Burglary suspect remains hospitalized

Published 12:20 am Sunday, March 9, 2014

KITTS HILL — The suspect in an alleged home invasion is in fair condition in Cabell Huntington Hospital following a shooting.

Joseph F. Willis, 33, of Ironton, was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital Friday where he underwent surgery that evening.

According to Lawrence County Sheriff’s Detective Jason Newman, at approximately 2 p.m. Friday a homeowner on County Road 19 heard a noise in his house and went to investigate.

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“He was home by himself and went to check and saw another man,” Newman said. “The suspect had broken through the door. The homeowner had a firearm and fired multiple shots striking the suspect in the cheek and abdomen.”

The suspect then fled in his own car and wrecked, Newman said.

Willis will face aggravated burglary charges and possibly others, when he is released from the hospital, Newman said.

The incident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed against the homeowner, who was uninjured.