BELL ARRESTED FOLLOWING SUNDAY SHOOTING

(05/01/2006)
An Annamoriah, Calhoun man was arrested Sunday by Ritchie County authorities and charged with the attempted murder of William Vandal, Jr.,19, also of Calhoun.

Charles "Bucky" Bell, 39 (pictured left), is being held in West Central Regional Jail in Doddridge County following the shooting at what was described as a party in a remote area of Ritchie County, near the Calhoun-Wirt County line.

Bell allegedly shot Vandal with a .44 magnum pistol, following a dispute. Vandal was taken to Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center after the 1 a.m. incident, and then life-flighted by HealthNet to Charleston Area Medical Center.

A family member said Vandal was in stable condition last night, with broken ribs and a punctured lung. CAMC reported his condition as satisfactory.

Calhoun 911 received the initial call at 12:57 a.m., with the caller saying that a person came to their door, wanting help, stating "my brother has been shot."

Calhoun EMS responded but Vandal was transported in a private vehicle.

Calhoun Trooper 1st Class Jeff Hunt was injured responding to the incident, which was reported to be near Munday Road, an area serviced by the Calhoun phone system.

Emergency personnel said he miraculously escaped serious injury.

Hunt's cruiser went out of control about 1:45 a.m. on the narrow highway, crashing into a wooded area, after which he radioed for assistance.

Calhoun EMS responded to the scene, transporting the trooper to Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, where he was admitted for treatment of lacerations to the head and possible other injuries.

His condition was described as "not serious" and he was expected to be released from the hospital today.

Officer Hunt escaped serious injury,
his cruiser described as "likely totaled."