On Tuesday, September 1st, a West Virginia state trooper was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in the town of Princeton. The suspect fled the scene and is currently at large, prompting a massive manhunt by law enforcement officials.
According to reports, Trooper Joshua T. Mazzulla pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation on Route 460 near the Princeton exit of Interstate 77. During the stop, the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Eric Monroe, opened fire on Trooper Mazzulla, striking him multiple times. Monroe then fled the scene in his vehicle, which was later found abandoned in a wooded area near the scene of the shooting.
Trooper Mazzulla was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He had been with the West Virginia State Police for five years and was a member of the Princeton detachment.
Following the shooting, law enforcement officials launched a massive manhunt for Monroe, who is considered armed and dangerous. The West Virginia State Police, along with local and federal agencies, have been searching for Monroe in the Princeton area and surrounding counties.
Residents in the area have been advised to lock their doors and stay inside as the search for Monroe continues. Schools in the area have also been closed as a precaution.
The shooting of Trooper Mazzulla has sent shockwaves throughout the state and beyond. Governor Jim Justice released a statement expressing his condolences to Trooper Mazzulla’s family and calling for swift justice for the suspect.
“We are absolutely heartbroken over the senseless tragedy that occurred today in Princeton,” Governor Justice said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Mazzulla’s family and all those who knew him. We will not rest until the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.”
The shooting of Trooper Mazzulla is a tragic reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day. It also highlights the importance of supporting and protecting those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
As the manhunt for Eric Monroe continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. Anyone who sees Monroe or has information on his location is advised to call 911 immediately.
