Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge After an Officer-Involved Shooting

Charleston police said three people are in custody following a traffic stop that led to shots being fired between a suspect and police and a pursuit that ended with a crash into a home. Charleston Police Chief James “Tyke” Hunt said the incident that started about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on Court Street near the interstate overpass after a routine traffic stop. Joseph Larch of Charleston is seen on the officer’s body camera video turning toward the officer with a gun and firing multiple rounds at the officer. The officer then returned fire, hitting Larch multiple times. Larch entered the Habitat ReStore, where he was taken into custody. Larch is currently in critical condition at Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital. He is charged with attempted murder and wanton endangerment. Hunt said Larch had a criminal history with the Charleston Police Department.