MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A suspect was shot and killed by officers responding to call to assist EMS in Berkeley County this week.
Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Eric Burnett tells the Panhandle News Network officers were asked to assist EMS who were responding to a Breathing complaint involving a 65 year old female at a home on Grapevine Road in Berkeley County Thursday night around 11:30.
EMS reported a man with a machete and a rifle brandished those weapons at the door of the residence when the first responders tried to get in the house.
Dispatch relayed to the officers that the woman did not have a breathing problem but was afraid of being harmed by the man.
EMS told dispatch the man threatened to open fire on law enforcement when they arrived.
The woman was transported to Berkeley Medical Center.
Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputies and the West Virginia State Police arrived on scene and established a perimeter. Shortly after midnight Friday, law enforcement encountered the man, who appeared to have a rifle. They ordered the man to drop his weapon. He refused, and reportedly “raised his weapon in a threatening manner.”
“Both deputies and troopers discharged their weapons,” according to Burnett, who said the man was shot and died as a result of his injuries.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force are investigating the shooting. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division will conduct a separate internal investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
Press Release from BCSD:
On Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 2328 hours, EMS received a “Breathing Complaint” for a 65 year old female located at a residence off Grapevine Road within Berkeley County. On the same date at 2341 hours, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 dispatch call to assist EMS. Deputies were advised of an individual with a machete and a gun (rifle) at the door of the residence. EMS attempted to make entry and that is when the male suspect brandished weapons. At 2343 hours, EMS advised they had the patient. EMS further advised the male suspect advised when Law Enforcement arrives he would open fire. At 2346 hours 911 advised Law Enforcement that the patient indicated to EMS she did not have a breathing problem but was afraid of physical harm by the male suspect. The female was transported to Berkeley Medical Center. Berkeley County Sheriff Deputies and West Virginia State Police arrived on scene and established a perimeter. Shortly after midnight on February 14, 2025, Officers on scene encountered the male suspect armed with what appeared to be a rifle. Officers on scene gave commands for the male suspect to drop his weapon. The male suspect refused and raised his weapon in a threatening manner. Both deputies and troopers discharged their weapons. The male suspect was shot and died as a result of his injuries.
