State Police Statement on Clay County Shooting - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

State Police Statement on Clay County Shooting

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WALLBACK, W.Va. -

The following statement about the fatal Clay County shooting was issued Tuesday night:

Earlier this evening, a member of the West Virginia State Police was shot and killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near I-79 in Clay County. Another member of the West Virginia State Police was seriously injured. A civilian tow-truck driver also suffered injuries. 
 
Following the initial shooting, the suspect fled the scene. The suspect traveled a short distance before a Roane County Deputy Sheriff located and engaged him. The suspect and the deputy sheriff exchanged fire. In that exchange, the suspect was killed and the deputy sheriff sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 
 
"The thoughts and prayers of the West Virginia State Police are with the family of the fallen Trooper and with those who were injured," said State Police spokesman First Sgt. Michael Baylous. "We will be releasing further information as it becomes available."