SHORT GAP, W.Va. — A gunshot incident that started as a verbal domestic dispute Wednesday was determined to be a justified self-defense shooting.

By Liz Beavers

lbeavers@newstribune.info

Tribune Managing Editor

SHORT GAP, W.Va. — A gunshot incident that started as a verbal domestic dispute Wednesday was determined to be a justified self-defense shooting.

According to a spokesman for the West Virginia State Police, officers responded to the incident, which had escalated from a verbal domestic to a physical one, at approximately 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at a residence on Plum Run Road near Short Gap.

Officers said a juvenile within the residence had attempted to leave when the dispute escalated and call 911. Upon exiting the residence, she reported hearing two gunshots within the home still occupied by two males.

Upon arrival, members of the Mineral County Sheriff's Department and Keyser Detachment of the West Virginia State Police were able to take the shooter into custody while the wounded male was treated.

The wounded male, who was reportedly wounded in the right leg, was ultimately transported via Trooper 5 to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. A landing site for the helicopter was set up at Frankfort High School.

Members of the WVSP CSRT (Crime Scene Response Team) responded to the residence while other members interviewed the juvenile who had called 911, as well as the male responsible for discharging the firearm. Police said he was fully cooperative with them in their interrogation.

Following the initial investigation and consultation with the Mineral County Prosecutor, the male responsible for the shooting was released.

Officers said the evidence on scene supported the individual’s claim that the shooting was a justified self defense shooting.

The names and additional information are being withheld as further investigation is currently ongoing.



Short Gap and Fort Ashby fire and EMS units also responded to the scene.



