July 06, 2011

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Police shoot W. Va. man in standoff

Dispatchers said a man would not negotiate during a standoff lasting more than 3 hours

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By Kathryn Gregory
Charleston Gazette

WAYNE COUNTY, W. Va. — A Wayne County man was shot and killed by law enforcement officers Sunday evening after taking a threatening stance on the roof of his trailer and directing a weapon at police.

At 7:55 p.m. on Sunday, West Virginia State Police troopers and members of the Wayne County Sheriff's Department responded to a disturbance call on Rutherford Lane in Genoa. When officers arrived, they found Charles A. Miller, 50, on the roof of his residence armed with a handgun and a long gun, according to State Police.

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Wayne County dispatchers said the man would not negotiate with police during the more than three-hour standoff.

Around 11 p.m., after several hours of attempted negotiations, Miller displayed a weapon in a threatening manner toward law enforcement. Police fired at Miller, who died from his gunshot wounds, according to State Police.

It was unclear Monday whether the fatal shot was fired by a state trooper or a Wayne County sheriff's deputy.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones and friend of Mr. Miller. Incidents like these are tragic for everyone involved," said State Police Col. C.R. "Jay" Smithers. "Unfortunately, we are experiencing an alarming increase in armed confrontations such as this, and the safety and well-being of our troopers and other law enforcement personnel is of great concern."

This is the second officer-involved shooting in Southern West Virginia in recent months.

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