ELKINS, W.Va. — A man accused of attempting to break into a home is in the hospital after authorities shot him when he pulled a gun and refused to comply.
According to a press release, at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday, the Elkins Police Department received a 911 disturbance call of an individual driving recklessly and then banging on the door of the caller’s residence on South Kerens Avenue.
The man at the door, identified as Preston L. Burrows, 25, of Old Fields, was shouting for the resident to open the door or else he would kill himself.
When the Elkins Police Officer arrived on the scene, he encountered the man, who was carrying a handgun, near the residence. The man made statements consistent with a “Suicide by Cop” situation.
Troopers and other officers arrived on the scene to assist.
Preston pointed the handgun at the officers and as a result was shot at by three of the officers.
“Fearing for their safety and the safety of residents in the surrounding homes, officers were forced to defend themselves by firing on this person, wounding him,” according to a release from the city
Preston was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital after being critically injured.
An officer with the Elkins Police Department who fired his weapon has been placed on standard critical incident leave with pay while the incident is investigated.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“Last night’s events are a reminder of the dangers police officers face every day,” Elkins Mayor Van Broughton said. “I would like to express my gratitude to the officers, troopers, and deputies who risk their lives on our behalf every day. Please keep them in your prayers.”