West Virginia State Police Leading Investigation of Shooting, Standoff in Weirton

Members of Weirton’s Special Response Team set up outside of 3144 Weir Ave., Saturday, following a shooting which turned into an hours-long standoff. (Photo by Craig Howell)

WEIRTON — West Virginia State Police are leading the investigation following a shooting on Weir Avenue, Saturday, which turned into an hours-long standoff and resulted in the death of the shooter.

According to information released Saturday evening by Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush, Weirton Police were called to 3136 Weir Ave., at approximately 10:30 a.m. with a report of resident Cassandra Jeter being shot by her neighbor Carl Gist.

Jeter, 62, was found with a gunshot wound in her neck. She was transported to Weirton Medical Center before being flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh area hospital for treatment.

“The gunshot occurred while Ms. Jeter was mowing the lawn,” notes the release from Kush.

Officers attempted to make contact with Gist, 82, who then reportedly barricaded himself in his home at 3144 Weir Ave. Nearby residents were moved out of the area, with traffic blocked along Weir Avenue at the intersections with Lee Avenue and Watson Street, as well as on South 11th Street at Red Rider Road.

Just before 3 p.m., and following several hours of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate, officers with Weirton’s Special Response Team began launching gas canisters into Gist’s home. Kush reports Gist exited the home through the front door, holding a semi-automatic pistol.

“Mr. Gist was ordered multiple times to drop the weapon. He then pointed the hand gun at officers, at which time shots were fired by the police,” Kush stated. “First aid was rendered on Mr. Gist and the home was secured.”

Gist was taken by ambulance to Weirton Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials on the scene declared it contained at approximately 4 p.m.

In addition to the Weirton Police Department, units from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Brooke County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, Weirton Fire Department and Hancock County Ambulance responded.