Officer wounded, suspect killed

Jaynell Graham
Editor

According to Sgt. David Simmons, Commander of the West Virginia State Police – Marlinton Detachment, the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Department responded to a vehicle accident on Woodrow Road Monday evening.

Shortly upon arrival, the officers were met with gunfire, coming from a wooded area.

The officers radioed for backup, and the West Virginia State Police responded and cordoned off the area.

A manhunt ensued, assisted by a canine unit from Huttonsville Correctional Center.

William Biggs, 43, of Marlinton, was located in a ravine, and was alleged to have stated that he “was not going back to jail.”

After calling for helicopter backup, officers pursued Biggs into the woods. Minutes later, shots were fired, followed by an exchange of gunfire between Biggs and Trooper First Class Josh Tallman, of the State Police Detachment – Elkins.

Tallman suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was airlifted to the hospital by the state police helicopter, then transported by HealthNet to a Morgantown hospital.

Officers at the scene provided aid to Biggs, who succumbed to his wound.

The investigation is ongoing and will be led by the District Commander First Sergeant from Elkins since this was an officer involved shooting.

Trooper Tallman is in stable condition following surgery.

In a related matter, Roger Teter, Jr. was arrested at the scene and charged with obstructing an officer(s).

Sgt. Simmons said Teter came into the crime scene, refused to obey commands, and interfered with police officers who were trying to secure the area.

Teter was transported to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.