MORGANTOWN — According the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, a preliminary investigation has determined Michael Bolyard’s death was the result of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bolyard died June 4 during an interaction with deputies at the CVS in Sabraton.
Deputies responded to the area after receiving reports that Bolyard, 55, of Aarons Creek Road, had been spotted in the area. Bolyard was wanted on an active arrest warrant following a May 10 incident at his home that resulted in an hours-long standoff with law enforcement.
After that incident, Bolyard was evaluated by mental health professionals and subsequently indicted by the May 2026 Grand Jury. He failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment and a warrant was issued.
On June 4, deputies located and attempted to make contact with an individual inside a vehicle matching Bolyard’s description. The individual, later identified as Bolyard, produced and discharged a firearm, prompting a deputy to return fire.
“Following a preliminary investigation, authorities determined that Bolyard’s death was the result of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the MCSD explained in a Monday press release. “The investigation remains ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.”
