MALDEN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Tuesday evening, October 22, 2024, a man wanted on felony charges was fatally shot by police following a standoff in the Malden area of Kanawha County.
Officers from the Charleston Police Department and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to a home in the 1000 block of Snowbird Drive around 6:43 p.m. in search of the suspect.
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According to the KCSO, when officers tried to contact the man, he fled into nearby woods armed with a firearm. Officers attempted to negotiate his surrender, but the suspect refused to comply.
The situation escalated when the man brandished the firearm, prompting officers to open fire. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by law enforcement, the suspect succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Section arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting and spent several hours collecting evidence.
It was confirmed that the suspect had an active felony warrant issued by a Circuit Court Judge.
Body camera footage from the officers involved has been reviewed.
Authorities report that after fleeing into the woods, the suspect was found holding a firearm to his head and repeatedly refused to drop the weapon despite numerous commands from officers.
At one point, the man reportedly shouted at officers to kill him before pointing the firearm in their direction.
Feeling their lives were in immediate danger, a Charleston Police Officer fired, fatally wounding the suspect.
No officers or community members were harmed during the incident, and authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office will continue to lead the investigation and provide further updates as necessary.
