Suspect dead after WVSP trooper shot during traffic stop

UPDATE 7/17/23 @ 9:45 p.m.

RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The suspect in a shooting that involved a West Virginia State Police trooper on Monday morning has died, WVSP said later that night.

Around 7 p.m., Scott O’Brien was seen running from a wooded area near a church off of Independence Road in the Coal City area of Raleigh County.

Troopers say O’Brien was still armed and did not obey commands to drop the weapon. Lethal force was used to stop him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

During a traffic stop Monday morning, troopers say the suspect fired one shot, hitting a WVSP trooper in the elbow. He drove away from the scene.

WVSP say the investigation is ongoing. Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.

ORIGINAL STORY

MIDWAY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A West Virginia State Trooper was shot Monday morning during a traffic stop.

According to a press release, WV State Police says the trooper pulled over a white Jeep Grand Cherokee with West Virginia tags off of exit 42 on I-77.

During the traffic stop, the suspect produced a firearm and fired one shot, hitting the trooper in the elbow.

West Virginia State Police believe the suspect is Scott Arthur O’Brien of Hamilton, Ohio. Gray Television affiliate WVVA reports Monday night that the suspect is dead.

Police say Hamilton drove away from the scene in an unknown direction.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has older damage present on the driver’s side of the vehicle on the pillar, hood, and fender near the rearview mirror.

West Virginia State Police in the Beckley Detachment are asking anyone who sees the suspect or the suspect’s vehicle to please call the detachment at 304-256-6700.

Keep checking the WSAZ App for the latest information.

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