Cross Lanes man dead after confrontation with State Police

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man died Wednesday following an incident in Mercer County, in which he was brandishing a knife and attempting to stab a West Virginia State Police trooper with the instrument.

Two troopers encountered Kyle Copson, 26, of Cross Lanes, on Meadowfield Lane in Princeton around 3:40 p.m. The incident was near a Hardee’s.

According to a press release from State Police, the troopers gave Copson multiple commands to drop the knife, but Copson refused to comply. He then moved towards a trooper in an attempt to stab the trooper. Both troopers responded by shooting Copson.

Copson died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The press release also said Copson was threatening the troopers.