CALHOUN MAN FIRES GUN AT HOUSE, SHOOTS FAMILY DOG - Police Respond From Three Counties, Day Riddled With Multiple Incidents

(10/22/2008)
A man walking along a rural highway and recklessly shooting a gun in the Broomstick-Lovada area of Calhoun, prompted a call to 911 Tuesday evening.

The incident topped a day riddled with reports of several breaking and enterings, stolen ATVs and a stolen truck.

Esther Wilson told 911 a shooter had shot at her house and had shot her dog.

"This evening a man stood in the road and shot twice directly at my house and injured my dog that was tied very close to the house," said Wilson, indicating she was not acquainted with the suspect.

Wilson, who is a caretaker for her paraplegic husband, said "I hope he (the shooter) sleeps well tonight. I might lose A very good dog."

Sgt. Jeff Skidmore of the State Police responded to the incident at 7:04 p.m., encountering the alleged shooter and taking him into custody.

The person in custody has been identified as Brian Huffman, 19, of Big Bend.

Sources at the scene said the officer placed the subject in his cruiser, after which he apparently escaped and ran into the woods.

Sgt. Skidmore called for back-up at 8:10 p.m. with Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee and officer Bob Groves responding, with a number of officers from Ritchie County, including State Police, Sheriff's Department, Harrisville Police and a Conservation Officer.

Officers also responded from Wirt-Wood County.

Skidmore told 911 about 20 minutes later he had a subject in custody.

Calhoun EMS was dispatched to the area to stand-by.

David and Esther Wilson's family dog Frisky, who was
tied up, was the victim of the shooter, the Wilson's
said "We hope he makes it, he lost a lot of blood"

DAY RIDDLED WITH PROPERTY CRIMES

A stolen 1997 Ford F-250 with tools and tank was reported stolen yesterday morning from the Robert's Farm along Rt. 5 in Gilmer County.

The truck was the object of a search and chase yesterday which involved Sheriff Carl Ballengee, the State Police and officers from neighboring counties.

Residents reported spotting the truck following a description given by Calhoun 911 and the Hur Herald early yesterday morning.

Sheriff Ballengee reportedly encountered the truck while investigating the theft of ATVs, sources said the driver attempted to run the Sheriff off the road.

Two ATVs were reported stolen from Big Springs sometime late Monday or early Tuesday morning.

A well-tender reportedly spotted the ATVs on Bell's Run with Sheriff Ballengee and officer Groves investigating.

At least two cabins in proximity to the stolen ATVs were also reported to have B & E's.

Bell's Run is in a remote area near Leading Creek.

Sheriff Ballengee recovered the ATVs. There are suspects in the case.

The Sheriff's Department is close to solving the theft of property belonging to Neil Stump of Grantsville.

Multiple other property crimes have been mentioned on the street, with the WV State Police declining to confirm the incidents.