Man sustains self-inflicted gunshot wound in confrontation at court building
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PARKERSBURG - Charges are anticipated against a 41-year-old man who reportedly shot himself after confronting Wood County sheriff's deputies Sunday night in front of the county judicial annex building.
At approximately 9:09 p.m. Sunday, sheriff's Sgt. J.C. Edwards was in the area of Court Square and heading back to the sheriff's office when he saw a gray Dodge Ram truck stopped at Court Square and Market Street, according to a news release posted on the Wood County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. When he stopped behind the vehicle, its reverse lights briefly came on, indicating it had been shifted into drive, the release said.
The truck turned right onto Market Street, then drove up onto the sidewalk and grassy area in front of the Holmes R. Shaver Judicial Annex, where the Wood County Circuit Court rooms and offices are, the release said. The truck came to a stop in front of the entry doors.
Deputy Emily Browning joined Edwards at the scene and the driver exited the truck and confronted them, the release said. Deputies observed him open carrying a .45-caliber handgun.
The man did not comply with deputies' orders and produced a small-caliber handgun from a pocket, then shot himself in the upper torso, the release said.
Parkersburg Police arrived on scene and assisted in performing life-saving measures on the man. He was taken to WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition, the release said.
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel generally does not identify people in suicide attempts.