MARLINTON, W.Va. — .A state police trooper is hospitalized after being shot in the stomach Monday evening in Pocahontas County.
West Virginia State Trooper First Class Josh Tallman, from the Elkins Detachment, responded to a call in Pocahontas County after a driver had fired a shot from a rifle at Pocahontas County Sheriff J.P. Barlow.
The shooting happened after a single vehicle crash. The shooting suspect ran into the woods.
“The guy fled into the woods armed and Trooper Tallman and others encountered him a couple of hours later,” said West Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Jan Cahill. “He exchanged gunfire and was hit in the process and took down the suspect.”
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was killed in the incident. It’s unclear what prompted the initial incident involving the sheriff’s department.
Tallman was taken by helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was hit below his body armor.. Tallman’s family posted on social media he came through the surgery okay and doctors determined there was no internal organ damage.
Cahill and many members of the State Police visited with Tallman and his family at the hospital Tuesday.
“He took a serious wound and he’s endured one surgery and will probably face another,” said Cahill. “He appears to be doing well for what he went through and he’s quite a lucky young man.”
Gov. Jim Justice also talked with Tallman on the phone. The governor tweeted earlier in the day.
“Cathy and I are praying for Trooper Tallman and his family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask all West Virginians to join with us in wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Cahill said Tallman and the other responding officers were heading into a dangerous situation.
“This line of work, it can be an uneventful day and then you can go from zero to 60 in about one second,” he said.
State police are conducting an investigation, trying to find a motive for the shooting and they are praying for Tallman.
“We all know every day when we put this uniform on that it can happen but it’s a call that you never, ever want to get. It’s a range of emotions for sure. Your first instinct is to run and go help and I’m sure that’s what the guys in that area did,” said State Police Spokesperson Captain Shallon Oglesby.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released a statement in connection with the shooting.
“Gayle and I are deeply saddened to hear of the shooting of State Trooper Josh M. Tallman in the line of duty last night in Pocahontas County. We are always grateful for those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve West Virginians. Trooper Tallman’s family, friends and loved ones will remain in our prayers and we pray for his speedy recovery.”