Woman fatally shoots man who fired rifle into crowd during party in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A woman fatally shot a man who was firing an AR-15-style rifle into a crowd of people that had gathered for a party in West Virginia, authorities said.

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According to a news release from the Charleston Police Department, Dennis Butler, 37, of Charleston, was found at around 10:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday with multiple gunshot wounds, WSAZ-TV reported.

Butler was killed after he took out the rifle and began shooting at people attending a birthday-graduation party in Charleston, according to The Associated Press.

No injuries were reported from those attending the party at the Vista View apartment complex, WCHS-TV reported.

Investigators said Butler had been warned earlier about speeding in the area, as children were present, according to the television station. When Butler returned with the weapon and began firing, the woman opened fire and fatally shot him, WSAZ reported.

“Instead of running from the threat, she engaged with the threat and saved several lives last night,” Charleston Police Department Chief of Detectives Tony Hazelett said during a news conference.

The woman waited for police to arrive and cooperated with authorities, according to the AP.

Hazelett said no charges would be filed against the woman, WSAZ reported.

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