MARTINSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 29-year-old man was shot and killed by deputies Sunday morning after reportedly attacking a Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputy with a hatchet, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incident began around 7:41 a.m. on October 5, when deputies responded to a report of a missing person identified as David Edward Browne, who had last been seen the night before after leaving a bonfire at his home.
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The caller told deputies that Browne had been off his prescribed medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had displayed paranoid behavior, and discarded his identification and electronic devices.
About 30 minutes later, deputies received another 911 call reporting that a naked man armed with a hatchet had attacked a woman in her driveway, striking her vehicle several times and breaking windows before fleeing the scene.
At approximately 8:16 a.m., deputies learned Browne had returned to his home on Jenny Wren Drive.
When deputies arrived, Browne’s mother met them outside and told them her son was inside, armed and destroying property.
As deputies approached, Browne emerged from the side door and attacked Cpl. McBee with the hatchet. Deputies fired their weapons, striking Browne. They immediately secured the hatchet and provided medical aid until emergency personnel arrived.
Browne was taken to Berkeley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said a full investigation is underway. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
