A tri-state manhunt ends in West Virginia

Augusta County Sheriff’s Office reports that a tri-state manhunt has ended in West Virginia.

A domestic disturbance reported in Augusta County escalated to several shots fired in the Deerfield area.

Oather Carl Puffenbarger Jr. reportedly approached his estranged wife by entering a residence with a handgun.

An occupant of the residence was able to get out and call 911.

Puffenbarger stole the keys to his estranged wife’s vehicle and fled.

Deputies at that time took out several warrants against Puffenbarger including grand larceny, brandishing a firearm, use of said firearm in commission of a felony and breaking and entering among other charges.

While searching for Puffenbarger Deputies received a second 911 call for shots fired in the Hite Hollow Road area.

That call came from two of Puffenbarger’s relatives.

Puffenbarger had blocked their escape with his vehicle and forced the two out of their vehicle as he fired several more shots.

The two male family members were armed and fired back at Puffenbarger.

This led to still more charges being placed against Puffenbarger.

Authorities from Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia were put on alert to watch for Puffenbarger.

West Virginia authorities managed to stop Puffenbarger in Grant County.

When officers approached Puffenbarger’s vehicle they found him suffering from a self-inflicted gun shot wound.

Puffenbarger was taken into custody and transported to a hospital with life threatening injuries.

The delay in the report was to make sure family members of Puffenbarger were notified of the incident.

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