CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston police say an ambulance was struck by gunfire early Tuesday morning on the city’s West Side.
The ambulance was parked at the intersection of Vine Street and Central Avenue when two suspects fired several rounds at around 3 a.m.
Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives with the Charleston Police Department, said crews were treating a patient in the area at the time.
“He called about some severe leg pains he was having. While they were there, shots rang out,” Cooper said on Tuesday’s “580 Live” heard on 580-WCHS.
Crews heard a loud noise then discovered the ambulance was hit by a firearm, Cooper said.
“One round struck the ambulance. We believe that was from an assault-style rifle,” he said.
Police have collected ballistic evidence from the scene and are also reviewing surviellance video from the area. About 10 shell casing were found along Central Avenue between Elm Stree and Vine Street.
Several other buildings were hit including the Moore and Moore Dental Associates. No other vehicles were hit by the gunfire.
Cooper said the incident was “outrageous” because ambulance crews were just doing their jobs to care for people.
“These guys are unarmed. They’re there to help. They do a great job. If one of us gets hurt, that’s who we need,” he said.
Police are looking for a suspect. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Charleston Police Department.