BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 25-year-old Bluefield man has been arrested after allegedly firing multiple shots at a vehicle carrying five minors near Mercer Mall on Thursday, October 16, Mercer County authorities reported.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched around 3:38 p.m. to 360 Napa Lane after reports of a shooting near the intersection of Mercer Mall Road and Bulltail Hollow Road.
Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle struck six times on the driver’s side, including a flat front tire. Inside the vehicle were four teenagers and one infant.
Witnesses identified the shooter as Christopher Tyler East, operating a black Chevrolet Camaro.
According to statements from the driver and a passenger, East followed their vehicle near Mercer Mall before exiting his car at the intersection.
After a brief verbal exchange, East allegedly fired multiple rounds from a handgun at the vehicle, striking it six times.
Two rounds entered the passenger compartment—one below the area where the infant was seated and another hitting the steering wheel near one of the victims.
One victim reported that East was armed with a tan FN509 handgun with an extended magazine and flashlight.
A passenger described the firearm as “camo” in color. Deputies recovered four 9mm shell casings at the scene and located a bullet in the front tire and a bullet fragment in the vehicle’s door seal.
Authorities apprehended East without incident at a residence near Bluefield. Deputies recovered a tan FN509 handgun from East’s vehicle.
East has been a charged with wanton endangerment involving a firearm. He is currently at Southern Regional Jail.
