W.Va. State Police trooper fatally shot in Mingo County, suspect apprehended

Publish date: 2024-07-07

MINGO COUNTY, W. Va. (WCHS) — UPDATED: 11:00 p.m. 6/2/23

Emergency dispatchers report law enforcement officers have apprehended a man connected to a deadly shooting that unfolded Friday in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County in West Virginia.

Timothy Kennedy, 29, was arrested late Friday, according to Mingo County dispatchers.

State Police were met with gunfire Friday afternoon after responding to a shooting complaint. The shootout resulted in the death of Sgt. Cory Maynard and a manhunt for the suspect followed as multiple law enforcement agencies poured into the area.

The news of Maynard's death has stirred reactions from state officials. Services for the fallen trooper have not been announced.

UPDATED: 7:05 p.m. 6/2/23

Gov. Jim Justice has reported a West Virginia State Trooper was fatally shot in Mingo County Friday. Multiple law enforcement agencies have joined a widespread search of the Beech Creek area to look for the suspect.

Sgt. Cory Maynard was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire near Matewan, Justice said.

The governor released the following statement regarding the incident:

Cathy and I share our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt prayers to all of Trooper Maynard’s loved ones and the entire law enforcement community of West Virginia for this tragic loss tonight. The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all. I again ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in embracing Trooper Maynard’s family, loved ones, and all of our courageous West Virginians in uniform during this incredibly difficult time.

The Governor's Office has ordered all U.S. and West Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the following trooper starting immediately. Additional reactions from West Virginia officials have poured in from across the state.

Investigators report 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy is wanted in connection to the shooting. Troopers said they were met with gunfire when they responded to a shooting complaint near Matewan.

The manhunt for Kennedy delayed graduation ceremonies at Mingo Central High School and emergency workers urged area residents to stay indoors until the suspect has been located.

Anyone with information on the suspect or shooting may contact State Police at 304-746-2158.

UPDATED: 6:20 p.m. 6/2/23

West Virginia State Police are leading an investigation after a trooper was shot Friday in Mingo County.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy of Beech Creek, West Virginia, according to a news release from State Police.

The news release said State Police were met with gunfire when responded to a shooting complaint in the Beech Fork area and a trooper has been transported to Logan Regional Medical Center.

The trooper's condition was not immediately available.

The search for Kennedy has postponed graduation ceremonies at Mingo Central High School and spurred emergency workers to urge area residents to stay indoors until the suspect is found.

Anyone with information on the suspect or shooting may contact State Police at 304-746-2158.

UPDATED: 5:40 p.m. 6/2/23

West Virginia State Police report a trooper was shot in Mingo County Friday afternoon. The incident has sparked a search in the Beech Creek area involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

The shooting incident has postponed graduation ceremonies at Mingo Central High School as emergency workers urge area residents to seek shelter indoors as law enforcement searches the area for an armed suspect.

The extent of the trooper's injuries were not immediately available.

Law enforcement officers from multiple counties are combing the area and a State Police helicopter has been dispatched to the scene.

Gov. Jim Justice released a statement on social media concerning the incident.

"Please join Cathy and I in praying for this trooper and all law enforcement involved in the incident this evening," Justice said.

Eyewitness News has a crew headed to the area to collect more information.

UPDATED: 5:25 p.m. 6/2/23

Mingo County Schools have issued an urgent announcement as multiple law enforcement agencies search for a suspect connected to a shooting incident that occurred Friday afternoon in the Beech Creek area.

School officials have been advised to secure Mingo Central High School and the surrounding campus, according to a social media post from the district.

The post said graduation ceremonies have been postponed as students and guests are directed not to travel near campus until law enforcement clears the area.

UPDATED: 4:45 p.m. 6/2/23

Emergency workers in Mingo County are urging residents to take shelter after a shooting incident was reported Friday afternoon.

A social media post from Mingo County Emergency Management said an "armed suspect is on the loose in the Beech Creek area."

The post said law enforcement officers from multiple counties have joined the search.

A State Police helicopter has been called to the scene to look for the suspect.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Emergency dispatchers report a shooting occurred Friday afternoon in Mingo County.

Dispatchers said the incident took place Friday about 2:30 p.m. along Beech Creek Road.

Mingo County dispatchers said West Virginia State Police are leading an investigation.

Eyewitness News has a crew headed to the scene to collect more information. This story will be updated with additional details as it becomes available.

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