WARRANT ISSUED FOR SUSPECT IN COAL RIVER RD SHOOTING

WARRANT ISSUED FOR SUSPECT IN COAL RIVER RD SHOOTING

SAINT ALBANS, WV – On February 23, 2026, at approximately 9:11 p.m., Kanawha County Deputies responded to a shooting in the 12000 block of Coal River Road in which a man was shot in the face.

The victim was identified as Mark Aaron Paul, 47, of Saint Albans. Mr. Paul sustained a gunshot wound to the face and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

It is alleged that a man known as “Smokey” entered the victim’s residence along with another man named Will Rhodes. “Smokey” was reportedly wearing a black mask at the time. Witnesses allege that “Smokey” pointed a firearm at Mr. Paul and stated, “If you move, I will kill you.” When the victim moved, he was shot in the face.  

During the investigation, it was learned that “Smokey” was Kenneth Dale Allen, 34 of Saint Albans, WV.

Detective Alford with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a warrant on Mr. Allen for Malicious Wounding.

Mr. Allen fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival and is currently wanted on the outstanding warrant. Deputies are actively working to locate him.  It is believed that this was an isolated incident but “Smokey” is believed to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding Mr. Allen’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Alford of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0556 or leave a tip on our website at www.KanawhaSheriff.us.

If you see the suspect out in public, immediately call 911.

Anybody that is arrested is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.