GRAFTON, W.Va. — One of the two people shot by police officers on back-to-back days last week in Taylor County officially faces charges of attempted murder.
Kyle Jenkins, 24, of Grafton, is accused of two counts of attempted murder. On Thursday, February 2, Jenkins allegedly attempted to attack Grafton Police Chief Robert Beltner, fled, and then allegedly advanced with his knife upon a second officer of the Grafton Police Department.
The second officer opened fire, wounding Jenkins.
“He is in the hospital,” Taylor County Prosecutor John Bord said. “My understanding was that he was in stable condition.”
On Friday, Taylor County Sheriff Terry Austin opened fire on Daniel McMasters, 38, while trying to serve a bench warrant. McMasters had failed to register as a sex offender.
Bord said Monday that the preliminary information indicate the shooting was justified–McMasters had allegedly pointed a weapon at the Sheriff.
“I’ve been in Taylor County all my life,” Bord said. “I can’t recall an incident where an officer shot anyone.”
He does not believe Sheriff Austin will need to take administrative leave following the shooting.
The West Virginia State Police are investigating both shootings. Bord said he is awaiting more information on the McMasters shooting from the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
“The M.E.’s Office in Charleston, it could be 30 days to two or three months getting a report from them,” Bord said.
Bord could not offer any additional comment on the Kyle Jenkins shooting, which is now an active criminal investigation.