VIENNA, W.Va. — Two people have been arrested after police say gunfire was exchanged between two moving vehicles on a busy roadway in Wood County, leaving two people seriously injured.
The shooting happened around 8:14 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, in the 100 block of Grand Central Avenue in Vienna. Officers responding to reports of shots fired determined that people inside two vehicles had allegedly exchanged gunfire while traveling along the roadway.
Two occupants of one vehicle suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. One of the victims was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown for additional treatment.
Vienna Police identified Ashton Elschlager of Walker as one of the alleged shooters. Elschlager was also among those injured in the incident.
Police identified the second alleged shooter as Jacob Thomas of Waverly. Authorities said Thomas left the area following the shooting.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office later spotted Thomas’ vehicle crossing the Williamstown Bridge into Marietta, Ohio. Authorities in Washington County were notified and subsequently located the vehicle, conducting a traffic stop without incident.
Investigators said interviews with both suspects indicated that gunfire was exchanged while the vehicles were moving along a public roadway, putting other drivers and bystanders in danger.
Elschlager and Thomas have each been charged with felony wanton endangerment. Elschlager is being held at the Wood County Holding Center, while Thomas is being held at the Washington County Jail in Ohio.
Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick thanked law enforcement officers and first responders for their quick response to the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or may have information is asked to contact the Vienna Police Department at 304-295-8563.
The investigation remains ongoing.
