02-16-2011, 12:24 PM
just breaking:
CharlestonGazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Three U.S. marshals were shot while trying to serve a warrant in Elkins this morning. The man who shot them was then killed by law enforcement, according to sources close to the investigation.
The marshals and State Police troopers were at the home of Charles Smith at about 8:30 a.m. to serve a warrant on him for failing to appear in court on possession of drugs and firearms charges, according to sources.
After announcing that they were there to serve a warrant, officers breached the door and stepped into the house.
Smith then opened fire with a shotgun, hitting one marshal in the neck, one in his bulletproof vest and one in the arm or hand, according to sources.
A marshal and trooper then fired at Smith, killing him, according to sources. The trooper likely fired the shot that killed him, sources say.
The marshal shot through the neck was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. His condition is unknown.
A statement from the U.S. Marshal's office confirmed that three marshals were shot and that two were taken to a local hospital for treatment and one was transported by helicopter.
State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous could only confirm that there was a shooting incident in Elkins while officers attempted to serve a warrant.
edit to add:
WOWK
ELKINS -- Authorities with several different law enforcement agencies are on the scene of a fatal shooting in Elkins.
Around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputy U.S. Marshals were trying to serve an arrest warrant on Charles Smith at his house on Central Street, according to officials.
When they entered the home, Smith shot one deputy, in the neck. A second deputy was shot in the shoulder with a shotgun. The third deputy received facial injuries from shrapnel from the shotgun, Federal Magistrate Judge John Kaull said.
Officers returned fire, killing Smith, Kaull said.
Two of the deputies have been taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where they underwent surgery. One of the deputies died at the hospital, according to Kaull.
The third deputy was taken to Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins.
Smith was armed with both a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun, Kaull said.
Judge Kaull issued the warrant for Smith, who was wanted on Federal drug charges dating back to 2006, early Wednesday morning, he said.
Smith had lived in the house for about a year, neighbors said.
Authorities have blocked off the streets surrounding the house.
CharlestonGazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Three U.S. marshals were shot while trying to serve a warrant in Elkins this morning. The man who shot them was then killed by law enforcement, according to sources close to the investigation.
The marshals and State Police troopers were at the home of Charles Smith at about 8:30 a.m. to serve a warrant on him for failing to appear in court on possession of drugs and firearms charges, according to sources.
After announcing that they were there to serve a warrant, officers breached the door and stepped into the house.
Smith then opened fire with a shotgun, hitting one marshal in the neck, one in his bulletproof vest and one in the arm or hand, according to sources.
A marshal and trooper then fired at Smith, killing him, according to sources. The trooper likely fired the shot that killed him, sources say.
The marshal shot through the neck was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. His condition is unknown.
A statement from the U.S. Marshal's office confirmed that three marshals were shot and that two were taken to a local hospital for treatment and one was transported by helicopter.
State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous could only confirm that there was a shooting incident in Elkins while officers attempted to serve a warrant.
edit to add:
WOWK
ELKINS -- Authorities with several different law enforcement agencies are on the scene of a fatal shooting in Elkins.
Around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputy U.S. Marshals were trying to serve an arrest warrant on Charles Smith at his house on Central Street, according to officials.
When they entered the home, Smith shot one deputy, in the neck. A second deputy was shot in the shoulder with a shotgun. The third deputy received facial injuries from shrapnel from the shotgun, Federal Magistrate Judge John Kaull said.
Officers returned fire, killing Smith, Kaull said.
Two of the deputies have been taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where they underwent surgery. One of the deputies died at the hospital, according to Kaull.
The third deputy was taken to Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins.
Smith was armed with both a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun, Kaull said.
Judge Kaull issued the warrant for Smith, who was wanted on Federal drug charges dating back to 2006, early Wednesday morning, he said.
Smith had lived in the house for about a year, neighbors said.
Authorities have blocked off the streets surrounding the house.