Wallback , Clay County , West Virginia

West Virginia State Police Wednesday afternoon released the name of the trooper who was killed and the trooper and deputy who were injured during a shootout Tuesday in Clay County. They also released the name of the suspect who was killed.

State Police Cpl. Marshall Lee Bailey was the trooper killed in the shooting, State Police said during a news conference at State Police headquarters in South Charleston. Trooper Eric Michael Workman was wounded and is listed in critical condition at Charleston Area Medical Center. Roane County Sheriff’s Deputy John Westfall also was injured in the incident.

The suspect who was killed in the shootout was Luke Baber of Oak Hill, State Police said.
State Police said at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday the two troopers pulled over a car for reckless driving at the Wallback Park and Ride off Interstate 79 in Clay County. The suspect was taken into custody and placed in the back of a State Police cruiser. While the two troopers were awaiting a wrecker to tow the suspect’s vehicle, it is believed that Baber shot both officers with a gun he had in his possession when he was apprehended, State Police said.

Several minutes later, King’s Wrecker Service arrived on the scene. The driver of the wrecker, William Massey, was shot in the arm by Baber, but he was able to escape and call for help within minutes. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. A short time later, sheriff’s deputies from Clay and Roane counties encountered Baber in a wooded area. Gunfire was exchanged, resulting in the suspect’s death.

Bailey died at the scene. Westfall was shot by the suspect in a wooded area shortly before Baber was killed. Westfall was transported to CAMC, and his injuries appear to be non-life threatening.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said it has been a very difficult day for the law enforcement community. "This afternoon, I'd ask all West Virginians to pray for the family of the courageous State Police trooper who was killed in the line of duty, and for the other three individuals who were injured and remain in the hospital," Tomblin said. "This terrible tragedy reminds us of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day to keep us safe. Please keep them in our prayers."

State Police Col. Jay Smithers thanked all of the local and federal agencies that assisted authorities in locating the suspect. "We had an outpouring of support, and we're very appreciative of the collaborative effort that helped us locate Mr. Baber so quickly," Smithers said. "This afternoon, I'd ask folks to continue to pray for the other individuals who were injured."

** West Virginia State Police photo is of Cpl. Marshall Bailey who was killed in a shooting in Clay County.

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Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Wednesday that it has been an emotional night and morning, but he is pleased to see the outpouring of support for the officers affected by the shooting in Clay County.

A West Virginia state trooper was killed and another trooper and a Roane County sheriff’s deputy were wounded in the shooting. The suspect, who was killed in the incident, had been pulled over for drunken driving.

Tomblin stopped by Charleston Area Medical Center Tuesday night to lend comfort and support. He said the tragic death of the trooper is a grim reminder of the tough jobs that police officers perform every single day. The governor said the men and women who put on a badge put their lives on the line so we can go about ours.

More details are scheduled to be released at a news conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday at West Virginia State Police headquarters in South Charleston. Eyewitness News will livestream the news conference on this website.

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Eyewitness News will livestream a 3 p.m. press conference Wednesday with updated information on the Clay County shooting that claimed the life of a trooper and injured two other officers and a bystander. The suspect was killed in the gunfight.

West Virginia State Police and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin are scheduled to be at the press conference.

Check the Eyewitness News website for the livestream link.

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Family members of a Roane County sheriff’s deputy who was wounded during a shootout in Clay County told Eyewitness News that he had surgery Wednesday morning and was expected to be OK.

The deputy was shot during an incident Tuesday night. A West Virginia trooper was killed and another state trooper was injured. The suspect was killed. A tow truck driver also was injured.

Family members of the deputy said he was shot three times, once in the right hand, the shoulder and stomach. He was wearing a bullet proof vest. They said he was talking and the prognosis is good.

Meanwhile, fellow officers have been at Charleston Area Medical Center to show their support for the wounded officers who are being treated there. No information was available on the condition of the state trooper who was wounded.

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Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and there was an outpouring of support Wednesday following a shooting that claimed the life of a state trooper, wounded another trooper and a Roane County sheriff’s deputy. The suspect was shot and killed in the incident.

Tomblin held a short briefing to provide updates on the shooting that occurred Tuesday night in Clay County. Statements of support and sympathy came from many groups and individuals, including Sen. Joe Manchin and the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association. In Huntington, police officers were wearing black arm bands in support of the downed officers.

Manchin said, “Gayle and I were deeply saddened when we learned of this terrible incident and immediately prayed for the fallen officer, those who were injured and their families. Our law enforcement and first responders perform an amazing job each and every day, never blinking in the sight of danger. We join with fellow West Virginians as we continue to keep these officers and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”

The West Virginia Sheriff’s Association expressed its sympathy in a news release to all of those involved in the shooting. “It is incidents like these that remind us of the dangers of entering a law enforcement career. It is not just a job; it is a way of life. Our men and women in uniform make a conscious decision every day to put their lives on the line to protect all of us. It doesn’t matter if you wear green, blue or black – you are family. Those involved are in our thoughts and prayers, and we ask everyone to take the time and thank those in uniform today for their service.”

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for further updates.

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One West Virginia State Trooper is dead, another is in the hospital with critical injuries, and a Roane County deputy and a tow truck driver are expected to recover, after all being shot by a suspect who was then shot and killed by police.

Details are still being sorted out, but it appears as though the incident started at the Wallback exit Park 'N Ride off Interstate 79 around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

West Virginia State Police Spokesman 1st Sgt. Michael Baylous says the troopers were shot after conducting a traffic stop for reckless driving.

That's when the suspect obtained a weapon, and shot the troopers. A tow truck driver was also shot when he responded to the scene.

The suspect fled, but was later found by a Roane County Sheriff's deputy. Baylous says gunfire then ensued. The suspect was shot and killed, while the deputy suffered non life threatening injuries.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued the following statement:

"Early this evening several police officers were shot in the line of duty in Clay County. As we wait to hear from law enforcement and medical personnel on the conditions of these officers, Joanne and I hold them and their families in our prayers, and ask all West Virginians to join us. This tragedy reminds us of the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers make every day to keep us safe."

Names of those involved have not been released, pending family notification.

The last West Virginia State Trooper fatally shot in the line of duty happened in 1993 when Trooper Larry Hacker was killed when responding to a dispute between two neighbors in Ritchie County.

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