Officer Involved Shooting Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

W.Va. Man Arraigned In Fatal Shooting Of State Trooper

A suspect in the fatal shooting of a West Virginia state police officer was arraigned Saturday on a first-degree murder charge.

Timothy Kennedy, 29, was arraigned by video in Mingo County Magistrate Court. Kennedy of the Mingo County community of Beech Creek, near Matewan, was being held without bond in the Southwestern Regional Jail. Jail records didn’t indicate whether Kennedy had an attorney who could comment on the charge.

Dozens of police officers had searched for Kennedy for hours. He was arrested in a stolen vehicle Friday night at a law enforcement checkpoint, news outlets reported.

Earlier Friday, Sgt. Cory Maynard and two troopers had responded to a complaint of a shooting at a home and were fired at when they arrived, state police said in a statement. Maynard was shot and taken to a hospital in Logan.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Maynard’s death in a statement Friday night and said he was “absolutely heartbroken.”

“The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all,” Justice said.

Maynard earned a state police award in 2015 after he administered first aid to a man was had been involved in a pursuit, crashed his vehicle and stabbed himself in the neck in the Eastern Panhandle, according to state police.

During the initial shooting Friday, Benjamin Adam Baldwin, 39, of Matewan, was shot with a rifle. He was in serious but stable condition Saturday at a hospital in Charleston, state police said. The motive for the shooting is unknown and remains under investigation.

Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors during the search for Kennedy, and a Friday night graduation ceremony at Mingo Central High School was postponed.

The shooting happened in the same county where Sheriff Eugene Crum was shot to death in April 2013 in a spot in Williamson where he usually parked his car for lunch. A suspect later was found incompetent to stand trial and was ordered to be committed to a state mental health facility for life.

Update: WVSP Trooper Killed In Shooting; Suspect In Custody

Sgt. Cory Maynard of the West Virginia State Police was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire near Matewan, Friday.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Updated on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:20 a.m.

(AP) Officers responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County and were met with gunfire upon arrival, police said in a statement. Maynard initially was taken to a hospital in Logan.

The suspect, Timothy Kennedy, 29, of Beech Creek, was taken into custody Friday night following an extensive search, State Police said later in a brief statement.

No other injuries were reported, and further details on the shooting were not immediately made public.

Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, issued the following statement.

“This morning, we join with West Virginians across the state as we mourn the tragic death of West Virginia State Trooper Sgt. Cory Maynard,” he said. “As a young officer with our State Police in the Eastern Panhandle, Sgt. Maynard was recognized with a Lifesaving Award for his actions in the line of duty. He continued to exemplify the qualities of compassion, bravery, and service throughout his career. His ultimate sacrifice in his service to his community and to our citizens will not be forgotten. The Senate joins with Governor Justice and our fellow West Virginians across the state in praying for Sgt. Maynard’s family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers. We pray for the safety and protection of all of West Virginia’s first responders, and thank each of you for your service to your communities and the State of West Virginia.”

Updated on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 8:21 p.m.

Sgt. Cory Maynard of the West Virginia State Police was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire near Matewan, Friday.

The suspect in the shooting is 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy.

A State Police press release notes that:

“Troopers responded to a shooting complaint in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County. Once on scene the Troopers were met with gunfire. The Trooper was transported to Logan Memorial Hospital.

The shooter is not in custody and several other members of the West Virginia State Police are on scene attempting to locate the suspect identified as 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy of Beech Creek, West Virginia.

Anyone with information on the location of the suspect should notify the West Virginia State Police at 304 746-2158. Timothy Kennedy should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Gov. Jim Justice issued the following statement:

“Cathy and I share our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt prayers to all of Trooper Maynard’s loved ones and the entire law enforcement community of West Virginia for this tragic loss tonight.

The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all.

I again ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in embracing Trooper Maynard’s family, loved ones, and all of our courageous West Virginians in uniform during this incredibly difficult time.”

Justice issued a proclamation ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all state-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff, beginning immediately in honor and remembrance of Maynard.

The flags are to remain at half-staff through the day of services celebrating his life. Additional details regarding memorial arrangements will be announced as soon as they become available.

Graduation ceremonies at Mingo Central High School were postponed but are back on schedule.

West Virginia Police Department Mourns Loss Of K-9 Axel

The funeral for Charleston K-9 officer Axel will take place Thursday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Charleston Coliseum.

Updated Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022 at 10:15 a.m.

The funeral for Charleston K-9 officer Axel will take place Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Charleston Coliseum. Visitation will start at noon and is open to the public.

According to city officials, Civic Center Drive will be accessible for Coliseum and Convention Center parking. Two lanes of Quarrier Street will be closed beginning at 11 a.m. at Clendenin Street.

Charleston Police Chief James “Tyke” Hunt said K-9 Axel was shot Saturday at close range by wanted felon, 50-year-old Samuel Paul Ranson of Charleston.

Police were dispatched to a home on East Point Drive late Saturday night. Hunt said Ranson was trying to flee when he shot the police dog within “arms reach” of two police officers, including Axel’s handler, Ptl. Clendenin.

Hunt said the officers returned fire. Ranson, who was wanted on an active felony warrant of malicious wounding charges in connection with a recent stabbing, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A procession for K-9 Axel was held on Sunday and Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin ordered city flags to be lowered to half staff in honor of the fallen K-9.

Axel was one of six canines working with the police station. Born in the Czech Republic, the dog was brought to the department in early 2021 from a kennel in North Carolina.

“I never want to see any loss of life in the city of Charleston,” said Hunt. Even for the family members of the offender, you know that’s still someone’s son, brother, grandchild. But for us, your police department, we lost an officer.”

K-9 Axel will be honored during a funeral service later this week. Details will be announced by city officials.

Hunt said the department will submit its full report on the shooting to the Kanawha County prosecutor’s office.

Respects Paid, Memories Shared At Funeral Of Fallen W.Va. Deputy Sheriff

Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff Tom Baker was laid to rest Wednesday.Mourners came from near and far to pay their respects to a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty

Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff Tom Baker was laid to rest Wednesday.

Mourners came from near and far to pay their respects to a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

Last Friday night, Baker and Corporal J. Ellison responded to a domestic disturbance. Baker was shot and killed, Ellison was wounded. One of the assailants was also killed, a second is jailed and charged with murder.underearrest fo murder.

As deputy fire chief with the Summersville Fire Department, Brian Bell worked fires, accidents and disturbances side by side with Baker. As he helped organize the honors at the Summersville Arena and Convention Center funeral site, Bell said his friend Tom was a great guy with the badge on or off, a man who gave his all for his community.

“Anytime I’ve seen him out on a car accident or anything, he was smiling and doing this job while being respectful to people,” Bell said. “He took it seriously, but he showed a lot of respect to people that were in need.”

Connections can be distant but compelling. Sgt. Julian Hinton traveled from Chesterfield County, Virginia. Hinton said a close friend of the men and women in his department is the brother of a Nicholas County deputy who was involved in the disturbance that left Deputy Tom Baker dead. Hinton said, as a fellow officer, he was compelled to pay his respects.

“It’s something that is a bond in the law enforcement community that we show respect since it was the ultimate sacrifice,” Hinton said. “Personally, I’ve been a member of the Honor Guard for several years. It’s just something that is in the heart.”

Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen traveled from the Eastern Panhandle. He came to pay respects to a fellow officer and help send a message.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for over 35 years. I’ve been to too many funerals,” Hansen said. “My men, and every other law enforcement officer, go out every day to protect and serve whatever community, county, state they work, and they are not the enemy.”

Hansen said it’s all about mutual respect and honoring one who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Nicholas County Deputy Killed In Line Of Duty Shooting

A Nicholas County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed and another injured in an officer involved shooting Friday evening in Birch River. One suspect was killed, according to the West Virginia State Police, and a second was wounded.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Updated on June 4, 2022 at 11:35 a.m.

Nicholas County Sheriff William F. Nunley released the following statement:

On June 3, 2022, Nicholas County Sheriff Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the Birch River area around 5pm. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Ritchie Holcomb (DOB 12/77/85) and Tyler Kelly (DOB 04/25/94) located in a camper. The two came out of the camper talking with deputies, at some point the suspects became agitated running back into the camper.

Deputies pursued them into the camper discharging a taser. The suspects then began firing at officers, officers backed out of the camper where shots fired continued.
Deputy Tom Baker was struck in the back, while Cpl. J. Ellison was struck in the leg. Baker passed due to his injuries. Ellison was treated for the gunshot wound and released. Holcomb passed due to his injuries, Kelly was taken into custody after a short standoff and physical altercation.

The West Virginia State Police is currently working the investigation regarding the shot officers.

At 7:43 p.m., deputies responded to an active shooter call according to a post on the Wilderness Fire Departments web page. The two deputies initially went to the Birch River home to serve a warrant when two suspects inside opened fire, according to media reports.

Brent Tyler Kelly, 28, has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in Central Regional Jail under no bond. The name of the shooter who died has not been released.

The names of the deputies have not been officially released.

Gov. Jim Justice released a statement about the shooting.

“Cathy and I ask all West Virginians to keep Nicholas County in your prayers right now,” he said. “Tragically, a Nicholas County Deputy was shot and killed when responding to an incident earlier tonight. Another deputy is in critical condition. Both deputies were airlifted to the hospital.”

***Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a press release from the Nicholas County sheriff.