MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he shot a man in the foot during an early morning incident that led to a SWAT response in the Flat Top area.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Mercer County Magistrate Court, deputies responded to a residence on Dunns Road at approximately 2:47 a.m. on July 7 after Mercer County E-911 received a report of a gunshot victim.
Investigators allege Anthony Charles Cain shot a man in the foot before retreating to a nearby single-wide mobile home. Deputies searched the area but were initially unable to locate Cain. After receiving information that he was inside the residence, deputies ordered him to come outside, but the complaint alleges he refused to respond or comply with commands.
The injured victim was removed from the residence and transported by Ghent EMS to Raleigh General Hospital for treatment.
Because Cain was believed to be armed and barricaded inside the home, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team was called to the scene. According to the complaint, SWAT members entered the residence and took Cain into custody without further incident after obtaining consent to enter from another resident of the home.
During the investigation, deputies executed a consent search of the property. Investigators reported recovering a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting, two marijuana plants, two spent 9mm shell casings from the driveway, and surveillance video that allegedly captured the incident.
While processing the scene, investigators also discovered what they described as a 9mm bullet hole in the front screen door of a nearby residence. According to the complaint, video footage showed Cain firing approximately two shots away from the residence before returning to his silver Volkswagen Jetta. After appearing to react to gunfire, investigators allege Cain then fired approximately two additional shots toward the front of the occupied home.
The complaint states six people were inside the residence at the time of the shooting.
Investigators also determined Cain had a previous felony conviction in North Carolina for selling or delivering marijuana in 2005, according to the complaint.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Cain agreed to speak with investigators. According to the complaint, Cain said a heated argument occurred on the front porch of the residence and claimed the other man fired a gun in his direction before he returned fire toward the residence.
Cain has been charged with malicious assault, use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, manufacturing, delivering or possessing with intent to deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, and six counts of wanton endangerment involving a firearm.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court, and Cain is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
