West Virginia police officer shot dead, suspect inside

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A West Virginia police officer was killed Friday while responding to a complaint about a shooting.

Sergeant Cory Maynard and two other officers were initially responding to a complaint about a shooting at a home Friday in Mingo County, West Virginia, when 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy reportedly began firing his weapon. Maynard was shot and taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Kennedy is charged with first-degree murder.

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He fled the scene after the alleged incident, sparking what turned into an hours-long manhunt that eventually postponed a Friday night graduation, with residents in the area told to stay indoors.

Kennedy was taken into custody Friday night in a stolen vehicle that was stopped at a law enforcement checkpoint.

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Sergeant Cory Maynard (L) and two other officers were initially responding to a complaint about a shooting at a home Friday in Mingo County, West Virginia, when Timothy Kennedy (R), 29, reportedly began firing his gun. Maynard was shot and taken to a local hospital, where he later died. (West Virginia State Police via AP)

He is being held without bond.

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Maynard was awarded an award from state police earlier in 2015 after providing first aid to a man involved in a car chase who crashed into his vehicle, then stabbed himself in the neck.

Benjamin Adam Baldwin, 39, was also injured in the shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was in serious but stable condition.

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This prison book photo provided by the West Virginia State Police shows Timothy Kennedy, who was charged with first-degree murder on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in the death of a West Virginia state police officer. Sergeant Cory Maynard was shot on Friday, June 2, in the Mingo County community of Beech Creek. (West Virginia State Police via AP)

Timothy Kennedy is shown in this undated photo sent by the West Virginia State Police. State police identified 29-year-old Kennedy of Beech Creek, West Virginia, as a suspect in the Friday, June 2, 2023, fatal shooting of a West Virginia State Police sergeant. Kennedy was wanted. (West Virginia State Police via AP)

A motive for the shooting is under investigation.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Republican Governor Jim Justice said he is “absolutely heartbroken.”

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This undated photo from the West Virginia State Police shows State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard. Maynard was shot to death on Friday, June 2, 2023 in the Mingo County community of Beech Creek. A suspect was brought to trial on Saturday 3 June. (Courtesy of West Virginia State Police via AP)

“The brave men and women of law enforcement and all first responders who risk their lives every day to keep us safe are an inspiration to all of us,” said Justice. “I once again ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and me in embracing Trooper Maynard’s family, loved ones and all our brave West Virginians in uniform during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @asabes10.