Armed Woman Stops Potential Mass Shooting: West Virginia

Now-deceased shooter had a criminal record preventing him from owning guns.

QUICK FACTS:
  • A Charleston man armed with an AR-15 was shot dead by a woman carrying a handgun after he fired shots into a crowd on Wednesday night.
  • The shooter, Dennis Butler (37), was a convicted felon who could not legally own a firearm.
  • Butler was fatally shot by a woman who was licensed to carry after he fired at a group of people who were attending a party at an apartment complex near West Virginia’s capital.
  • “It looks like the person who fired upon Mr. Butler does not have any reason to prohibit them from carrying a firearm lawfully,” Charleston Police Chief Tyke said.
  • “She is a member of the community who was carrying her firearm lawfully, and instead of running from the threat, she engaged with the threat, and saved several lives last night,” said another Charleston Police Department spokesman. “I credit her for being vigilant. Watching him get out, engaging the threat, and stopping it.”
SUSPECT HAD BEEN STOPPED BY POLICE:
  • After speeding through an apartment complex, Butler was approached by police officers who suspected him of driving under the influence.
  • He was not arrested and soon returned with a rifle.
  • “He returned with a firearm, an AR-style rifle, and fired in the direction of the crowd,” stated Hunt.
BACKGROUND:
  • The ordeal comes after Salvador Ramos on Tuesday opened fire in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas killing 19 children and two adults.
  • Ramos was shot dead by an unnamed U.S. Border Patrol agent.

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