After months of investigation, the Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force seized a large quantity of drugs from a home in Roanoke and arrested “a dangerous drug dealer,” Roanoke Police Department reported.
Authorities executed a search warrant on a home in the 1100 block of 22nd Street NW on February 1. The months-long investigation revealed the resident was “a dangerous drug dealer,” and police believed there were large quantities of narcotics inside, said RPD.
When officers went into the home, they discovered “large quantities of what was presumed to be loose fentanyl” and immediately left until safety equipment was brought to the scene to allow them to conduct the search and collect evidence, RPD noted.
Meanwhile, other officers located the suspect, 33-year-old Marcello L. Steelman, in a vehicle on Panorama Ave NW, and he reportedly attempted a getaway. When officers attempted to stop him, RPD said he drove around the police and hit one of the department’s vehicles.
Steelman was reportedly get away from that scene, prompting police to canvas the area. RPD said they later found the vehicle he was in.
At that point, Steelman jumped out and tried to get away on foot, according to RPD. A brief foot pursuit ensued, but he was caught and taken into custody.
After police got the safety equipment, RPD said they found:
- 917 grams of fentanyl (just over 2 pounds)
- 575 grams of meth (just over 1 pound)
- 15 grams of crack
- Four firearms
- $5,333 in U.S. currency
Steelman is currently facing three counts of possession with intent to distribute, one count of hit and run: occupied vehicle, one count of hit and run: property, one count of felony eluding, and one count of felon in possession of ammunition.
RPD said additional charges are pending. Steelman is currently being held at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center with no bond.
The 22nd Street NW residence was deemed unsafe for habitation by city code, RPD added.
“Our interdiction officers and the Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force were monitoring this area due to its ongoing issues involving violence and narcotics. This outcome shows that we are working in the areas that we need to be,” said Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth.
The Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of the officers from Virginia State Police, the Town of Vinton Police Department, the City of Salem Police Department, the Roanoke County Police Department, and the Roanoke Police Department.
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