MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Preston County man is facing felony charges after allegedly firing a pellet gun at two people during a dispute in Masontown.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the West Virginia State Police, troopers were called to a residence on Park Drive on August 31 following reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, one victim told police that Devon Beshears, 21, of Masontown, had shot her with a .22 caliber pellet rifle. A second victim reported that Beshears had threatened him prior to the shooting and attempted to fire at him following a verbal altercation, but instead struck the first victim.
Investigators noted that witnesses observed children playing in a playground directly behind the victims at the time of the incident, raising further concern about the potential danger posed by the shooting.
Beshears has been charged with two counts of attempted malicious wounding and is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the victims’ conditions.