Family members were in the process of getting a mental hygiene petition in Roane County for Cottrell, due to the fact that he was a threat to himself and others. Cottrell was encountered by police driving south on Route 14 near Spencer. A vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended, and Cotrell pointed a firearm at the officers and was shot and killed.
Victim's Name: Bernard Cottrell
Agency Responsible: West Virginia State Police
Gender: Male
Age: 65
Race: White
Date of Death: September 6, 2016
County: Roane
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Car
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 1863
Geography: Rural