Just after 10:25 p.m. on August 18, 2025, the quiet of Back Fork Road in the Exchange area of Braxton County, West Virginia, was shattered by the staccato of gunfire. What unfolded was a harrowing drive-by shooting that could have ended in tragedy, but, by what many are calling a stroke of luck, left no one physically harmed. The alleged shooter, William E. Selph, age 23, of Kanawha County, now faces a slew of serious charges as the West Virginia State Police and local authorities continue their investigation.
According to a press release from the West Virginia State Police, the incident occurred at a residence where multiple people, including a small child, were inside. The home came under fire from a .223 caliber weapon, with multiple rounds striking the structure. Despite the barrage, none of the occupants were struck or injured. As stated in the release and echoed by several news outlets, including WCHS, WBOY, WDTV, and WSAZ, "Miraculously, none of the occupants — including a small child — were struck or injured."
The shooting set off a rapid and coordinated response from law enforcement. Troopers from the Sutton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police were first on the scene, quickly joined by colleagues from the Webster Springs and Glenville detachments, as well as the WVSP Crime Scene Response Team. Their task: to secure the area, collect evidence, and begin piecing together the events that led up to the shooting.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the attack was both deliberate and dangerous. The home had been struck several times by gunfire, and the weapon used — a .223 caliber, commonly associated with high-velocity rifles — underscored the potential for devastating harm. Yet, against the odds, every resident inside the house escaped without injury.
With the scene secured, law enforcement turned their attention to tracking down the suspect. By the following day, August 19, after what officials described as an "exhaustive investigation," troopers had identified William E. Selph as the alleged shooter. Multiple arrest warrants were obtained in Braxton County, charging Selph with nine counts of attempted murder and nine counts of wanton endangerment.
The search for Selph quickly spanned county lines. Troopers from the Clay County detachment, alongside officers from the Glenville, Sutton, and Webster Springs detachments, worked in concert to locate and apprehend him. Their efforts paid off: Selph was found and arrested in Kanawha County on August 19. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the South-Central Regional Jail, where he is currently being held without bond, pending arraignment.
The charges Selph faces are as serious as they come. Attempted murder, particularly in the context of a drive-by shooting targeting a home full of people, is a grave offense under West Virginia law. Each count of attempted murder carries the implication that the accused intended to kill, even if no one was ultimately harmed. Wanton endangerment charges further reflect the reckless disregard for human life demonstrated in the act of firing into an occupied residence.
For the residents of Back Fork Road and the broader Exchange community, the incident has been deeply unsettling. While no one was injured, the psychological impact of such violence — especially when a small child is involved — can't be overstated. The sense of safety in a rural West Virginia neighborhood, where many residents know each other and doors are often left unlocked, has been shaken.
Law enforcement officials have been quick to reassure the public. The swift identification and arrest of Selph, as well as the collaborative effort among multiple police detachments, have been highlighted as examples of effective policing. The West Virginia State Police emphasized the thoroughness of their investigation and their commitment to ensuring justice is served. The case, however, remains open, with the investigation ongoing as authorities work to establish a full account of the events and any possible motives.
In the aftermath, questions linger. What led to the shooting? Was the residence specifically targeted, or was this a random act of violence? Authorities have yet to disclose a motive, and with the investigation still active, details remain scarce. For now, the focus remains on the legal process and on supporting the victims as they recover from the shock of the ordeal.
The incident has also drawn attention to broader issues of gun violence in rural America. While urban areas often dominate headlines when it comes to shootings, rural communities are not immune. The use of a .223 caliber weapon — a firearm capable of inflicting significant damage — has reignited conversations about gun ownership, safety, and the responsibilities that come with possessing such firepower.
Community leaders and residents have rallied around the affected family, offering support and solidarity. Local officials have underscored the importance of vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement, urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The message is clear: while the community may have been shaken, its resolve remains firm.
Meanwhile, Selph's legal journey is only beginning. Held without bond at the South-Central Regional Jail, he awaits arraignment on multiple felony charges. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, not just by those directly affected, but by a community determined to see justice done.
The drive-by shooting on Back Fork Road serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of safety and the unpredictable nature of violence. Yet, it is also a testament to the resilience of a community and the effectiveness of a law enforcement response that, in this instance, prevented tragedy from turning into catastrophe. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the people of Braxton County are left to reckon with the events of that August night — grateful that, against all odds, no lives were lost.
