http://wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=94425&catid=3One U.S. Marshal Killed, Two Injured in Elkins Shooting
Updated Wednesday, February 16, 2011; 01:54 PM
Three deputy marshals were shot. A deputy and the suspect were killed.
ELKINS -- Authorities with several different law enforcement agencies were called to the scene of a fatal shooting in Elkins.
Around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputy U.S. Marshals were trying to serve an arrest warrant on Charles Smith, 50, at his house on Central Street, according to officials.
When they entered the home, Smith shot one deputy, in the neck. A second deputy was shot in the shoulder with a shotgun. The third deputy received facial injuries from shrapnel from the shotgun, Federal Magistrate Judge John Kaull said.
Officers returned fire, killing Smith, Kaull said.
Two of the deputies were taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where they underwent surgery. One of the deputies died at the hospital, according to Kaull. The other deputy made it through surgery and officials with the U.S. Marshals said they hope for a full recovery.
The third deputy was taken to Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins, where he was treated and released.
Smith was armed with both a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun, Kaull said.
Judge Kaull issued the warrant for Smith, who was wanted on Federal drug charges, early Wednesday morning, he said.
In 2006, Smith was indicted by a Federal grand jury on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Marshals had been looking for Smith since March 2010, according to the search warrant.
On Feb. 10, an Elkins police officer saw a man matching Smith's description, near the house on Central Street, the warrant described. The officer informed the deputies, who then filed the search warrant, Tuesday. You can read the full warrant at the link below.
Smith had lived in the house for about a year, neighbors said.
Authorities have blocked off the streets surrounding the house.
The state police, the FBI, U.S. Marshals and the Randolph County Sheriff's Department are on the scene.
The Elkins Fire Department also responded.
A news conference is expected later Wednesday.
Link to warrant
