CEREDO, WV- A manhunt spanning three states ended late Saturday night when West Virginia police fatally shot a suspect linked to a murder in Ohio and multiple carjackings in Kentucky. The suspect, identified as 54-year-old David Maynard, was cornered at a Speedway gas station in a West Virginia town along the Ohio River.
According to a release from the West Virginia State Police, a sergeant recognized Maynard, who had successfully evaded law enforcement until that point, behind the counter of the gas station. When confronted, Maynard brandished a firearm at the officer, prompting a response from the State Police Special Response Team and local law enforcement.
Kenova Police Chief Bob Sullivan reported to local media that a hostage negotiator from the State Police Special Response Team engaged Maynard in dialogue for approximately 90 minutes. During this time, there was a moment of concern when it was suspected that one of the hostages had been shot. However, this was later confirmed to be false.
The negotiator was able to secure the release of two hostages before Maynard demanded a blanket be placed at the door for the third hostage. As Maynard exited the door and confronted the Special Response Team, officers opened fire. The West Virginia State Police have not released further details about the incident.
Maynard, a resident of Ironton, Ohio, later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The third hostage was safely rescued, and no officers sustained injuries during the standoff. Chief Sullivan confirmed that none of the hostages had visible injuries.
The pursuit of Maynard began on Friday when Ironton police responded to a call about shots fired. Upon arrival, they discovered a 29-year-old woman bound with cords and Maynard’s 78-year-old stepfather deceased. Authorities believe Maynard subsequently abducted two women in separate incidents in Kentucky, stealing their vehicles. One of the women managed to escape and alerted authorities.
Maynard was eventually located in Kenova, West Virginia, prompting a shelter-in-place order as police initiated their search.