Martinsburg Commends Officer for 'Heroic Actions'

Martinsburg Borough recognized one of its police officers with a commendation during its July 7 borough council meeting.

Sgt. Justin L. Davis was honored and recognized before council for his actions on the night of Feb. 26, 2020, "for a job well done."

Martinsburg Chief of Police Kerry L. Hoover and Mayor Richard A. Brantner, who formed the commendation for the officer, commended Sgt. Davis for "placing his life on the line, and for arresting and taking a criminal off of the streets of Martinsburg."

While on patrol during the evening hours of Feb. 26, 2020, Sgt. Davis observed a vehicle with a "dead" registration plate and attempted to initiate a traffic stop within the parking lot of the Choice convenience store. Sgt. Davis activated his emergency lights on his marked cruiser.

The actor at this point accelerated at a high rate of speed and fled.

Sgt. Davis pursued the vehicle through the Borough of Martinsburg and continued the pursuit eastbound on State Route 164 for approximately 1.4 miles, where speeds reached 100 mph within North Woodbury Township. While being pursued, the violator lost control and wrecked, coming to a final rest after striking a stop sign.

The officer viewed the fleeing vehicle come to a stop after the accident, and observed the female occupant exit the vehicle and go around to the driver's side and help the male operator exit the vehicle. Both suspects then fled the scene on foot.

Because of the danger of unknowns, Sgt. Davis attempted to place both suspects under arrest with the officer deploying his Taser on the female passenger and continuing to pursue and apprehend the male suspect. While attempting to place the operator in custody, the officer then had to deal with the suspect pulling a handgun and pointing it at him. Due to the danger presented and to preserve his own life, Sgt. Davis drew his service weapon and fired one shot at the suspect.

Sgt. Davis then secured the suspect's weapon and the female passenger and, while waiting for backup and an ambulance, retrieved the medical bag from the cruiser and provided first aid to save the life of the suspect.