Bluefield, WV (WOAY)- A man is facing charges in connection with a shooting that endangered the lives of multiple minors in Mercer County.
According to a Mercer County Magistrate Court criminal complaint, 25-year-old Christopher Tyler East, of Bluefield, faces six felony counts of wanton endangerment involving a firearm.
The arrest stems from an incident on October 16, near the intersection of Mercer Mall Road and Bulltail Hollow Road in Princeton.
Around 3:38 PM, deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the area.
Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle riddled with bullet holes on the driver’s side, including the front tire, indicating it had been struck at least six times.
Inside the vehicle were five minors, four teenagers, and one infant.
No injuries were reported, but authorities stress that the outcome could have been far worse.
Witnesses identified the shooter as Christopher Tyler East, who was reportedly driving a black Chevrolet Camaro.
Investigators say East followed the victim’s vehicle before confronting them at the intersection.
After a verbal exchange, East allegedly exited his vehicle and opened fire with a tan FN509 handgun, discharging multiple rounds into the vehicle.
Two of those rounds struck the passenger compartment, one hitting just below the infant’s car seat.
Deputies recovered four 9mm shell casings at the scene, along with a bullet in the front tire and a fragment in the door.
Authorities located East later that day at a residence near Bluefield and took him into custody without incident.
Police discovered a firearm matching the witness description in his vehicle.
Under West Virginia law, wanton endangerment involving a firearm is a felony, carrying a penalty of one to five years in prison, or up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
East remains in custody as the investigation continues.
