Marshall County Sheriff's Office

10/26/2026

Multi-Agency Pursuit Ends Safely Following Wrong-Way Driver on Route 2

MARSHALL COUNTY, WV – October 26, 2026

Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty is recognizing the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies following a dangerous pursuit involving a wrong-way driver on WV Route 2 on October 25, 2026.

The incident began when the Marshall County 911 Center received reports of a reckless driver in a Ford F-150 traveling on WV Rt. 2.

Benwood Police officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as Zachary Pierce, refused to stop.

As the pursuit continued south through Glen Dale and Moundsville, officers from multiple agencies joined the effort. Moundsville Police deployed Stop Sticks, while responding officers worked to slow the vehicle and prevent it from entering other roadways.

The pursuit continued into New Martinsville, where a Wetzel County deputy deployed additional Stop Sticks with limited success. A Marshall County Deputy ultimately performed a successful PIT maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Pierce exited the vehicle with his hands raised and was taken into custody without further incident by New Martinsville Police. Additional charges are expected from the agencies involved.

Sheriff Dougherty praised the teamwork and professionalism demonstrated throughout the incident.

“This was an extremely dangerous situation that placed innocent motorists at risk. I want to recognize the officers from Benwood, Glen Dale, Moundsville, New Martinsville, and Wetzel County, along with our deputies and 911 dispatchers, for their communication, coordination, and commitment to public safety. Their combined efforts brought this dangerous situation to a successful conclusion.”

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working alongside neighboring agencies to protect the communities we serve.

Sheriff Mike Dougherty
Marshall County Sheriff’s Office

10/25/2026

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers in and around Logan County for a Deputy Sheriff who tragically lost his life in a vehicle crash this evening.

10/24/2026

https://ledenews.com/an-open-letter-to-those-heroic-marshall-county-deputies/

Sometimes the public forgets about the risks involved with protecting and serving.

10/24/2026

Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty is responding to the October 23 announcement by Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Canestraro that, following a review of the West Virginia State Police investigation, Deputy Christopher Minder was justified in the October 1 officer involved shooting on Middle Grave Creek Road.

The incident began shortly before 1:40 a.m. when Marshall County 911 received an open-line emergency call of what sounded like a disturbance at a residence. Deputies including Nate Klempa and Christopher Minder responded and encountered an armed individual, later identified as Cyle Fabrizio, holding a 16-year-old juvenile at gunpoint.

During the confrontation, Fabrizio fired multiple rounds toward law enforcement. Deputies attempted to respond to the rapidly evolving situation while the juvenile remained in immediate danger. Deputy Minder ultimately fired one round from his department-issued patrol r***e, striking Fabrizio and ending the immediate threat.

Following the shooting, deputies entered the residence and discovered David Will, 44, and his wife, Monica Will, 46, deceased from gunshot wounds. Investigative findings reported by authorities indicate that Fabrizio had killed the couple before holding their daughter hostage. The couple’s two juvenile children survived the incident and were brought to safety.

Sheriff Dougherty expressed his appreciation for the prosecutor’s review and determination, while recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by the deputies who responded that morning.

“The events of October 1 were among the most difficult and tragic circumstances our deputies can face. Deputy Minder and Deputy Klempa responded to what initially appeared to be a domestic disturbance, only to find themselves confronting an armed individual who had already taken innocent lives and was holding a juvenile at gunpoint,” Sheriff Dougherty said.

“I commend Deputy Minder, Deputy Klempa, and the other deputies who responded for their training, professionalism, discipline, and commitment to protecting human life. They were forced to make critical decisions in a matter of seconds under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances. Their actions reflect the importance of sound training, sound judgment, and the ability to remain focused when lives are at stake.”

Sheriff Dougherty also emphasized that the prosecutor’s determination does not diminish the profound loss experienced by the Will family and the community.

“While I am grateful for the prosecutor’s thorough review and determination, there is no victory in an incident that leaves three people dead and a family forever changed. David and Monica Will lost their lives, their children have endured an unimaginable tragedy, and our community has been deeply affected. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who loved David and Monica.”

“Deputy Minder was placed in an impossible situation in which immediate action was necessary to protect a child’s life. I support him and the deputies who stood beside him that morning. I also recognize the emotional weight these events carry for the deputies involved. They take an oath to protect others, and that responsibility can require decisions no officer ever wants to make.”

Sheriff Dougherty reiterated that the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to professional service, continued training, accountability, and the protection of the community.

“Our responsibility is to serve this community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. We will continue to support our deputies, learn from difficult incidents, and honor the lives lost by remaining committed to the safety and well being of the people we serve.”

Michael C Dougherty
Marshall County Sheriff

The tragedy took place a little more than three weeks ago.

10/18/2026

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

The DV Block Party is going on now.

Stop down and see our deputies, including Deputy K9 Boss!

10/11/2026

🚨🚨 the DV Block Party is TODAY 🚨🚨