On June 15, 2013 at approximately 3:30 a concrete truck traveling east on I-64 overturned at the Institute interchange, between the exit and entrance ramps.  The initial calls to Metro 911 indicated the vehicle was on fire, fully engulfed, and had spilled its load of 10 cubic yards of concrete onto the roadway.  The east bound lanes of the highway were closed at that time. 

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded with WV Department of Highways personnel.  Members of Institute and Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Departments and the Dunbar Fire Department responded to the scene.  The response was overseen by C. W. Sigmon, Kanawha County’s Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management/Fire Coordinator.  The driver of the truck was transported to an area hospital by Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority first responders for treatment to his injuries.  Vehicles were diverted from the interstate at Cross Lanes and directed onto secondary roads until they were able to rejoin the highway beyond the crash in Dunbar.  Motorists on the detour were directed by KCSO deputies and Dunbar Police Department officers.

Department of Highways personnel requested a crane to upright and remove the overturned truck.  The debris was then removed and the roadway inspected.  As the debris was cleared a phased reopening of the lanes occurred.  All lanes reopened at 10:32 hours

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

Following notification of family members, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office can now release the name of the victim in this morning’s murder in the Mink Shoals area of Kanawha County.  The deceased man’s name is Shane Patrick Henry.  He was 26 years old, and is from the Charleston, WV area.

Detectives with the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation are still investigating the crime, and request anyone with information about the murder call them at 304-357-0169 or submit anonymous tips online through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On June 15, 2013 at approximately 8:35 hours Metro 911 received a call of a person on the ground near a dumpster along John Wesley Drive in the Mink Shoals area of Kanawha County.  Deputies and medical first responders from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority responded within moments and found the 26 year old man dead.  He was shot numerous times. 

The responding deputies secured the area, and detectives with the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation began processing the crime scene, gathering evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses.  Some neighbors reported hearing noises similar to gunshots or firecrackers in the early morning hours.  However, no calls were placed to Metro 911.

The victim’s name will not be released until notification is made to his family.  Detectives request anyone with information about the murder call them at 304-357-0169 or submit anonymous tips online through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On June 16, 2013, Tevin Christopher “Smook” Williams turned in himself to the Nashville Police Department, in Nashville, TN.  He was arrested on the outstanding warrant issued in Kanawha County, WV, for armed robbery.  The warrant was issued following the investigation of a home invasion style robbery in the 5300 block of Elaine Drive, Rand, WV.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney to have Mr. Williams extradited soon. 

Detectives with the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation are still investigating that incident, and exploring possible connections to other recent home invasion style robberies in the Rand community in recent months. 

Additionally, tonight the neighborhood watch program in Rand will be having their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Rand Community Center.  On the agenda for discussion is prevention of home invasion style robberies.  Sergeant R. B. Lilly has worked closely with the neighborhood watch program in Rand for several years, and will be there for the meeting tonight, as he is for every meeting.  Chief Joe Saunders of West Virginia State University Police is scheduled to be the guest speaker at tonight’s meeting.  The Watch Coordinator for the Rand program is Deacon Sylvester Smith. 

– 

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On July 15, 2013 at approximately 10:20 p.m. Deputies S. M. Adams and J. L. Miller were dispatched to a burglary on Rocky Lane, Cross Lanes, WV.  One of the residents said he had arranged a drug deal for marijuana to be sold between other parties.  He went to a parking lot in Cross Lanes where one of his friends sold grass clippings which the customers thought was marijuana.  The customers later realized the marijuana was not real, and became angry.  They later tracked down the resident on Rocky Lane.

Two men entered the residence on Rocky Lane and struck the resident several times.  The resident is a 19 year old male.  He is paralyzed from the waist down, and he was unable to defend himself from the attack.  The attackers also stole prescription pills. 

Deputies Adams and Miller conducted an investigation and were able to identify suspects as Robert Chastin McFadden (21 years of age, of Cross Lanes WV) and Joey Lee Ashworth (22 years of age, of Scott Depot, Putnam County WV). 

Ashworth was located by Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputies and Troopers with the West Virginia State Police that night.  After he was located Deputy Adams arrested him and charged him with armed robbery.  He was taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment.  A warrant was obtained charging Robert Chastin McFadden with armed robbery, as well.

Deputies participating with the United States Marshal Service CUFFED Task Force located McFadden on the night of July 18, 2013.  They had reviewed video surveillance from convenience stores where the suspects had gathered after the robbery on the night of July 15, 2013.  That surveillance provided them with descriptions of the vehicles used by the suspects, and identified others that were with them on the night of the crime.  Using that, and information gained from interviews, they started toward a residence where they believed McFaddin had been staying on Pleasant Valley, near Chestnut Road, outside of South Charleston, WV.  While en route they passed a vehicle carrying McFaddin.  A traffic stop was made on that vehicle and McFaddin was arrested.  He was taken to South Central Regional Jail with a bond of $25,000.00 surety or 10% cash.

Participants in the traffic stop included Deputy United States Marshals, an Officer with the Department of Corrections, and Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs.

Deputy S. M. Adams may pursue additional charges against others involved in planning the attack.  The investigation into the details of the incident is continuing.

Attached are mug shots of the two arrested for robbery, Robert McFaddin and Joey Ashworth.  As is always the case in criminal arrests, the charges against the accused are merely accusations.  Each is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On June 28, 2013 a witness for the prosecution in a murder case contacted detectives with the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation to report harassment by a relative of the murder suspect.  On June 6, 2013 Tremale Straughter was indicted and arraigned for the murder of Donovan “Don Don” Taylor in Rand, WV, on February 14, 2013.  Tremale Straughter’s brother, Tremain Straughter, was arrested on July 22, 2013 for intimidating a witness to that murder.

The witness made contact with detectives on June 28.  An investigation into the complaint ensued.  Statements from witnesses were combined with digital evidence.  Detectives then sought a warrant for Tremain Straughter for witness intimidation and stalking.  He was arrested on July 22, 2013.  Following arraignment he was taken to South Central Regional Jail in lieu of $75,000.00 cash bond.

Detectives ask members of the media to refrain from publishing the names and faces of witnesses, which they fear may invite more intimidation. 

Attached is a mug shot of Tremain Straughter.  As is always the case with criminal matters, the charges against the accused are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On Monday, July 22, 2013, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Metro 911 received a report of a stabbing at 5910 MacCorkle Avenue SW, at the Rustic Motel.  Deputy J. E. Mace of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office responded.  He arrived with paramedics from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority.  Deputy Mace was assisted by law enforcement officers of the South Charleston Police Department.  They made sure the scene was safe for the medics, then invited medics into the area to begin treating the man who was cut, LaSalle Burnett (31 years of age of Jefferson, Kanawha County). 

Deputies began interviewing witnesses, and documenting blood trails and evidence.  Witnesses told deputies that Mr. Burnett had been drinking heavily.  When the deputies tried to ask Mr. Burnett what happened his speech was slurred and incoherent.  He was taken to the hospital, and a statement from Mr. Burnett will be taken when he is medically and mentally able.

During the early stages of the investigation South Charleston Police Officers were dispatched to contact Willis McLemore (62 years of age, of South Charleston, WV) and his daughter, Amber McLemore (25 years of age, of Nitro, WV).  The McLemore’s called dispatchers to report their involvement in the incident.  Deputy Mace met and interviewed them in South Charleston. 

Amber McLemore and LaSalle Burnett have several children together.  According to her statement Mr. Burnett was supposed to be caring for the children, but instead took them to a bar where they played with a ball while he became inebriated.  She and Mr. McLemore (her father) went to pick up the kids and located Mr. Burnett at his apartment.  An argument began between Mr. McLemore and Mr. Burnett.  Mr. McLemore said Mr. Burnett began a physical fight by swinging his fists several times.  Mr. McLemore used a pocket knife to defend himself, cutting Burnett several times.  As the McLemore’s tried to escape Mr. Burnett climbed onto and lay across the hood of their car in what they believed was an attempt to keep them at the scene.  They pulled away leaving Mr. Burnett laying on the lot near his apartment, where Deputy Mace found him.

Deputies consulted with an on-duty prosecutor during the investigation, which is on-going.  To date no arrests have been made and no charges have been sought in the matter.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Mace at 304-357-0169 or submit an anonymous tip at www.kanawhasheriff.us. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On July 23, 2013 shortly after 1:00 p.m. a Taxi Driver from Huntington, WV, called Metro 911 to report being robbed.  He said a passenger asked him to stop at the Eden’s Fork park-and-ride in Sissonville, near I-77.  The passenger feigned as though he had a weapon and left with $100.00 cash, according to the driver.  No weapon was displayed.

The suspect is a white male wearing blue jeans.  He was not wearing a shirt, and has tattoos.  He was last seen walking with a white female in a yellow shirt along Kanawha Two-Mile Road. 

At this time there are very few details available, as deputies are still investigating and searching the area.  Anyone with information may call 304-357-0169. 

This preliminary release is in response to numerous calls from news media outlets in the area, and in the interest of distributing the suspect’s description.  This release only contains information available from Metro 911, which is based on 911 calls placed by the complainant(s).  It may be inaccurate.  More information will be distributed as information is gained and clarified. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On July 29, 2013 Officer M. Hammack of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office’s Home Confinement Division attempted to arrest Charles Brett Cook (29 years of age, of Sissonville, WV), for absconding from home confinement.  Mr. Cook fled on foot into a wooded area near Walker Drive in Sissonville.  Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently searching for Cook.  Anyone with specific information on his immediate whereabouts is asked to call 304-357-0169. 

Cook was placed on home confinement as part of a sentence in 2011.  The underlying charges are breaking and entering, and transferring and receiving stolen property.

Attached are two mug shots.  The first was taken during a recent home confinement appointment.  The other was taken during an arrest in 2010.  The first photo is more current, but the second is of better quality.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Cook are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

Just after midnight on August 23, 2013 Deputy J. L. Miller of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was on road patrol in the Sissonville area of Kanawha County.  He passed an older model Chevrolet Camaro with an inoperable headlight and no working tail lights heading north on Sissonville Drive.  When Deputy Miller attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle the driver refused to stop. 

The resulting pursuit went from Sissonville into Putnam County.  Deputy C. D. Lyons deployed spike strips near the intersection of Clendenin Creek Road and Route 34 in the path of the fleeing vehicle which damaged three of its tires.  The vehicle turned onto Route 34 toward Jackson County before coming to a halt due to the damaged tires.

The driver, Jared Keith Garnes, 26 of Liberty, WV, was arrested and charged with Fleeing While Driving Under the Influence, a felony.  The arrest was effected in Putnam County, and so the charge was filed with the Putnam County Magistrate Court.  Mr. Garnes was taken to Western Regional Jail and will be arraigned by a Putnam County Magistrate.

During the course of the pursuit a Putnam County Deputy was involved in a crash and sustained minor injuries.  Any inquiries into that crash may be directed to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Attached is a copy of the mug shot taken during the arrest, and a faxed copy of the criminal complaint on file in Putnam County’s Magistrate Court.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Garnes are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On March 26, 2012 Deputy K. D. Hypes of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the larceny of property owned by the Kanawha County Board of Education.  Gary Lee Cochran, had been employed as a Child Nutrition Director for the school system.  Mr. Cochran resigned on February 22, 2012.  When his desk was cleared pawn tickets were located for two computers that had been assigned to Mr. Cochran.  The Board of Education sent letters to Mr. Cochran asking him to return the issued property months before, and prior to locating the pawn tickets. 

Deputy S. W. Hunter assumed the investigation and determined the value of the items pawned was $1,535.00.  A warrant for grand larceny was obtained.

Deputies sought to serve the warrants several times, but Mr. Cochran was not located at his known addresses.  On August 26, 2013 the warrant was served.  Using a tip was provided through WCHS TV’s Fugitive Files program and other sources of information Kanawha County Deputies and members of the U.S. Marshal’s CUFFED Task Force went to an address on Mason Street in Milton, Cabell County, WV.  Mr. Cochran was arrested, arraigned at Cabell County Magistrate Court, and transported to Kanawha County for booking and housing at the South Central Regional Jail.  A bond of $10,000.00 property or 10% cash was set.

Due to technical problems I am unable to attach a mug shot of the accused at this time.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Cochran are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328