Deputies have apprehended a man wanted in connection with a Kanawha County shooting that left a victim hospitalized.
Kenneth “Smokey” Allen, 34, of St. Albans faces a charge of malicious wounding, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives located Allen on Tuesday at Cedar Grove Farm near Heizer Creek in Winfield, the release said.
The arrest stems from a shooting that took place Monday evening in St. Albans. Investigators reported that 47-year-old Mark Aaron Paul was rushed to a nearby hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the face.
Deputies allege that Allen entered a home on Coal River Road wearing a mask and threatened the victim before opening fire.
Authorities took Allen into custody without incident and transported him to Putnam County Magistrate Court for arraignment.
He is currently being held at Western Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.
UPDATED – 2:15 p.m., 2/24/26
Deputies issued an arrest warrant for a man accused in a Kanawha County shooting, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Kenneth “Smokey” Allen, 34, of St. Albans was wanted on a charge of malicious wounding.
Deputies responded shortly after 9 p.m. Monday to a reported shooting in the 12000 block of Coal River Road.
Investigators said 47-year-old Mark Aaron Paul was taken to a nearby hospital after being shot in the face.
Deputies alleged that Allen entered the home wearing a mask, threatened the victim and then shot him.
The suspect fled before first responders arrived and was sought by law enforcement.
Authorities asked anyone with information about Allen’s whereabouts to contact detectives at 304-357-0556 or submit a tip online.
Deputies warned that Allen was considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone who saw him in public to call 911 immediately.
ORIGINAL STORY
A man suffered injuries in a shooting Monday night in the West Side area of St. Albans.
Deputies reported that a man was shot in the face in the 12000 block of Coal River Road.
Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said he remained alert and was able to walk on his own. Officials have not released his current condition.
The suspect left the scene before Kanawha County deputies arrived. Investigators said they were working to identify and locate the individual.
Authorities did not immediately release additional details.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169.