HUNTINGTON — A 19-year-old from Huntington has died, one day after police say he was involved a shootout with Marshall University police.
Rashawn Jerrell Harless was treated at Cabell Huntington Hospital, but a nursing supervisor said he died this afternoon. He had received an apparent gunshot wound to the head after he exchanged gunfire with police Sunday evening, according to Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook.
The shooting occurred two days after Harless was released from the Western Regional Jail, according to the jail records. He had been incarcerated on charges related to a citywide drug warrant sweep last week.
It is the fourth police-involved shooting in the past year in Huntington.
The incident occurred after customers at a gasoline station at 6th Avenue and Hal Greer Boulevard alerted the Marshall University Police Department to a man who was in possession of a handgun, Holbrook said.
University and city police officers located Harless carrying a handgun at 4:43 p.m. Sunday in the 1500 block of 7th Avenue, Holbrook said. University police had followed Harless from the gasoline station.
Holbrook said Harless began running between houses and businesses between Hal Greer Boulevard and 14th Street in the area of 6th and 7th avenues.
Officers chased Harless south on 15th Street toward the railroad tracks. The assailant took cover behind a trash receptacle.
Holbrook said Harless started firing gunshots at police, and Marshall University police officers returned gunfire.
The city’s SWAT team used ballistic shields to approach Harless. After the shooting, Harless was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
As of Sunday night, Holbrook said police were not sure if Harless’ gunshot wound was self-inflicted or received from one of the university police officers. Holbrook said they must determine the details of the situation. Both university police officers were placed on paid administrative leave.
Holbrook said law enforcement’s main priority was setting up a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of pedestrians and local residents.
The Marshall University Police Department will be responsible for any administrative review pertinent to the investigation, Holbrook said.
According to court documents, Harless had been arrested Wednesday in the 800 block of 20th Street during a citywide drug warrant sweep. He was charged with possessing with an intent to deliver counterfeit crack cocaine. The fake drugs were in a baggie located in Harless’ cell phone carrier/case.
The misdemeanor charge resulted in Cabell County Magistrate Darrell Black setting a $5,000 bond Wednesday. Harless was released from two days later after someone met the financial requirement.
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