Reward Increased to $25,000 for Man Wanted in Shooting Bluefield, WV Police Officer

BLUEFIELD, WV – The combined reward from several law enforcement agencies has been increased from $10,000 to $25,000 following the shooting and wounding of a Bluefield police officer, according to the Virginia State Police.

Donquale “DJ’ M. Gray, 25, of Bluefield, West Virginia is considered a fugitive from justice wanted for attempted capital murder of a police officer and may be hiding out in the Roanoke / Lynchburg area, state police said.

Virginia State Police along with the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, West Virginia State Police and several local law enforcement agencies have been following up on dozens of tips related to the whereabouts of Gray.

“As the fugitive investigation continues, we urge the public to provide us with information concerning Mr. Gray, as it is only a matter of time until he will likely harm another officer or citizen,” stated Acting U.S. Marshal Richard Sellers.

“Further, not only can the public utilize the previously noted email addresses, but also utilize the new U.S. Marshals Service TIPS app, which can be downloaded onto smartphones from their user stores. This is a direct channel to investigators and will allow confidentiality. We continue to urge Mr. Gray to surrender, and assure those aiding him, that they will face justice as well.”

Gray had been living in Bluefield but is originally from Chicago, IL and is known to frequent family and friends in that area.

On February 16, state police say Gray shot a 29-year-old police officer during a traffic stop in Bluefield. The officer was wounded during the shooting, but survived and is recovering. His name is not being released due to safety concerns.

Gray was the passenger in a 2008 Toyota Yaris that was stopped for an equipment violation around 11:45 p.m. on Route 460 near Exit 3 in Bluefield, state police say. Gray shot at the officer as he was standing outside the truck on the driver’s side.

The Bluefield police officer and a back-up Bluefield police officer returned fire. The driver of the truck surrendered. Gray then got in the driver’s seat and fled. The truck was found abandoned a few hours later in Bluefield.

The driver was cited for a traffic violation and released. He was not injured. The backup officer was also not injured.

Tips can be emailed to the U.S. Marshals at [email protected] or VA State Police at [email protected]. Or call 911 or the Virginia State Police at 276-228-3131.

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