HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Police shot and killed a man Tuesday morning who had committed an armed robbery just minutes earlier, authorities said.
Huntington officers responded to 9th Avenue and 10th Street at about 6 a.m. after receiving a report of an armed robbery. They spotted Jarod Lee Smith, 41, of Huntington. He matched the description of the suspect. Smith was holding a woman with him at gunpoint. Officers said they told Smith to drop the gun but he ignored them. He pulled out a second gun and shot at police.
According to police, Smith then tried to enter the Speedway convenience store on 8th Street but couldn’t get in. He then tried to steal a car. Police said he was using the woman as a human shield.
Smith then shot at a police cruiser several times and officers returned fire. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman being held hostage, whom Smith was living with, was not injured.
Police said Smith had an extensive criminal record.
Huntington Police Chief Hank Dial said officer training paid off Tuesday.
“Their actions were exactly as they are trained to do,” Dial said in a news release. “They quickly engaged the suspect and ended the threat to themselves and others. Without their immediate and well-coordinated response, it is likely others would have been injured or killed. They are to be commended for their bravery and professional response.”
Mayor Steve Williams said violent crime won’t be tolerated in Huntington.
“Thankfully, officers were able to protect our community members who were in the area at the time and walked away free from harm,” Williams said.
The officers involved were placed on administrative leave, per policy, while an investigation into the shooting continues.