(Updated)3 U.S.Marshalls Involved In Shoot-Out With A Suspect While Serving A ‘No-Knock’ Arrest Warrant In Elkins,W.Virginia!!!…1 Marshall Dead,Suspect Killed

Residence of Police Assailant Charles Smith

Police in Elkins,West Virginia are reporting that 3 deputy U.S. Marshall’s have been shot and wounded by a suspect who they were serving a ‘No-Knock’ arrest warrant on, at his residence at 319 Central St. in Elkins,this morning, about 8:30 am.(CNN)

Scene of the shootout

Elkins is 195 miles west of Washington, D.C.(Source)

50-year-old suspect,Charles E. Smith shot one deputy in the neck with a handgun he was armed with,as soon as they entered his home to serve the warrant and take him in, and a second deputy was shot in the shoulder with a shotgun that he also used in the attack.(Source)

The third deputy received facial injuries from shrapnel discharged from that same shotgun that Smith was firing at the officers.(CBS)

By all reports, they were taken by surprise, but luckily, the officers were able to return fire, killing Charles Smith at the scene.(Source)

Federal Magistrate Judge John Kaull had issued the warrant for Smith, who was wanted on Federal drug charges, early Wednesday morning, because Marshals had been looking for Smith since March 2010,for a 2006 Federal grand jury indictment on possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.(Arrest Warrant)

Charles Smith was wanted for failing to appear in court on the drug possession and firearms charge, and had been spotted by an Elkins police office near his house on Central Street on February 10.(Source)

Neighbors are reporting that Smith had lived at the residence for a year.(NY Post)

“Immediately upon entry into Smith’s residence, three deputy marshals were fired upon by a shotgun blast and struck,” U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Dave Oney said.

“Deputies returned fire on Smith and he was shot dead on the scene.”(Fox)

Two of the injured officers were transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, the third deputy was taken to Davis Memorial Hospital and released was released after treatment.(Source)

Ruby Memorial Hospital

One of the officers that was taken to Ruby Hospital died during his surgery, unfortunately, and the other deputy made it through his emergency operation, and is, hopefully, expected to live and make a full recovery from his gunshot wounds.(Source)

…While federal officials have not released the slain deputy’s name, Bridgeport High School Principal Mark DeFazio identified him as 2005 graduate Derek Hotsinpiller…(Source)

Neighbors have described the building where the shooting occurred as a large home that had been converted into apartments, and that there had been no ongoing disturbances from any of the residents there.(HuffPo)

Today’s unfortunate incident illustrates the danger that our officers put themselves into routinely, on a daily basis. Even though every precaution is taken,thing can, and do, go wrong.

When I hear of these type of attacks on the police, I can understand why they must act like every time they engage the public, they are essentially putting their life in jeopardy. The suspects often use , as in this case, what I would describe as ‘excessive force’ in their desperate attempt to resist arrest.

No-Knock arrest warrant

Colonel T. S. Pack, Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police, issued the following statement:

Deputy U.S. Marshal Hotsinpiller is pictured in a photo provided by the US Marshall Service...may he rest in peace.

“Everyday, families of law enforcement officers live with the fact that their loved one may not return home following a shift of work. Today, we are experiencing that sad reality here in West Virginia. The senseless killing of a Deputy United States Marshal weighs heavy upon the heart of the West Virginia State Police family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends, and co-workers. May God provide comfort and understanding to all of us during this time of grieving.”(Source)

US Marshalls serving an arrests warrant

I wish all of these injured deputies well in the future, and for a speedy recovery….

(Officer Down Memorial page for Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller)