MENU
SEARCHA suspect who fatally shot a West Virginia trooper and wounded two other officers late Tuesday was shot and killed by a Roane County Sheriff's deputy who tracked him to a barn.
West Virginia Trooper Marshall Bailey. Photo: WVSP
A suspect who fatally shot a West Virginia trooper and wounded two other officers late Tuesday was shot and killed after several sheriff's deputies tracked him to a barn.
Trooper Marshall Bailey, a 16-year veteran, was killed by a handcuffed auto-theft suspect at the Wallback park-and-ride on Interstate 79 in Clay County, Col. Jay Smithers, West Virginia State Police superintendent, said during a Wednesday afternoon press briefing.
The incident began when Troopers Bailey and Eric Workman spotted a white Chevy Silverado that had been reported stolen. A dispatcher sent the troopers to the area, after a 911 caller reported a reckless driver of the Silverado at 7:25 p.m.
Troopers Bailey and Workman, working in one cruiser, stopped the vehicle at 7:36 p.m. at the park-and-ride. The officers arrested the driver, 20-year-old Luke Baber, after determining he was intoxicated. Baber was searched, handcuffed, and placed in the back of the cruiser. The troopers called for a tow truck.
While seated in the back of the cruiser, Baber pulled out a Hi-Point 9mm pistol and fatally shot Trooper Bailey. Baber then shot Trooper Workman, who remains in "extremely critical condition" in a coma at CAMC General Hospital. Baber also stole Trooper Bailey's service weapon, Col. Smithers said.
Baber then shot the two truck driver, Frank Massey, who arrived to pick up the vehicle. Massey returned to his truck and called for help.
Sheriff's deputies from Clay County and Roane County searching for Baber located him at a nearby barn. Deputies engaged Baber, who shot Roane County Deputy John Westfall three times in the wrist, left arm, and abdomen. Baber was killed in the return fire.
Deputy Westfall's vest likely saved his life.
"The thoughts and prayers of the West Virginia State Police are with the family of the fallen trooper and with those who were injured," Sgt. Michael Baylous, a state police spokesman, said in a release.
There have been 39 West Virginia troopers killed in the line of duty, Col. Smithers said.
By Paul Clinton
Related:
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Read More →