Shots fired incident during Martinsburg protests under investigation

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Tensions escalated during a downtown protest late Sunday when gunfire was heard nearby.

According to Martinsburg Police, a large crowd gathered in the 100 block of North Queen Street to protest the death of George Floyd. It was part of other protests across the state and nation in response to the Memorial Day incident in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Officers and protesters heard gunshots from the area of College Street and W. Martin Street. Police searched the area and found shell casings in a parking lot.

No injuries were reported from the shots fired incident. A witness told officers they saw a black male in dark clothing with a tan knit hat shooting a gun into the air. The suspect then fled onto College Street.

If you have information on the incident, contact Martinsburg Police at 304-263-2100.