Deputy Sheriff Thomas E. Baker III, 49, was killed on June 3, 2022, after a shootout in the Birch River area of Nicholas County, West Virginia. Baker and another deputy responded to a domestic disturbance call; during the confrontation Baker was fatally shot. The other deputy, Corporal Ellison, was wounded, treated for a gunshot wound and later released from the hospital.

One of the suspects died in the shootout and is identified in reports as Holcomb. No other suspect names or arrests are provided; the immediate threat was neutralized when Holcomb was killed. The community responded with tributes noting Baker’s service and sacrifice.

If anyone witnessed the June 3 incident in Birch River or has information about what happened that day, please share what is known.