CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Summers County man who allegedly fired a handgun at a state trooper will be charged with attempted murder and wanton endangerment upon being released from Charleston Area Medical Center.
State police said Gary Richmond, 63, of Hinton, was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with the trooper at the suspect’s home Wednesday night around 6:30 p.m.
That trooper, Corporal J.D. Cooper, responded to a call about a man firing a gun in the River Road area of Raleigh County. Richmond reportedly answered the door holding a revolver and, despite orders to drop the gun, fired it at Cooper.
According to state police reports, Cooper was not hit but Richmond was wounded in return fire. Richmond was shot in the stomach and chest.
“I am relieved that Cpl. Cooper was able to return home to his family after his incident,” said Col. Jay Smithers, state police superintendent, in a statement.
“However, I am saddened by what seems to be an increasing trend of violent and aggressive behavior toward authority figures in our beloved state.”