Man in hospital after he fires at officers

HUNTINGTON — Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook said a man suffered a gunshot wound Sunday after he ran and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement.

Police responded to a call after Speedway customers alerted Marshall University Police, who were in the store, of a man in possession a large gun. The Marshall University Police followed the man from the Speedway, located at 6th Avenue and Hal Greer Boulevard. The HPD arrived to find the Marshall University Police following the suspect. Holbrook said the unidentified man began running between houses and businesses between Hal Greer Boulevard and 14th Street and 6th and 7th avenues.

When the suspect pulled out his weapon and began firing at the officers, Holbrook said the officers returned gunfire.

The suspect took cover behind a trash receptacle near an business located at the end of 15th Street before the railroad tracks. Holbrook said the SWAT team extracted the individual, and he is currently at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

Holbrook said at this time they are not sure if the gunshot wound to the suspect was self-inflicted or by an HPD or MUPD officer. Holbrook said they must now determine the details of the situation.

When arriving on the scene, Holbrook said their main priority was setting up a secure parameter to ensure the safety of pedestrians and local residents.