UPDATED: 8:30 a.m., 5/26/22
Police said a woman who was lawfully carrying a pistol shot and killed a man who began shooting at a crowd of people Wednesday night in Charleston.
Dennis Butler was killed after allegedly shooting at dozens of people attending a graduation party Wednesday near the Vista View Apartment complex. No injuries were reported from those at the party.
Investigators said Butler was warned about speeding in the area with children present before he left. He later returned with an AR-15-style firearm and began firing into the crowd before he was shot and killed.
“Instead of running from the threat, she engaged with the threat and saved several lives last night,” Charleston Police Department Chief of Detectives Tony Hazelett said.
Officers did not go into detail, but said Butler did have an extensive criminal history.
Hazelett said no charges will be filed against the woman.
UPDATED, 7:07 a.m. 05/26/22
Charleston police said a man who was shot late Wednesday night has died.
During the investigation, police said investigators learned Dennis Butler was approached earlier in the night about him speeding in the Vista View Apartment complex while children were playing.
Butler then left the complex, but later returned, parked in front of the 1300 Renaissance Circle complex and pulled an AR 15-style rifle.
Police said Butler fired his weapon at people attending a birthday or graduation party.
A bystander at the party quickly drew their weapon and fired at Dennis Butler, fatally wounding him.
No one else was injured.
Several witnesses waited for police to arrive and fully cooperated with the investigation.
The investigation will be turned over to the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s office for review, but at this time, no one has been charged.
ORIGINAL STORY
Dispatchers report the victim of a shooting in Charleston has been transported to a hospital to receive medical treatment.
The incident occurred at the Vista View Apartments complex on Renaissance Circle late Wednesday night.
Charleston police responded to the scene to investigate.
Additional details will be released once they become available.