MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Five Monongalia County Sheriff’s Deputies are on paid leave following a police-involved shooting last weekend.
Randall Beymer, 62, of Monongalia County, died from gunshot wounds following a confrontation with Sheriff’s Deputies Feb. 24 near a residence on Williams Road. Officers were responding to a report of “a man walking with a gun on the caller’s property.”
Beymer appeared to have a weapon, is accused of threatening police with said weapon, and reportedly told police he wanted a confrontation.
According to police, Beymer announced that he was armed and that “his intent was not to peacefully resolve the situation.” He was hiding behind a tree in a defensive position when he apparently lunged at an officer. That’s when the Deputies opened fire, killing Beymer in the process.
It was later determined that the weapon was a actually a “paint can gun” or “spray grip gun” with a black pistol styled grip and a trigger assembly resembling a handgun.
Beymer was under felony investigation for a separate incident at the time of the shooting. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (304) 291-7218.