HENSLEY, W.Va. — State police troopers shot and killed a McDowell County man Sunday evening after he came toward them with a hammer, an agency spokesman said.
Joseph Newcomb, 32, of Hensley, was inside his mobile home when troopers from the Welch detachment arrived to do a wellness check. Hensley’s family hadn’t heard from him for a few days.
“Family members also advised they had previously been involved in confrontations with Mr. Newcomb and were fearful in approaching him. Therefore, they requested that the State Police check on him,” West Virginia State Police spokesman Lt. Michael Baylous said in a news release.
According to troopers, Newcomb came toward them with a hammer raised in his hand and said he was going to kill them.
“The troopers repeatedly shouted for Mr. Newcomb to drop the weapon as he continued to advance toward them,” Baylous said.
Newcomb was shot. He died later at Charleston Area Medical Center.