Eric Lawrence Jachiemic

According to New Martinsville Police Department, officers were dispatched around 2 a.m., Jan. 23 to Litman’s Campground in the Steelton area due to reports of a shooting.

Chief Tim Cecil reported that he, along with Officer Miranda Haynes, Sergeant Don Larsen, and Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Roger Spragg responded.

Chief Cecil said witness reports indicate that two males were involved. One man had allegedly come out of a camper, screaming and yelling at a woman who was not present. This man then allegedly began shooting and shot another male individual. Cecil said it was not indicated whether the victim was a target or was just randomly shot. Law enforcement speculate the suspect might have been on controlled substances.

Chief Cecil said NMPD and the West Virginia State Police obtained a search warrant to search the camper. The search yielded the discovery of a .380 handgun. Cecil reported that the WVSP conducted a residue test on the gun.

Upon arrival to the scene, police arrested a suspect — later identified as 29-year-old Eric Lawrence Jachiemic. Jachiemic was charged with attempted murder and was transported to the Northern Regional Jail.

The male victim, who had been shot in the thigh, was rushed to Wetzel County Hospital and is currently being treated. The victim is reportedly in stable condition.

According to Chief Cecil, the male victim is from the local area. Jachiemic is from Illinois.

The name of the victim was not provided. Chief Cecil said the investigation is ongoing, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.