WV Officer, 2 Others Shot at Burglary Call; One Dead

A Charleston, WV, police officer was shot in the vest Thursday night around 11:00 p.m. responding to a residential burglary call, reports WSAZ .

Police say when Patrolman S. Johnson entered the home, he encountered gunfire from a man identified as Seth Hardwick. Patrolman Johnson was struck once in the torso, but was wearing his ballistic vest, which protected him. According to a criminal complaint, Johnson returned fire, killing Hardwick.

Another suspect was also shot inside the home by another officer who was responding to the scene, according to police.

Police say five men were involved in the incident. One waited in the vehicle, while Hardwick and the other three suspects exited the vehicle armed with handguns, according to police. They entered the home where they held the residents at gunpoint while demanding drugs and money.

The injured suspect remains in the hospital. All other surviving suspects have been charged.