The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

March 19, 2010

Search for suspect in shooting of an Oak Hill officer ongoing

By Christopher J. Jackson Register-Herald Reporter

The search for the suspect involved in the Thursday morning shooting of an Oak Hill Police officer remains ongoing.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation and Sheriff Steve Kessler said Friday the search has spread outside Fayette County.

“We’ve notified other counties and adjoining states,” he said Friday. “Maybe we’ll get a break.”

The suspect is believed to be a black male who was last seen driving a “large dark-colored vehicle with Ohio tags,” authorities said.

Oak Hill Police Cpl. Chris Young was conducting a routine traffic stop at about 4:30 a.m. on W.Va. 61 a mile north of Oak Hill when the suspect got out of his vehicle, produced a hand gun and fired twice at Young, police reported. One bullet struck his cruiser’s door and the other the base of his sternum. Young was wearing a bullet-proof vest which saved his life.

Young was treated at Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill and released.

Kessler said they’re looking for somebody who may know the suspect.

“The feeling from everybody here is that he knows somebody,” he said. “We’re trying to get a lead, a name and where from exactly — just keep digging.”

Those with information or who see suspicious activity are urged to call the local 911 center or the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department at 304-574-4304 or Oak Hill City Police at 304-465-0597.

— E-mail: cjackson@register-herald.com

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