VIENNA, W.Va. -- A retired Wood County doctor has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of his wife.
Dr. John Ralsten, 74, allegedly shot his wife, Carol Ralsten, 70, in their home in the 4000 block of Fourth Avenue in Vienna, Parkersburg media outlets reported.
The doctor apparently barricaded himself in his home, but Vienna's police chief played a pivotal role in negotiating with him, the town's mayor said Saturday.
"We were shocked about the shooting," Mayor David Nohe told the Gazette-Mail, adding that John Ralsten is a well respected, retired radiologist.
Police could not be reached for comment Saturday. WTAP reported that the doctor was in a secure medical facility and would be charged with first-degree murder.
Police were first alerted to a problem in the home when they received a call of an accidental shooting at about 4:45 p.m. Friday, according to the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
Nohe said at least four different police agencies worked together.
"It was fantastic how they all worked together," he said.
State police officers blocked off traffic, and officers went door-to-door alerting neighbors to stay inside their homes, he said.
Vienna Police Chief George Young is friends with the Ralstens' son, Nohe said. Dr. Ralsten apparently felt comfortable talking with him, and they established a rapport.
Police waited about six hours until Ralsten came out of his home without further incident.
The Ralstens were supporters of Marshall University, and according to the News and Sentinel, they were the caregivers for two children whose parents were killed in the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including most members of the Marshall University football team.
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