WILLIAMSON, WEST VIRGINIA (AP) -- A sheriff known for cracking down on the drug trade in southern West Virginia's coalfields was fatally shot Wednesday in the spot where he usually parked his car for lunch, a state official said, and a suspect was in custody.
State Police told Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin that Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum died of his wounds, said his chief of staff Rob Alsop. The suspect, who was also shot, was taken to a hospital in Logan, Alsop said.
The courthouse was evacuated, streets into the city were blocked off and officers held white sheets around the crime scene, Crum's body further shielded by two vehicles.
The shooting occurred within a block of the county courthouse, said Office of Emergency Services head dispatcher Willis Spence. Officials planned a news conference for 6 p.m. in the county in the southwest corner of West Virginia, on the border with Kentucky.
Delegate Harry Keith White, who campaigned with Crum last year, said his friend was shot to death in the same place where he parked his car most days to eat lunch, near the site of a former pharmacy known for illegally distributing. Crum led a drug task force and an initiative called Operation Zero Tolerance, making good on a campaign pledge, White said.
"I think anybody you ask would tell you he was a great guy, always with a positive attitude, always trying to help people," White said. "It's just a sad, sad day for Mingo County and the state of West Virginia."
Crum had resigned his post as a county magistrate before launching his sheriff's campaign as a signal of integrity, preferring to run as a civilian rather than an official, White said. He won the primarily handily and ran unopposed in the general election in the fall.
Crum had been a magistrate for 12 years and had previously served as police chief in Delbarton.
White said Crum was dedicated to improving the community and devoted to his grandchildren and adult children.
"He always had family around him," he said.
After dozens of indictments were issued earlier this year, Prosecutor Michael Sparks issued a press release declaring that Crum "exceeded my highest expectations" and "has provided a game changing boost to our drug enforcement program."
Delegate Justin Marcum, D-Mingo and an assistant county prosecutor, called Crum "a true friend to the county."
"He'll be dearly missed," he said.
(Photo Courtesy: Williamson Daily News)