PARKERSURG, W.Va. — State Police are handling the investigation of an officer involved shooting in Wood County from the weekend. The incident on Stillwell Road left one man dead, his brother in custody, and the deputy hospitalized.
“The Deputy sustained injuries while trying to make an arrest on Paul Bailey. There was a physical altercation, the deputy fired his pistol one time, and Mr. Bailey died ad a result off the incident,” said State Police Frist Sgt. Okey Starsick.
Bailey, age 21, of Walker, W.Va. was with his brother Shawn Bailey, 25, also of Walker when Lt. J.W. Allen of the Wood County Sheriff’s Department arrived to investigate a complaint.
“We don’t know the specifics of the actual disturbance other than there was a loud noise complaint which a neighbor had called 911 about. The deputy arrived with an average response to see what the disturbance was,” Starsick added.
Investigators said evidence showed Allen planned to arrest Paul Bailey and the two got into a fight, resulting in the shooting. Shawn Bailey was also engaged in the attack according to State Police. He is now charged with malicious assault on a law enforcement officer. Lt. Allen was treated at WVU Hospital Camden Clark in Parkersburg for severe facial wounds and underwent reconstructive surgery to his face.
Allen remained on administrative leave as an investigation into the incident continues. According to Sgt Starsick the early indication was the Deputy acted appropriately.
“The evidence is showing the deputy was physically attacked, absolutely,” he said.