Duty Death: Marshall L. Bailey - [Clay County]
By Police1 Staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One trooper was killed and another wounded by gunfire following a traffic stop Tuesday night in which the suspect used a concealed handgun.
Authorities said two West Virginia State Police troopers noticed an erratic driver and pulled the vehicle over in Clay County, east of Charleston. Police and the suspect were involved in an altercation during which the suspect opened fire.
The suspect was being placed into the patrol car when he escaped his handcuffs, drew a concealed weapon and shot both troopers, killing Corporal Marshall Bailey, 42, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. He then shot and wounded a tow truck driver at the scene to impound the vehicle.
Sgt. Michael Baylous said the suspect fled and was involved in another gunfight with the Roane County deputy who spotted him, opened fire and killed him.
The wounded trooper was last reported in “very serious” condition with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WSLS.
“This tragedy reminds us of the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers make every day to keep us safe,” Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said in a statement.