State Police shot and killed a McDowell County man they had been sent to check on Sunday after he allegedly threatened them with a hammer.
Two troopers from the Welch detachment responded at about 7:15 p.m. to the home of 32-year-old Joseph Newcomb in Hensley, according to an emailed statement from Lt. Michael Baylous, spokesman for the State Police.
Family members told police they worried Newcomb may be dead because they had not heard from him in many days, but they said they were afraid to go to his home because of previous fights with him.
After troopers "announced their presence," Newcomb came toward them with a hammer raised and stated that he would kill them, according to Baylous. Troopers "repeatedly shouted" at him to drop the hammer but shot him when he continued toward them, Baylous said.
Newcomb was taken to a Charleston Area Medical Center hospital, where he died.