Charges in deputies shooting headed to grand jury

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Criminal charges against a Cabell County man in connection with his son’s shooting of two sheriff’s deputies are on their way to a grand jury for consideration.

Michael Lane Pinkerman

According to Cabell County Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Dan Ferguson bound over charges against Michael Lane Pinkerman, 56, of Ona, to a grand jury following a preliminary hearing Friday.

Pinkerman allegedly shielded his son, Michael Pinkerman II as he shot at deputies on Oct. 31. Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle said police were attempting to enter the Ona area home to execute a search warrant. He was under investigation in connection with shots fired at the Ona Volunteer Fire Department.

Deputies Jared Cremeans and Jimmy Johnston were shot. They returned fire killing Pinkerman II. The elder Pinkerman was then charged with two counts of being an accessory to attempted murder.

Both deputies have been released from the hospital. Johnston, whose bullet-proof vest caught several shots, testified during Friday’s preliminary hearing.

Sheriff Zerkle previously told MetroNews what happened inside the Pinkerman home was not a surprise.

“It’s a rough world we live in and the violence is escalating on police officers every day and this was a classical example of it that this guy did not want to comply and he was willing to risk his lives and others lives,” Zerkle said.

 





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