UPDATE: (February 6, 2020, at 7:45 am) GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – The investigation of the shooting incident of January 07, 2020, by members of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department has culminated in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
At approximately 12:10 a.m. on January 07, 2020, members of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office and the WV State Police responded to a report of shooting at a residence on Brush Road near Maxwelton.
During the initial investigation, officers would learn that the residents of the home were awakened by someone yelling outside and a vehicle was observed in their driveway. The subjects outside were yelling and inquiring as to the whereabouts of two individuals, neither of whom were know by the occupants of the home. They were then told to leave the premises. One of the subjects then fired multiple gunshots at the residence from a small-caliber firearm. One of those discharged rounds ultimately struck a teenage resident inside the house.
The victim of the shooting was subsequently transported to a medical facility in the state of VA and treated for their injuries. The scene was processed by members of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Team for evidence. The round removed from the victim would be secured by Sergeant T. C. Webber, of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office, for evidence.
Through the ensuing investigation, a suspect was developed, identified as Kip Aaron Sears, age 31, of White Sulphur Springs, WV. On Friday, January 17, 2020, Mr. Sears was arrested by Corporal R. D. Baker and Corporal S. W. Hudnall, of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office, on an unrelated charge and was incarcerated in the Southern Regional Jail. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a small-caliber semi-automatic handgun.
The secured handgun, as well as the round that was removed from the victim, were submitted to the WV State Police lab for analysis. Ballistic examinations revealed the submitted round to have been fired from the weapon found in possession of Kip Sears.
On Wednesday, February 05, 2020, Kip Sears was arraigned before a Greenbrier County Magistrate on the following charges and incarcerated in the Southern Regional Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.
1) Persons prohibited possessing firearms
2) Wanton endangerment involving a firearm
3) Malicious assault causing bodily injury
4) Assault during commission/attempt to commit a felony
5) Use of a firearm during commission of a felony
Additional charges as a result of this investigation are anticipated.
Sergeant T. C. Webber is the lead investigator.
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UPDATE (1/7/2020 8:51 A.M.) – The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office and WVSP responded to a shooting in the Maxwelton area.
On the scene, officers found that a teenager had suffered a single gunshot wound. Authorities administered first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was flown to an out-of-state hospital where they are now in stable condition.
The gunshots came from outside of the home, firing into the residence where the victim was shot. Authorities believe it was a targeted attack, but the perpetrators identified as two males in a dark-colored vehicle targeted the wrong location.
An investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on this incident, call the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office at (304) 647-6634.
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LEWISBURG, WV (WOAY) – Authorities are investigating an overnight shooting in a rural area of Lewisburg.
Dispatchers say White Sulphur EMS and the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting around 12:10 a.m. last night. One person was injured in the shooting and was airlifted to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is unclear.
It is unknown if anyone has been arrested in the incident.
This is a developing story. Stay with WOAY for further updates.
