ForecastForecast
SatelliteSatellite
7-Day7-Day
Online Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Summer Fun!
Send us your photos and videos of your Summer Fun! Shots of your vacation, picnic's, reunions. Share with all of us your summer fun! Click submit photo or video to upload.
COUNTDOWN TO DIGITAL TV
until February 17, 2009, the official transition from analog to digital television.
MU Student was First to Help Gunshot Victims Save Email Print
Posted: 8:11 PM Jul 27, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:55 PM Jul 27, 2008
 Reporter: Cathleen Moxley
Email Address: cathleen.moxley@wsaz.com
78 comments Photos Map
A | A | A

UPDATE @ 7:53pm Sunday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Two men involved in an exchange of gunshots Friday are now listed in fair condition at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

After the shots were fired, Meghan Arnold was driving by and stopped to give them medical aid. She's a journalism student at Marshall and is used to covering the news, but Friday afternoon she found herself on the other side of the story.

"After telling him to put the gun down, which was in a very panicked voice, I told him to lay down because he was going to damage himself," said Arnold.

Police say Justin Stapleton tried to rob Wayne Cook, Jr. During the robbery, police say Stapleton shot Cook several times in the stomach. Cook fired back, hitting Stapleton in the leg.

That's when Arnold arrived and did everything she could to help.

"There was a dog leash laying on the ground and I tied it around his leg to stop the bleeding," said Arnold. "Looking back I kind of did something extremely rash. Not many people stop their cars in the middle of a gun fight."

The incident has given her a different perspective on her future career.

"It's a very surreal situation because I'm not the news. I write it."


UPDATE @ 9:53am Saturday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Two men remain in the hospital Saturday morning after a shooting in Huntington.

Police say Justin Stapleton tried to rob Wayne Cook Junior Friday afternoon. They say Stapleton shot cook several times in the stomach, but Cook shot back and hit Stapleton in the leg.

Both men were found bleeding outside the apartment building and were taken to the hospital. Both are listed in serious condition.


UPDATE @ 6.37pm
Captain Mike Albers with the Huntington Police Department has released the names of the two men who were shot during a robbery attempt at an apartment in Huntington. Albers says Justin Stapleton and Wayne Cook Junior were the shooting victims.

Both have serious injuries, but they do not appear to be life threatening, according to police.

Details are not available yet which one of the two shooting victims is the robbery suspect.


UPDATE @ 4:04pm
Captain Mike Albers with the Huntington Police Department tells WSAZ.com that the shooting was apparently an attempted robbery. He says when the suspect busted into an apartment, the person inside shot at the suspect and then the suspect returned fire.

Albers says both were apparently shot during the ordeal. No word yet on how seriously they were hurt.


UPDATE @ 3:58pm
Huntington Police tell us a man busted into an apartment inside the building -- and that's when the shooting happened.


ORIGINAL STORY @ 3:29pm
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Cabell County 911 dispatchers tell WSAZ.com that two people were taken to the hospital after a shooting at an apartment building in Huntington.

A local pediatrician, Dr. Joe Evans, was driving by and stopped to help tells us two shooting victims were outside of the building -- one lying on the ground, the other standing up. The doctor says both victims were men in their twenties.

We're told a woman also stopped at the scene to help. She tied a tourniquet around one of the victim's legs.

The apartment building is in the 1300-block of Huntington Avenue.

WSAZ has a crew at the scene. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

[ Copyright 2008 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com

Photo by WSAZ reporter Dave Benton.
Click Pictures to Enlarge
More Stories
$1 Million Pot Off Streets

Fatal Accident in Portsmouth

WV: Highest Tooth Loss Rate in Nation

Hocking College President to Retire

 Former Alaskan Senator In Charleston

Hanna Hits Myrtle Beach

Ky Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident

Donut Shop Robbed
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: bridget on Sep 3, 2008 at 10:05 AM
hey everyone maybe justin was the victim here,yea buying drugs isn't right,but a drug dealer keeps addicts going.stop DEFENDING the poeple who are polluting our streets. People would get clean if there wasn't a supply! AND low and be hold MR. INNOCENT Wayne Cok IS A DRUG DEALER!!!!!!!!! NOT A ROBBERY VICTIM!!!!! Why don't we save the concern for heros like the peds dr. and that brave young lady Megan! as for cook he asked for what he got by choosing his career while all the taxe payers pays his bills! loks like we are the victims too!!
Posted by: Brook, Wayne's aunt on Jul 31, 2008 at 06:56 PM
first of all in any city you will find certain dangers and Huntington is no exception. my nephew could've been killed and thank god he wasn't, i've read all the comments and all it is is hearsay nobody was there when this happened so how can you be so quick to make accusations of drugs being the root of this shooting? my nephew is a wonderful man, father, friend, cousin and son,, don't be so quick to judge him he wasn't in the wrong of this situation the jerk who came to harm him is and i've not heard one bad comment so far against him,why is that? anyways, thank you to those who stopped to help my nephew my sisrer and our family appreciate your help and concern, god bless
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:14 AM
Someone nominate her for the hometown hero award!! Not many would risk what she did to help someone.
Posted by: Lawona Cook, Mom on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:02 PM
I want to say Thank You to the young Lady that helped and also to the Doctor that helped with this horrible situation.You two are truely Angels!! Thank You and may God bless you and yours.
Posted by: Sue on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:43 PM
I know Megan and she is awesome. It doesn't surprise me that she stopped when many probably went right on by.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I am all for neighborhood watches....but they have almost become NONE exsitant!!!! How bout it Huntington...lets band together???? Who's with me??
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Has charges been filed? I am sure that it is known that Mr. Stapleton has no vehicle and no drivers lic. so unless he took bus and enjoyed the new Proctorville to Huntington route, someone needs to keep looking for the 3rd person involved. Perhaps if a DRUG TEST was done the common link would be discovered. Hey this time we are lucky and will not have to burry one of these boys. Big deal if they go to jail, at least they have a chance to pull out of it and get there life back. As a community we need to start fixing and stop ignoring. I know parents who turn heads to what is going on. Take this as a wake up call and find out what the young people around you are doing.
Posted by: Lawona Cook, Mother on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:54 PM
THE ONLY JUDGE IN THIS CASE IS GOD!! ALL OF THE REST OF YOU CAN SHUT-UP. YOUR DAY WILL COME AS WELL AS OTHERS. HOW DARE YOU SAY THE THINGS YOU DO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW MY SON? HOW ABOUT THIS, DON'T SAY ANYMORE!!LEAVE HIM ALONE AND PRAY THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY.UNTIL YOU WALK IN HIS SHOES, YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING. WAYNE IS A GOOD SON, MAN, FATHER AND FRIEND AND FOR ALL OF YOU TO MAKE YOUR STUPID COMMENTS IS OUTRAGEOUS! ONLY 4 PEOPLE ON THIS COMMENT PAGE I HAVE READ KNOW MY SON, BUT THE REST OF YOU THINK YOU ARE SO RIGHT IN WHAT YOU SAY. DID YOU EVER STOP AND READ WHAT YOU WROTE? IF YOU DID, MAYBE YOU WOULD SEE WHAT IDIOTS YOU ARE AND HOW STUPID YOU SOUND.AS I SAID BEFORE, IF YOU CANNOT SAY ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT SOMEONE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. THANK GOD AND PRAY TO GOD NOTHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS TO YOU OR YOUR FAMILY. WHAT A SCREWED UP COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN!NONE OF YOU KNOW THE TRUTH, SO KEEP YOUR STUPID COMMENTS TO YOURSELF. LEAVE MY SON AND FAMILY ALONE!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Why don't all oof you with your opinions beBE QUIET & GET INVOLVED!!! That is how you get this town in tip-top shape!! You want to HPD to do everything....but have you done your part?? You want to complain, but have you ever thought of becoming involved?? Like Neighborhood watches??? Ever heard of it?? Or just try'n new ideas of banding 2gether & leting the drug dealers that we aren't going to stand for anymore of this BS????
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
IF SOMEONE IS ROBBING YOU OR SHOOTS YOU. SHOOT THEM IN THE CHEST OR HEAD NOT THE LEG !!!
Posted by: K on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Hmm... perhaps she should consider a career in law enforcement instead of journalism!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Huntington is turning into a real life Gotham City... where is Batman when you need him????
Posted by: anon on Jul 28, 2008 at 07:15 AM
meghan you're brave and lucky you weren't hurt as well...it could of turned out very badly if they had continued the shooting
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Hi check this out, I saw the story that you are talking about. Reminds me of the guy who could face jailtime for a Little Debbie cake.
Posted by: a on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Brave lady, probably should be in medicine, fire dept. or law enforcement...wish there were more like you! I bet somebody was glad you stopped.
Posted by: bonn on Jul 27, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Way to go, Dr. Evans and Meghan!! It's good to know we still have heroes!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:50 PM
pathetic, simply pathetic
Posted by: Moved on Jul 27, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Our family recently moved out into the county instead of town. I'm glad we did. Huntington is no longer safe. Not enough police and not enough quality recruitment to get good officers coming into the city.
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 27, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Some of these drugs are in the schools they are called (Prescription Drugs) Adults and Teens use these drugs themselves,give away,or sell,and abuse these drugs to get high on or whatever! Talk about DRUGS & DUMB! You hear it all the time! These drugs are not hard to get about every other household has a family members who are prescibed this drugs! Some Parents put their kid's on these drugs to sell or take themselves. Teens talk! Some of these drugs can make you become violent when mixing them with other drugs or when you are addicted to them and don't have them or abuse them! People chose to Ignore this!
Posted by: Ashley on Jul 27, 2008 at 08:35 PM
You know... Just a thought, but MAYBE instead of giveing the MAYOR and the CITY COUNCIL raises, maybe, just maybe this money should be spent on attracting more and better quality officers to this area... Just a thought. By the way, I am moving on Friday. Yes, it's because of the sudden influx of violent crime. Sadly, I can't move too far because of my job. However, I will be taking my father up on his offer to buy and teach me how to use a gun. Honestly, I don't feel safe here.
Posted by: dirty on Jul 27, 2008 at 04:48 PM
It all starts at childhood.Huntington dont have enough recreational events and things for teens.I feel this is one reason young people turn to drugs.If the city would not try to get every dollar from small businesses,more people would do more for the youth of our city.
Posted by: law abidin' in wv on Jul 27, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Sorry Michael. Reality check. Drugs/alcohol are the root of most crimes. Yes, if all we had to worry about was someone using drugs recreationally, I'd say go for it. They'd only be hurting themselves. But it takes money to buy drugs or alcohol and if you're addicted you're probably going to have to commit a crime to support your habit. Maybe that's what the alleged robber was doing...or he was there because he knew there may be drugs there or he was owed money. Just a theory and I hope the "victim" is o.k. but seems like I read there was a dispute of some sort, what was that all about? What kind of people does he hang out with? Might want to get your head out of the sand and get with the real world. Drugs or the commission of crimes because of drugs is the root of MOST crimes. Ask any law enforcement professional.
Posted by: To "unknown" @ 7:13 on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Look the guy was attempting to BREAK INTO this guy's house! How can you possibly be taking up for HIM? It was the guy and his family living in the apt/house that was in DANGER, dummy! Where's your concern that this guy was trying to rob them & since they were home, maybe kill THEM? I can tell you one thing, if someone tries to break in on our family, they're going out lying down because we still have the right in this country to defend ourselves, our families and property as far as I know. Do you want us to stand inside our homes quaking in fear while these thugs/druggies & killers just come on in? Should we invite them in for tea perhaps? If someone's breaking into your home for God's sake, they're NOT there for anything GOOD! Stop feeling sorry for the criminal and feel for the victim why don't you? Yes there's usually 2 sides to a story, BUT when someone's breaking into YOUR property how do THEY have a story? Period That's stupid
Posted by: BIRDEYE on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
KNOW WAY THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN HUNTINGTON AGAIN. I DONT BLAME THE MAN I WOULD SHOOT TO IF SOME ONE BROKE IN MY HOUSE. THE LAW DONT CARE.
Posted by: Joe on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Everytime pieces of crap are shooting up our streets, we have to hear about how good of people they are. I am sure charlie mansons mom loved him also. That dont make you good for society.
Posted by: L on Jul 26, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Its really too bad you can't defend property with lethal force... and you can't shoot a guy while he's fleeing and call it self defense. The previous writer who said the victim here is going to probably get it is probably right. Here's whats got me, how is it that a person comes all the way from another town, just to break into a randomn person's apartment. It seems pretty obvious there is much more to this. I hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: Meghan on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:38 PM
MrObvious- Thanks. I really didn't know the gravity of the situation when I got there. Wayne wasn't outside yet when I started to work on Justin. I worked on getting his bleeding stopped when Wayne walked out. It was pretty scary, especially because I didn't know who the bad person in the situation was and Wayne was holding a gun. In fact, I am glad it was Wayne holding the gun and not Justin. As for wounds, I assessed to the best of my abilities. I have been first-aid/CPR certified for the past 7 years. Justin was bleeding pretty profusely when I got there, so I worked my hardest to stop it. As for Wayne, there wasn't much I could do for him. While he was shot in very vital places, he was in shock and walking around. I told him to lay down, so he wouldn't cause anymore damage to himself and that's the best I could have done for him until EMS arrived Had I known, I would not have chosen sides. It's not my place to choose which life is more worthy. I'm glad they are both ok.
Posted by: Unknown on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Can't understand why the news team assumes the truth was told by the "VICTIM" and runs with the story. Both people were shot. Might want to take a look at both sides of the story media and HPD. Don't look now but we really do have a drug problem in our community.
Posted by: Michael on Jul 26, 2008 at 05:53 PM
I would like to say, that i follow this borad pretty closely, and I for one am tired of everything being blamed on drugs..people out there, we get the point, drugs are bad, they lead to worse things, but lets not scream drugs everytime there is a crime intown. then the police have to go and kick in 50 doors in a day to make you all feel safe and call it a drug sweep. meanwhile, other crimes can be committed right under there noses. What happend to finding the Rapest, and pedophiles? huh? Instead they just get there names and addresses put on a web site so you can see where they live. It is sad to think our city has come to finger pointed, something im sure all our mothers, fathers, siblings, or gaurdian of some type taught you not to do!!
Posted by: Huntington Resident on Jul 26, 2008 at 02:47 PM
drugs may or may not of been involved but from what i saw in the news this guy was trying to rob someone ... i heard nothing of drugs on the news
Posted by: Here's the $$$ answer on Jul 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
In order to hire more beat cops which we need BADLY in H'town, here's the answer to find the $$$$: let's fire the Mayor/Council/Magistrates & Judges AND the so-called "detectives" from the HPD! The beat cops ARE trying but there's not enough of them. The "detective division"? Forget them. They're useless & have been for years. ALL of them are useless & whatever they're currently making is way too MUCH There's the answer to getting the $$$$ to hire what we REALLY need - MORE BEAT COPS! We sure need THEM more than we need the rest of these worthless people in "charge" in Huntington!
Posted by: ky gal on Jul 26, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I was not aware that the HPD was required to have ESP to serve on the police force!! How can the HPD know, in advance, of every shooting that is to occur??? 1-The biggest problem is not the police; it is the judicial system. Think about it. The police bring them in and the judges/jurors turn them loose or give them a slap on the hand. What message does that send?? Go ahead, do what you want, you'll get away with it. The judicial system needs to get TOUGH on crime. 2-Can you really blame the resident for defending his home?? I can't. I don't own or have a gun but I still understand people wanting to protect their life and possessions. 3-Is it really the right thing to do when you run an individual down in public that you don't even know?? I don't know either of the two individuals and can't judge their character. I will leave that up to the police and the judicial system.
Posted by: MrObvious on Jul 26, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Meghan, you were very brave and should be commended to stop and assist a person that had been shot. Of course you had no way of knowing that he was the burglar that had shot the other man in the stomach. I'm glad you did not automatically assume the man who came out of the house was the bad guy, but, I cannot help but wonder if you had a really bad feeling when the second guy listened to you and laid down. Kinda like, am I working on the evil one here...? I'm glad you were not hurt.
Posted by: mike on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I know Wayne.. he is a very good friend, even though the guy tried to kill him(come on four shots to the chest)yea FOUR!! shots yea CHEST!!what kinda reporters we have working these days? Wayne had a chance to kill but didnt.. thats what kinda guy Wayne is.. too bad all that guy has is a limp!!
Posted by: I agree with "B" on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:38 PM
We folks in the Highlawn area have started to band together to run the scum out of our neighborhood. The only problem is that some of our neighbors are still giving them business, so why should they stay away? For some reason not everybody wants a clean drug free place to live. We move them off our street and they go two blocks down. They were kicked off Camp Street and now they are on Division Street. One of our neighborhood boys died last week of an overdose. You would think that would be a wake up call, but it wasn't. The neighbors are still making drug deals right out in the middle of the streets. I'm hopeful that we citizens who are trying to clean up Highlawn will prevail. By the grace of God we will. I know this doesn't have a thing to do with this article. I just needed to vent. I hope the cops sort this out and prosecute the right one. If dude was defending himself I say way to go.
Posted by: Support the VICTIMS on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I'm sick of EVERYONE on here and the pay phone robbery claiming they "KNOW" that the VICTIMS were involved in drugs! YOU don't know that anymore than I do! Just because they use a pay phone or defend themselves with a gun they're automatically involved in DRUGS people! STOP blaming the VICTIMS here just like so many do when women or children are RAPED & MOLESTED! THE DRUGGIES/THUGS in H'ton are the ONES to blame as well as our wonderful "leaders", not the VICTIMS! How about some sympathy for the VICTIMS folks?
Posted by: J. Smith on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Alot of people stand by and blame the people shot, or blame drugs, or blame the government realisticly they are tied by criminal rights. The only way you actually stop crime(or violent crimes), is to take back your communtiy by force. Ultimately the only people that control those areas is those that live in that area. Force the drugs out, force those less wanted out( drug dealers), quit being silent, quit pointing the finger at the government and take back what is ours. Push for laws that protect you the law- abiding citizen. Just remember if you lie with dogs, you begin to act and smell like dogs. Don't fear these people, you owe them nothing but what they deserve.
Posted by: law abidin' in wv on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I agree with anonymous. I bet there is more to this story than a simple home invasion. My bet is that drugs were involved. Yes, HPD needs more manpower but if they are like law enforcement in Charleston, the big time dealers will inform on the other dealers for lesser charges and continue dealing. I know, maybe Mayor Felington could raise the user fee again. That's what Mayor Jones in Charleston would do!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:21 AM
In my opinion alot of HPD do not do there job, Huntington druge dealers get no jail time for the following, 1. money pay off to police and or officials, 2. the police use them to counter detroit drug dealers because huntington drug dealers hate detroit drug dealers from moving in on their ''home turf''. The real truth is this city will go farther from safe and drug infested. Nothing will change. It will take a movement people are not willing to make. Everytime somthing like this happens 4 children die, a man gets stabbed. It doesn't matter, any movement loses steam. We need a mass movement between cops, FBI, and citizens. This movement should never lose steam. Everyone in this country has what can i do for myself attitude. Sorry for the grammar mistakes.
Posted by: B on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:05 AM
It is increasingly clear, Huntington's leadership has fallen asleep at the switch. In that area, say within two blocks, how many shootings? Lets recap.... may 2006 - 4 young people shot dead (unsolved), March 2008 drive-by shooting 5 houses down (unsolved). And today's. Thats the serious stuff, we musn't forget the local gas station (now closed) which regularly endured shootings and robberies, the local grocer who was robbed, and numerous others. I like Huntington, but not so much I am willing to risk the saftey of my family while the City slowly (agonizingly so) gets its act together. It is time for some very serious discussions with local homeowners, local rental owners, and Huntington law enforcment to discuss what is being done. Because when people start moving out in mass, in an alrady slumped housing market, Huntington's tax base will drop, and less police will be affordable, and then more crime, and so on... a real downward spiral (much like you see when you flush)
Posted by: cousin on Jul 26, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Wayne is my cousin and he is a great person! all u people should know the facts before commenting. What happened to people have sympathy? The poor guy was shot in the legs several times. Wayne...way to fight back and good job for taking up for yourself! These idiots on here are always judging somebody before they know anything about the situation! god bless you and get better!
Posted by: Check this out on CNN on Jul 26, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I know this isn't related to this story WSAZ BUT I think it's a prime example of what is WRONG with our "legal system" so hope you won't get mad at me for posting it here. Everyones sick of criminals getting off & back on the streets b/c "theres not enough room" etc Jails are letting THOUSANDS of thugs/criminals - REAL criminals out DAILY all over the country b/c they're "overcrowded". Read this story on CNN.com. This guy could get six years and three months in prison if convicted...why? He shot his LAWN MOWER in his OWN YARD! http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/07/25/mower.madness.ap/index.html Now if they have room for HIM for such stupidity, they don't have room for REAL CRIMINALS? THAT'S what's wrong with our "legal system" & "laws" folks! He'll probably get FORTY years if he gets a judge like the one in Charleson. The one who sentenced that girl to FORTY YEARS for stealing 2 purses while letting off two child molestors??? Just had to vent over our "laws"!
Posted by: Kathy on Jul 26, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Yes, stop blaming the victim b/c he had a gun in his home. These days we ALL need them to protect ourselves, our families and property from all these drugged out thieves, thugs and other trash that are invading OUR homes which they have no right to do! Those doing the INVADING/ROBBING are the bad guys here not the man who was defending himself, his family and home! He has the right to do that. We all do. Enough is enough with all this crime & the criminals need to know we're not all going to just lie down and take it without fighting back I'm not advocating violence before anyone jumps on me. I AM however advocating that all of us have the RIGHT to own guns and use them if our lives, lives of our families & our property are threatened by this human trash who are taking over our city and country The "law" certainly doesn't stop them while THEY are killing, molesting, robbing the rest of us who DON"T use drugs or hurt people The law doesn't protect victims
Posted by: BILL on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:53 AM
I NOTICED HUNTINGTON IS GETTING SAFER HERE LATELY. THATS GOOD NEWS TO HEAR....I THOUGHT I WOULD ADD A LITTLE HUMOR TO MAKE THIS THE FUNNIES NOW. IT BECOMING A ROUTINE THING....GOT TO LOVE THE CITY OF DRUG INFESTATION AND PROSTITUTION. THE POLICE NEED MORE HELP WITH MORE MANPOWER AND SUPPORT.
Posted by: Hire more COPS! on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:39 AM
I say if more of these idiots, thugs & druggies get shot when they're invading our homes then fine, maybe they'll stop & think before they do it! The "law" which means the actual LAWS on the books that let them off over & over, isn't helping for sure. Neither are our wonderful magistrates/judges so we ARE on our own & it's going to take homeowners and citizens defending ourselves, our families & property. Let a few more of them get shot & maybe they'll stop some of this crap. Right now they know if they're caught they get off & out of jail b/4 the cops do their thing which is outrageous. The HPD is doing all they can I believe BUT theres not enough of THEM. H'ton needs to hire MORE COPS period! Just do it NOW. Stop haggling over small stuff & HIRE US MORE COPS to protect us! There just aren't enough right now & can't be everywhere! I'm blaming that, the magistrates, judges and our so-called "laws" which need changed BADLY & SOON! Keep them in jail!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:34 AM
imagine such a thing in huntington?? it couldn't possibly be. i'm actually related the gentleman, wayne cook and personally know that such a thing should of not happened and pray that god will have no mercy on such a fool!! we all have hard times but can't say going in one's home and trying to take personal property is a easy way out. unless, this person needs to be in state's care due to needing home, food, or etc. but some of the authorties in huntington need to get a gameplan on for the crackdown on the crime in huntington before they have no control and at this point it apparently shows!!!
Posted by: melanie on Jul 26, 2008 at 05:58 AM
just can not wait to visit huntington!!! What the heck is going on??? HPD...STEP UP BOYS AND GIRLS!!! YOU HAVE YOUR JOB CUT OUT FOR YOU!!!
Posted by: Beth on Jul 26, 2008 at 01:19 AM
i bet some of u wouldnt leave comments like that if that was your son,brother, cousin, grandson etc.. I grew up with Wayne, i know Wayne very well. Hes a great person and has never done anyone wrong, he would do anything for anyone. Cuz he jus so had a gun when this guy busted in his house makes him a bad person...i dont think so..he was defending himself, and if the same thing happend to u, u would also do the same, i know i sure would. he just had a baby 2 months ago THANK GOD she wasnt around when this happend. Waynes a stronge guy and i know he will pull through this ill be prayin for ya!!! stay stronge for that babygirl, she needs ya!!! Much Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Concerned on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:36 AM
I hate to venture into huntington these days. I drove through town this week in 3 blocks I saw two drug deals go down in plain daylight. I see cruisers drive by but no police seem to care. I hope the cops do their duty before the civilians start doing it for them! prayers to the victim!
Posted by: Meghan on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I am a student at Marshall. I stopped my car after seeing the man on his front lawn with the leg wound. I've been first-aid trained for several years, so I thought I could help. I didn't know it was a wound from such a dangerous situation. Anyway, as I was wrapping a dog leash around the first man's leg, the man with the stomach wounds came out of the apartment complex with a gun. I didn't know if it was an offensive or defensive move. I told him to lay down because his wounds looked pretty serious and he complied. That's when Dr. Evans showed up. After seeing the gun, I was more than thankful to have someone else there. I do not regret putting myself in danger this afternoon. I would hope someone else would do it for me if I were in trouble.
Posted by: anomous on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:36 PM
i know wayne personaly he and his girl friend and their new baby are trying hard to make a decent life for themselfs. i think this theif robber was a friend of a guy who had some issues with wayne , he has threatend wayne befor. i think he ment to kill wayne but didnt count on a fight back.wayne just fought back the guy held a gun to his head thank god he is alive.!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:57 PM
HPD cant solve a cross word puzzle much less aserious crime. lets bring in some real law enforcement
Posted by: been robbed on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:48 PM
i was burgled last month,and called the sheriff,they came,asked whats your name,what did they take.one month later no contact from the sheriffs dept your on your own esp. here in Lawless county oh if you catch em drop em.thats your only protection around here
Posted by: going going gone on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:44 PM
i dont think this town can be cleaned up until the whole administration that runs huntington is cleaned out first. how can you be watching a so called drug dealer for 14 years, thats right 14 years and never make an arrest. my opinion is that i feel like someone may be getting a little financial contributions under the table. if you want to get away from the inner city problems do what i am doing. i have all my property for sale and i am moving out of huntington. see ya
Posted by: Janet on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:06 PM
This is going to happen more often as more and more home owners are starting to arm themselves for protection against this epidemic of burglaries, murders, and drugs. I know I have. Police can't be everywhere. I think that if you try to break into someone's home, you have it coming!
Posted by: Moved to Barboursville on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:34 PM
When I was in graduate school at MU I lived less than a block from there. This would have been unheard of at that time (9 years ago) This area was clean and for the most part crime free. HPD is not the problem, it's the thugs and druggies that are over running the city. At least this person tried to take up for his property. Maybe more citizens should show these thugs that they are NOT WELCOME HERE.
Posted by: Pablo on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Blame the United States Supreme Court for the crime in the United States. And also blame our governor and our state elected officials. First, I blame the U. S. Supreme Court because they say the punishment can not be more severe than the crime committed. If we'd execute all robbers it wouldn't take long for the crime rate to fall. And of course by putting them in prison we can pay tons of tax money to keep them (including medical care). Second, I blame our governor and state elected officials for not getting us the death penalty. We need justice (they call it the "justice system" but where is the justice?) for murderers. But we also need it for attempted murder and rape. But our U. S. Supreme Court says "no." So, they go to prison for a couple of years, spend time around other offenders (murderers, rapists, robbers, child abusers, etc) then are let loose. Now, what kind of citizens do you think they are now? I guess the Supreme Court wants us to pray they get our neighbors and not us.
Posted by: Wv Hillbilly on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I have a gun I'm not a drug dealer (although d previous comment was prob right) in the day we live in every1 NEEDS a gun our 4fathers knew this (the 2nd ammendment) I'll use the college shooting IN Va as an example; IF some of d people he was shooting at had a gun he wouldntve gotten nearly as far, imagine a man walks n and says "igotta gun" and the reply from most of d others n d rm "SO what (as u hear d various cal. cocking back) what is d aggresor gonna do? turn around and go home thats what or go somewhere wher he is 1 of few who do have a gun,citizens should b issued a gun at birth here n America.
Posted by: MrObvious on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Ok, this is stupid. There is only one "VICTIM" and that is the homeowner whose home was invaded. The other is the "PERP", "SUSPECT", "ROBBER", etc. I'm going to buy the police chief and WSAZ a dictionary...
Posted by: Whit on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Wayne is my cuzin.. he is shot in the stomach 3 times. Just came out of surgery and it looks like he is going to be fine. He was not the robbery suspect... We love you Wayne
Posted by: Fed up! on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Maybe if some of these "home invaders" get shot more often, they'll get the message that people are sick & tired of it & sick of the cops and law not being able to handle it or in case of the "laws" we have, not WANTING to deal with it when they let them out as quickly as cops can lock them up Just b/c the victim had guns doesn't mean drugs IMHO as someone stated here. NO, ordinary people are getting sick & tired of all this crime around here & are fed up with people coming into their homes, robbing, drugging, raping & everything else and are taking back our town the only way they know how. We DO have the right to protect ourselves, our loved ones and property do we not? As I said, maybe if more of these low-lifes get shot, they'll stop some of this crap. If they come in our house? That's exactly what they're going to get. Only they wont just be shot in the leg or arm! THEY don't shoot to wound THEY shoot to kill so dont just wound THEM Glad the victim will b/OK
Posted by: Mark on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Outrageous. More shootings in Huntington?!? I feel like I live in the Wild West or Gotham City. My vote will go to whomever can clean this town up and get rid of a majority of this criminal element. "Drugs, Robberies, Shootings, and Theft" Enough is enough! Too bad Batman is a fictional character. This town could use a hero that will give the city an enema!!!
Posted by: callicoat on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:24 PM
god bless you dr. evans ....we love you wayne...
Posted by: WHAT IS GOING ON on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:14 PM
HUNT IS GETTING CRAZY BY THE MINUTE HPD HOLD IT DOWN FOR THE COMMUNITY.
Posted by: cc on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I know many people who have armed themselves and are ready to defend their homes in the event of robbery.whats left the cops cant be everywhere all the time .
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Here we go again
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:46 PM
What a coincidence. A robber with a gun broke into an apartment where there just happened to be another person who also had a gun. What are the chances?? I'm sure no drugs were involved.
Posted by: let me guess on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:13 PM
let me guess if the intruder is hurt worse then the man defending his home will get in trouble. Quite frankly I think everyone should be awarded a medal when they shoot the idiots who attempt to harm them or their property.
Posted by: huntington citizen on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:11 PM
What in the world is going on in this town? I have been a home owner for 19 years in Huntington,in March of this year I am awakened to 2 homes and 1 apartment complex burning across the street from my home, it was a homeless person who sat a vacant house ablaze, in which the HPD was called on many times alerting them about the situation. We have had numerous burglaries, fires and murders in this town unlike any other time in our history.It is driving our property values down and running good tax paying citizens away.This particular shooting proves it does not matter where in this town you live, it is not safe.God save our great city, HPD can not do it alone.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I'd shoot to if some looser was breaking into my house. He had it coming. What a terrible town.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
no way not in huntington!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Maybe this will teach the thief a lesson.
Posted by: Mike on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Oh WOW! I am so shocked that a shooting happened in Huntington. Now this is big breaking news; nothing like this ever happens. Oh, wait . . . only every few days. I would be surprised to see drugs involved. Sure the HPD is ALL over this . . .no really . . . they are all done . . . case closed. NEXT SHOOTING - PLEASE
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Probably just another fight over some CD's. Huntington doesn't have a drug problem or anything.
FIND A LOCAL BUSINESS
National Headlines - MSNBC.com
  • Hanna roars ashore; Ike looms

    A beachcomber looks for shells Saturday as the sun peeks through the clouds in Cherry Grove, S.C., after Tropical Storm Hanna made landfall near the North-South Carolina border.Tropical Storm Hanna accelerated toward New England on Saturday after the storm's whipping winds and rain in the Southeast.
  • Obama, McCain campaign on economy
    Presidential rivals Barack Obama and John McCain entered the final eight-week stretch run to election day with competing appeals to working-class voters in key swing states that could decide the outcome of the race.
  • Bhutto widower elected in Pakistan

    Supporters of the ruling Pakistan People's Party celebrate unofficial results in Saturday's presidential election.The widower of slain former leader Benazir Bhutto will succeed Pervez Musharraf as president of Pakistan after winning a landslide victory in Saturday's election.
  • Feds set to seize mortgage giants

    The headquarters of mortgage lender Fannie Mae is shown in Washington in this October 2006 photo. The government has prepared a plan to take control of troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, officials told the two companies, according to three sources familiar with the conversations.
  • Bush pushes offshore drilling
    President Bush says if Congress doesn't permit offshore drilling to increase U.S. oil supplies and possibly ease gasoline prices, lawmakers should not expect voters to support them in November.