BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — An officer from the Bluefield Police Department is dead after an accident on Princeton Avenue in Bluefield early Tuesday morning. The crash involved two cruisers from the Bluefield Police Department and one cruiser from the West Virginia State Police.
“Last night shortly after midnight four Bluefield police officers and one state police officer was involved in a vehicle pursuit. That pursuit took place on Bluefield and Princeton Avenue,” Bluefield Police Chief Dennis Dillow said during a Tuesday press conference. “It ended up at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Lee Street. Unfortunately, that scene ended up in an accident at which time we lost a member of our Bluefield Police Department.”
Dillow and other Bluefield City officials took no questions at the briefing. The name of the officer killed was not released. The other officers involved were treated and released.
“I would like to remind everyone that these men that were out there last night doing what they do every night, they have families, they have friends so please keep that in mind as you meet their families and find out who they are,” Dillow stated. “At this time, due to respect for their families, because some have not been completely notified, I will not be releasing any names.”
The pursuit and accident apparently involved a DUI suspect and one person is in custody. Authorities have not revealed the identity of the suspect at this time. Two other Bluefield officers and the Trooper involved in the accident were treated and released at a local hospital. Their names have also been withheld
The investigation is being handled by the West Virginia State Police.