Search underway for Maryland man wanted in West Virginia murder investigation

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — The suspect in the deadly shooting that happened on Mountain Valley Drive , not far from Morgantown city limits, last week, is believed to have fled the state, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

The shooting happened just before 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 11. Responding deputies found Rashad Malik Alton, 21, of Morgantown suffering from apparent gunshot wounds at the scene, the press release said. He was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he died from those wounds.

The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office said it “appeared to be an isolated incident between acquaintances” and has identified the suspected shooter as Arnold Johnson III, 19, of Montgomery Village, Maryland.

Johnson is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, and the sheriff’s office said it believes he has fled West Virginia, and may be in the area of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C. Johnson should be considered armed and dangerous, the sheriff’s office said.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office to call them at 304-291-7260 or 911. The sheriff’s office is still seeking information or video from anyone who resides on Mountain Valley Drive near the 9000 building, the press release said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.