On Saturday night, January 24, 2015, just after 10:00 p.m. Corporals B. Adams and J. Lester of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an address on Do-Si-Do Lane in Mammoth, (Kelly’s Creek area) Kanawha County WV. Neighbors called 911 after seeing a fellow resident outside. They heard a gunshot and had not seen him since. They believed he may have committed suicide.
The same Deputy Sheriffs were there earlier that night (approximately 20 minutes before) assisting with a medical emergency being handled by the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority. That call involved the resident’s girlfriend. The resident (his name is being withheld as he was not charged with a crime) seemed to be in good spirits and was cooperative with medics. At no time did he indicate he was upset, emotionally unstable, or suicidal.
When 911 was called reporting the single gunshot the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was again dispatched. Corporals Adams and Lester approached the residence and found an open long-gun case near the door of the apartment. There were no signs the resident was in his apartment. A canine was called to assist in locating the resident, whom neighbors said walked toward a wooded area before they heard the gunshot.
While waiting on the dog to arrive the Deputy Sheriffs spotted the man standing near an abandoned car with a shotgun propped beneath his chin. He was staring blankly, straight ahead. He would not answer their questions or respond with any communication at first. Dogs barking nearby inhibited communication. Corporal Lester spoke calmly to him, and was able to convince the man to put the weapon away. The man tossed the weapon to the left, then walked into an open area and showed his open hands. Corporal Adams handcuffed the man, then walked him to medics who were waiting in a safe area.
The shotgun was loaded. One round was chambered.
The man requested he remain handcuffed while being transported to a hospital for evaluation. He said he often blacks out and does not know what he’s doing. He was able to communicate with the medics at that point, and better explain his condition.
The shotgun and ammunition were seized for safekeeping, and secured in the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office’s evidence section. It will be released in accordance with the law. No charges will be filed in connection with the event.
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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
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