KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Terra Alta man was in jail without bond on a first-degree murder charge Friday following a shooting and chase by police in Preston County.
John Wayne Strawser, Jr., 37, is accused of fatally shooting Amy Lou Buckingham, 38, in the driveway of her North Street home in Tunnelton.
West Virginia State Police were called to the residence at 10:38 p.m. Thursday after neighbors reported they heard Strawser and Buckingham arguing followed by a gunshot.
Troopers said the two had been involved in a romantic relationship that may have been ending.
Preston County Sheriff’s deputies spotted Strawser traveling in a Subaru station wagon and performed a felony traffic stop.
According to 1st Sgt. Geoffrey Petsko, WV State Police, Strawser made a motion as police approached his driver’s side door which led to officers firing a round at the vehicle.
Strawser allegedly sped away, followed by deputies, where he took his vehicle through a gate into a field.
Police maneuvered vehicles to stop Strawser. His vehicle became stuck and caught fire.
Strawser then ran from the scene.
As police were executing a warrant at Strawser’s Terra Alta home, he showed up and was arrested without incident.
Strawser was arraigned early Friday morning and was taken to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
His preliminary hearing was scheduled for Friday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. in magistrate’s court.