CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The 80-year-old man killed by police Monday morning in Harrison County pulled out a gun and refused multiple orders to disarm, according to investigators with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department.
Three Clarksburg police officers were attempting to serve a protective order against Robert Matz of Clarksburg Monday morning.
Matz was reportedly “belligerent and argumentative” and stated multiple times that he would kill the petitioner, according to a release by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department.
Police also said Matz displayed a folding knife during the altercation, lied to police about a gun being present in the residence, and then pointed a revolver at an officer.
After numerous verbal commands were ignored, an officer opened fire and struck Matz in the chest, the release states.
Body cam footage worn by two of the officers is currently under review.
Matz was prohibited from owning a firearm, having been convicted of domestic violence in 2011.
Investigators also said Matz had a history of both domestic violence and threats against law enforcement.