FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont investigation into a stolen vehicle that resulted in a shooting began with a witness call to 911 in Harrison County.
A friend of the owner spotted the maroon 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 parked at Muriale’s Restaurant on Fairmont Avenue.
Clarksburg officials confirmed the vehicle was reported as stolen on June 20.
According to Police Chief Steve Shine, a Fairmont officer arrived at the restaurant and ordered the driver, Stephen Anthony Haller, 48 of Fairmont, and his passenger, Laciana Denise Roush, 40 of Clarksburg, to place their hands on the steering wheel and dashboard.
They reportedly initially complied.
Two other city officers arrived on scene and began to provide cover as the first officer on scene made way to the back of the car to verify the license plate.
At that time, an officer “identified a threat to safety as the driver took transgressive and illegal actions. The officer responded to this threat by discharging his duty pistol twice at the offender,” according to Shine.
Haller was struck as the vehicle was in motion which resulted in the Oldsmobile crashing into the side of the restaurant.
Roush was taken into custody, evaluated at Fairmont Regional Medical Center and then transported to the North Central Regional Jail on outstanding warrants.
Haller was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital by Marion County Rescue Squad.
Thursday afternoon, Haller was being guarded by police and was listed in serious condition.
Fairmont investigators discovered an outstanding arrest warrant on Haller. He will be charged in the stolen vehicle investigation.
Evidence continues to be reviewed and police indicated further charges could be pending.
West Virginia State Police were requested to investigate the officer shooting. The officer, who is expected to be identified later, has been placed on paid administrative leave until at least next week.
White Hall and Fairmont State University police assisted in the investigation as well as Marion County Sherriff’s deputies, the Fairmont Fire Department and Marion County 911.