On December 17, 2014 at approximately 9:00 a.m. Metro 911 received a 911 call reporting a shooting on the 5300 block of Starling Drive in Rand, WV. Deputy Sheriffs of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to respond. Other agencies assisted in the initial response, including the West Virginia State Police and United States Marshal Service. An ambulance from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority responded and transported the victim.
The victim, Gerald Martin Maxwell (28 years old of Rand), was shot in the head. He was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment. His injuries are considered life-threatening.
The Kanawha Bureau of Investigation responded to investigate the crime. The crime scene was documented and examined for evidence. Witnesses were questioned and neighbors interviewed. Within about 90 minutes a suspect had been identified.
Leonard D. Thomas (44 years old of Rand) was located in the 4900 block of Raven Drive. He was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, a felony. He was taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court and arraigned. A bond of $100,000.00 cash was set by Magistrate Lopez. Mr. Thomas was then taken to South Central Regional Jail.
The investigation into the incident is continuing.
Attached is a mug shot of Mr. Thomas taken during his arrest today. As is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Thomas is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Corporal B. D. Humphreys
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
301 Virginia Street East,
Charleston WV 25301
desk: 304-357-0732 / cell: 304-951-7328
Follow us on Twitter: @kanawhasheriff
