The name of the 21-year-old victim of a deadly shooting early July 11 was released Friday by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, more than one week after the shooting.
A 19-year-old Maryland man was named as the suspected shooter. Investigators believe the suspect, Arnold Johnson III, of Montgomery Village, Md., has left West Virginia. But caution he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Johnson stands accused of shooting Rashad Malik Alton, of Morgantown, in what the sheriff says, “appeared to be an isolated incident between acquaintances.”
According to press releases from the sheriff’s department, deputies were dispatched to Mountain Valley Drive at 1:42 a.m. July 11 for a shooting. When first responders arrived at the apartment complex, they found Alton, who suffered a gunshot wound.
He was transported by ambulance to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he died as a result of the gunshot injuries.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Johnson, who is wanted for first-degree murder.
Police have not released details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting but believe Alton and Johnson did know each other.
According to the releases, investigators believe Johnson has left West Virginia in the eight days since the shooting and believe him to currently be in the Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., areas.
The sheriff’s department is not releasing any more information at this time.
Residents of Mountain Valley Drive who live near the 9000 building or anyone with information or video related to the shooting are urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 304-291-7260.
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