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State Police are investigating the death of a man that happened while police were responding to a domestic incident on Main Street in Follansbee on Friday night.
Brooke County Prosecutor Joseph Barki III said both Follansbee police and state police responded to a report of a domestic incident involving a man with a knife.
According to a press release from the State Police, at 10:10 p.m., a trooper responded to a 911 call of a man cutting himself with a knife and a female in the background screaming. The trooper, along with a Brooke County deputy and a Follansbee police officer, arrived at the residence, 605 Rear Main St., and heard a female screaming inside.
The officers then forced entry through the front door of the residence. Clifton D. Reintzel, 53, allegedly charged toward the officers in a threatening manner with the knife. The officers responded by shooting at Reintzel. He was transported to Weirton Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries at 11:25 p.m.
West Virginia State Police Lt. Michael Baylous said more than one shot was fired at the man, but it will take an autopsy to determine how Reintzel actually died.
“We’re not sure how he died – he was cutting himself,” Baylous said. “It sounds like suicide by cop.”
Barki said to his knowledge the woman was not injured.
Follansbee Police Chief John Schwertfeger referred questions about the case to the state police. Barki said when the report is completed, he will consider whether the officer acted appropriately in light of the situation and before deciding what further action is required.
Staff Writer Shelley Hanson contributed to this report.