(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Tragedy struck in Mingo County, West Virginia, on Friday when Sergeant Cory Maynard, a state police officer, was fatally shot while responding to a report of a shooting at a residence.
Timothy Kennedy, 29, is accused of instigating the gunfire, which resulted in Maynard’s death at a local hospital after being shot.
Kennedy is currently facing charges of first-degree murder.
After the shooting, he fled the scene, which set off a manhunt that spanned several hours. The search operation caused a delay in a graduation ceremony planned for Friday evening and compelled residents to stay indoors.
Later on Friday, law enforcement officers apprehended Kennedy in a stolen vehicle at a checkpoint. He is currently in detention, and denied bail.
In the past, Sgt. Maynard was recognized for his exceptional service. In 2015, the state police acknowledged his efforts when he provided first aid to a man involved in a vehicle pursuit. The man had crashed his car and then injured himself by stabbing his neck.
Another individual, Benjamin Adam Baldwin, 39, was also harmed during the shooting incident. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he is in serious but stable condition.
Investigators are still attempting to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Responding to the tragedy, West Virginia’s Republican Governor, Jim Justice, expressed his deep sorrow on Twitter. He admired the courage of law enforcement officers and first responders who risk their lives daily for public safety.
In his heartfelt message, Justice asked all West Virginians to support Trooper Maynard’s family, friends, and fellow officers during this challenging period.
He praised Maynard’s service, reminding the public of the state police award Maynard earned in 2015.
