At approximately 00:09 a.m. on October 28, 2018, officers of the Morgantown Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Chestnut Street and Wall Street. Officers were on foot patrol within ½ block of the incident at the time and were on scene almost immediately.
As officers were attempting to respond to the area, crowds that were in line and congregating around Wall Street fled the area knocking down barricades to leave the scene. During the officer’s response, one officer was entangled in a barricade and knocked to the ground causing minor injuries.
During the investigation, officers recovered two (2) .22 caliber shell casings. There were no reports of injuries and there were no indications of any impact of any projectiles.
Approximately 30 minutes prior to this incident, there was a report of an individual brandishing a firearm near Belmar Avenue who attempted to force his way into a party. Officers of the Morgantown Police Department and the West Virginia University Police responded to this call and were attempting to identify and locate a suspect in this matter when this report of shots fired occurred. It is unknown if the two events were related. Detectives of the Morgantown Police Department are currently investigating this incident and anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at 304-284-7522.
While officers were handling the call of shots fired, the patrons of HQ nightclub located at 2 Wall Street became unruly and disruptive. Officers found individuals had been sprayed with pepper spray, not deployed by the Morgantown Police Department, drug usage and other violations in the club. This incident is also pending a separate investigation and has been reported to the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration.
The Morgantown Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating crime in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to Morgantown Police Department Switchboard at (304) 284-7522. If you need immediate Police attention or a crime is in progress call 911.