
Police said they hope to deter fights, weapons violations, and disorderly conduct in the city's busiest nightlife area.
'Operation Summer Shield reflects RPD's ongoing commitment to community safety, collaborative partnerships, and ensuring a safer summer for the Roanoke community.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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