US Marshal killed, two injured while serving warrant in West Virginia

US Marshal killed, two injured while serving warrant in West Virginia

2011-02-17 03:09:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA (BNO NEWS) -- A U.S. Marshal on Wednesday was killed and two other injured while serving a warrant in Elkins, West Virginia, the Charleston Gazette reported.

The U.S. Marshals arrived to the residence of Charles E. Smith in Elkins at about 8:30 a.m. local time. The law agents were to serve a warrant for Smith for failing to appear in court on possession of drugs and firearms charges.

After announcing their arrival, the officers got into the house but Smith opened fire at the U.S. Marshals using a shotgun. One officer was shot in the neck, while the others sustained gunshots to their limbs.

The law enforcement agents returned fire and killed the suspect. Two injured officers were transported by ambulance to the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown while another was flown by helicopter.

The U.S. Marshal's office confirmed that three U.S. Marshals were shot and one died later, according to WHCS television. The other two are reportedly recovering from the injuries.

Smith, 50, has been wanted since 2006 for an indictment on charges of distributing cocaine and illegal gun possession. The identity of the three injured law agents was not disclosed.

West Virginia State Police troopers were also involved in the execution of the warrant. The Elkins residence has been secured by police officers and an investigation was launched.

On Aug. 16, 2006, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Maxwell issued a warrant for Smith from a federal indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.

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