Developing Story: Man with gun led to police chase ending at Beckley intersection

BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It was late morning when a man with a gun was seen along Robert C. Byrd Drive and the entrance to Route 19 just outside of Beckley.

The area was closed to traffic while police tried to subdue the individual. Police with their guns drawn followed the man onto the roadway.

Shots were fired and the man was seen falling to the roadway. It is unclear who fired first. The condition of the individual is not known at this time, nor have the circumstances been released as to what led up to this confrontation with police this morning.

This is a developing story and WOAY will bring you more information as it becomes available.

*UPDATE —

On Wednesday morning at approximately 9:47 a.m. on July 6, 2022, calls came to local and state law enforcement about an armed suspect fleeing from a crash. It was on Dry Hill Road in Beckley.

According to the release from the West Virginia State Police, the suspect then stole a blue truck and fled the scene in an unknown direction. A short time later, the suspect was located near the Raleigh Mall in the stolen vehicle.

After refusing to stop for officers, a pursuit ensued which led into Fayette County and then back into Raleigh County. The chase ended when the vehicle was disabled off of Route 19 in Bradley.

A few minutes after the suspect’s exit of the vehicle, a standoff occurred with law enforcement. Drawing a handgun the suspect began to open fire resulting in returned gunfire from law enforcement that led to the suspect’s death.

The investigation is still ongoing and WOAY will continue to give further information as it becomes available.

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