
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990                   TAG: 9006090375
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Laurence Hammack
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

POLICE ATTEMPT TO BREAK UP CROWD

Dozens of Roanoke police officers were patrolling the area of 11th Street Northwest early today in an attempt to disperse large crowds that have pelted passing cars with rocks and bottles in the past week.

A portion of the 500 block of 11th Street that has been the most frequent site of problems was blocked to traffic, and patrol cars were stationed at almost every corner in surrounding blocks.

Police had intended to break up nightly crowds that have gathered near a Caribbean restaurant at Moorman Road and 11th Street.

Although there was not a concentrated crowd after police arrived, some troublemakers continued to roam the streets in smaller groups.

At least one car - driven by a Roanoke Times & World-News reporter - was struck in the drivers-side window with a bottle thrown by a youth standing just a few feet away. A gunshot was heard seconds before the bottle was thrown.

A police spokesman confirmed early this morning the increased presence was in response to disorderly crowds in the area. The spokesman reported no serious incidents as of about 1:30 a.m. today.

by CNB