BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — A Bluefield man is jailed facing charges connected to the death of a Bluefield City Police officer.
Mercer County Prosecutor George Sitler confirmed late Tuesday Morgan Smith Walker, 27, of Bluefield was charged with DUI causing death with reckless disregard and obstruction. Investigators say he was the suspect officers were after in a pursuit early Tuesday morning on Princeton Avenue. The chase ended in a wreck involving three police cruisers.
A member of the Bluefield Police Department was killed. The identity of that officer has still not been made public as work continues to notify his extended family. However, city officials say he was an officer who was heavily involved in the community and well known and well liked. He was also a family man. Three other Bluefield police officers and a State Trooper involved in the accident were treated and released at a local hospital.
Walker is lodged in the Southern Regional Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bond.
A vigil was held on Tuesday evening for the deceased officer. Mercer County Pastor Gary Moore led the service and said Tuesday’s accident spotlight the dangers law enforcement officers face every moment they are on duty. Community leaders say the city is devastated by the loss of the officer.