On January 6, 2014, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Metro 911 operators received a call of a cardiac arrest on Miracle Drive, near Saint Albans, WV.  Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority medics were dispatched to the scene.  Deputy J. D. Yost of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office also responded.  Linda Thornton, 26 years old of Saint Albans, WV, was declared dead at the scene. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of West Virginia transported Mrs. Thornton’s body to their office to perform an autopsy and toxicology screening to determine a cause of death.  At this time the death is being investigated as a possible overdose, but the investigation has not yet concluded. 

Inside the apartment were three children ages 5 years, 3 years, and 5 months.  Child Protective Services was called for the children, and arranged for family members to take custody. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On January 7, 2014 the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.P Team conducted an investigation involving the distribution of methamphetamine.  The S.T.O.P Team received tips and information that subjects from Texas were traveling to the Kanawha County area and staying in local motels distributing Crystal Methamphetamine. 

Following leads, the Deputy Sheriffs went to the Budget Host Inn in Malden, WV where they located the arrestee, Steve E. Gonzales.  After executing a search warrant on the Mr. Gonzales’ motel room the Deputy Sheriffs recovered a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $25,000 and several hundred dollars in cash.  Mr. Gonzales was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is currently being held in South Central Regional Jail.

The charges against Mr. Gonzales are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  Attached is a mug shot of Mr. Gonzales from his arrest on January 7, 2014.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has mobilized Deputy Sheriffs and other assets to assist with the ongoing state of emergency.  More than 30 Deputy Sheriffs are on-duty responding to emergency calls and assisting with incidents as needed. 

Until conditions change Deputies will be working 12 hours shifts with 12 hours off-duty between shifts.  Days off have been effectively cancelled for most of the agency. 

Additionally, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Day Report Center has clients assigned to community service.  Eleven members of the program are committed to helping move water at distribution points around Kanawha County.

We encourage people to remain calm, and wait patiently for the water being distributed.  However, if an emergency arises, please dial 911 for assistance. 

Please watch for announcements from the Kanawha County Commission, Metro 911, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  We will continue to release information on water distribution efforts and locations as soon as possible.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On January 10, 2014 at approximately 1:55 p.m. Metro 911 received a call from Freedom Industries.  An employee reported a threat to the business’ employees.  A male called Freedom Industries and said he was on his way to teach everyone there a lesson.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office dispatched several Deputy Sheriffs to the scene as a precaution.  As of the writing of this release (January 10, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.) no one has arrived to fulfill the threat.

At this time the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office will keep resources there to make certain investigators from other agencies are able to safely complete their jobs, and insure the safety of the employees of Freedom Industries.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-951-7328

On January 11, 2014 the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to implement its emergency operations plan.  Additional staff has been operating throughout the previous night and today.  The staff is assisting in many ways, particularly by escorting vehicles transporting water, providing site security, and directing traffic at and around water distribution sites.

A minor crash occurred today shortly after 12:00 p.m. at the Malden overpass of U.S. Route 60.  A truck delivering water to the nearby Malden Volunteer Fire Department made its delivery, then departed.  The weight of the water allowed the truck and trailer to travel the underpass on its way to make the delivery, but the body of the trailer was higher with no load, and struck the overpass while leaving.  The crash caused damage to the top of the trailer.  Sheriff’s Deputies rerouted traffic while a wrecker removed the empty trailer.

Metro 911 provided some additional information regarding the ongoing water emergency in Kanawha County, WV: 

Since the first night of this incident (Thursday, January 9, 2014) there were 27 different reports of fights or disturbances between individuals seeking water.  There were no records of any arrests from these incidents.  There were also no reports of anyone being injured or transported to a medical facility for treatment.  Most of the law enforcement response consisted of crowd control.    

From 5:30 p.m. on January 9, 2014 to 5:30 p.m. January 10, Metro 911 took about 1,850 calls.  On average the center receives approximately 700 calls within a similar period.  Most of those callers were simply seeking information, not reporting emergencies.

Metro 911 received 30 to 35 requests for ambulances the first night due to someone coming in contact or drinking the water.     Most of the calls concluded with medics checking patients on scene.  There are only three incidents of this nature resulting in someone being transported for further treatment.  Each of those three were children under the age of two for whom parents requested a medical physician’s evaluation.  No major medical issues are known to have occurred.

On January 11, 2014 most water emergency related events have been disabled or elderly people requesting water for medical reasons, like running medical machines, or needing water to take medication).  The Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority has been assisting with distributing water throughout the county to these people in need.

On January 10, 2014, Tremale Straughter was sentenced to prison for life without mercy by Judge Jennifer Bailey.  Straughter was convicted of first degree murder last November after shooting and killing Harold Donovan “Don Don” Taylor on February 14, 2013. 

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was the investigating agency for the case.  Patrol Deputies responded immediately.  Detectives and SWAT Team members were called out within minutes of the shooting.   The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team remained in the area looking for the armed gunman until he was apprehended on a traffic stop by others.  Detectives spent hours gathering and evaluating evidence that morning. 

More than 20 shots were fired from an AK-47 toward Mr. Taylor’s car.  The rounds struck Mr. Taylor, his vehicle, and two other residences.

He was detained on a traffic stop by detectives, and arrested later that day (February 14, 2013).

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

At about 11:30 a.m. on January 12, 2014, Deputy Sheriffs were assisting with escorting a truck hauling a trailer of water to the West Side Volunteer Fire Department on West Main Street, near Saint Albans, WV.  After the truck was unloaded the driver began to leave the lot, which required stopping traffic on West Main Street for a few minutes. 

Several cars away from the Deputy Sheriff directing traffic was a vehicle that attracted attention.  The driver was blowing the horn of the vehicle and had pulled the car into an angled position in the roadway.  Deputy J. Ferrell walked to that car to investigate the behavior.  He encountered the driver, John D. Copen, 67 years old of Saint Albans, WV.

Mr. Copen was waving his arms and using profane speech to ask what was going on.  Deputy Ferrell explained he was directing traffic while a water delivery was completed.  Mr. Copen continued to curse.  Deputy Ferrell then saw a rifle in the passenger seat of the vehicle.  He was asked to step out of the vehicle, and did so willingly.  During a pat down of Mr. Copen for any additional weapons he became combative and repeatedly reached for his front, left pants pocket.  He told Deputy Ferrell he would not be handcuffed.  After a short struggle he was handcuffed and searched. 

A silver container attached to his keychain contained a suspected prescription pill.  A knife was located in his front, left pants pocket, and a magazine of ammunition in a breast pocket.

Mr. Copen was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer, and possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.  His vehicle was towed from the roadway.  Traffic resumed shortly after the arrest.

It is important to note this type of incident has been an exception during water distribution efforts.  This one arrest is countered by thousands of people who lined up for water, and many more who were delayed in congested traffic during the distribution efforts.  The general calm and kindness with which people have behaved has allowed water to be given quickly to those who need it, and water trucks coming from out of the area have been able to navigate throughout the region.

Mr. Copen was taken to an area hospital after making complaints of not feeling well.  While there, he attempted to urinate in the floor of the hospital’s emergency room.  After a doctor examined him he was released to Deputy Ferrell’s custody.

He was then fingerprinted and photographed, during which time he continued to curse Deputy Ferrell and others.  With Kanawha County Magistrate Court closed Mr. Copen will be taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment.

Attached is a copy of his mug shot taken during the booking process.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Copen 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

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its emergency operations plan today, as it has since early Friday.  Deputy Sheriffs are still assisting at water distribution sites by providing security and directing traffic at those sites with higher than average congestion. 

Additional personnel are assigned to logistics support.  Those Deputy Sheriffs are escorting trucks hauling water throughout the area.  Some of the larger trucks require help navigating intersections to get to water distribution sites.  Some of the locations require roadways to be temporarily closed while a truck repositions for unloading and turning around.  Still others are working in support roles to keep working deputies supplied with food and water.

Most deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office have had their days off cancelled and have worked 12-hour on/12-hour off schedule since Friday morning.  The additional workers have supplemented patrol units, but primarily been assigned the duties described above. 

There are volunteers at many of the water pick-up locations.  They continue to donate time and effort to help others.  They unload cases of water from trucks, then help load the cases into the cars of those who need it.  We are all grateful for their efforts, taking time away from their families and responsibilities, and the sacrifices they make for their community.

Journalists interested in documenting and interviewing the volunteers and Deputy Sheriffs at these sites who need assistance getting to or identifying busy locations are welcome to contact Corporal B. D. Humphreys at the number provided below.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

Cell:  304-951-7328

This morning, January 13, 2014, shortly after 7:00 a.m. the Cold Spot convenience store on Cross Lanes Drive was robbed.  The suspect feigned having a handgun and demanded cash.  He left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. 

The suspect was described as a white male wearing a red hat, a brown work jacket, and gray sweatpants.  He is approximately 5’8” tall. 

Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs were in the area within a minutes searching for the suspect.  Detectives were dispatched and are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0556 during business hours to speak with detectives.  A 24-hour number is 304-357-0169.  Callers may remain anonymous.

Note to journalists:  I have a request for copies of surveillance video being fulfilled now.  Please let me know if you are interested in a copy of the video so I can arrange for enough copies to be made and work out pick-up or delivery of the CD’s.  A still photo from the video is available on Twitter.  Check @kanawhasheriff. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On Monday, January 13, 2014 at about 11:00 a.m. at the West Side Volunteer Fire Department on West Main Street near Saint Albans, WV, a volunteer firefighter was struck by a passing vehicle.  A vehicle driven by Charles Pauley, 67 years old of Saint Albans, WV, was passing the fire department.  A firefighter, Jonathan Boggs, 31 years old of Saint Albans, WV, was directing traffic and directed Mr. Pauley to stop his vehicle.  A tractor trailer was in the process of delivering water which required traffic to cease in both directions temporarily. 

Mr. Boggs said he stepped in front of Mr. Pauley’s vehicle and directed him to stop.  Mr. Pauley and Mr. Boggs argued briefly, then Mr. Pauley swerved to drive around the firefighter, but struck Mr. Boggs knee with the bumper of his vehicle.  The crash was witnessed by another firefighter. 

One of the firefighters yelled to Deputy J. A. Ferrell of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  He was repositioning his cruiser to help shut down the roadway for the delivery truck.  Deputy Ferrell turned and initiated a traffic stop.  Mr. Pauley explained his vehicle was overheating and leaking fluid, and he was hurrying to keep the vehicle from becoming disabled. 

Deputy Ferrell issued a citation to Mr. Pauley.  He was cited for leaving the scene of a crash causing injury and reckless driving.  As is always the case in such matters, the charges against Mr. Pauley are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to be cautious and patient in and around water distribution sites.  Please be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles in these areas. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328

On January 6, 2014 Deputies B. J. Pauley and M. S. Sims were dispatched by Metro 911 to a building owned by O. V. Smith and Sons.  Among other businesses, the building housed Appalachian Independent Living.  Three large heat pumps were removed from outside the building.  Each was valued at approximately $5,000.00.

Surveillance footage viewed by Sergeant L. S. Deitz helped Deputy Pauley develop suspects.  On January 16, 2014 William Richard Scott “Scotty” Nottingham (29 years old of Elkview) and Carl Clayton Larch (32 years old of Walton, WV), were arrested and charged with grand larceny, a felony.  Both were taken to South Central Regional Jail in lieu of bond.

Attached are mug shots taken the day of arrest.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Nottingham and Mr. Larch 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

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

On January 17, 2014 at approximately 1:41 p.m. a vehicle traveling north on Campbell’s Creek Drive crashed.  The driver was killed in the crash.

Based on the evidence immediately available, investigators believe the vehicle, a 1991 Chevrolet S-10, went off the roadway to the right.  The driver over-corrected causing the vehicle to travel off the roadway to the left.  When the vehicle struck a ditch it overturned.  The driver was trapped in the vehicle.  At this time investigators are unsure what caused the single-vehicle crash.  No one else was involved in the incident.

The driver Joanna Elam, 50 years old of Campbell’s Creek, died of apparent injuries sustained during the crash.  She was not wearing a seat a belt at the time of the crash.

Campbell’s Creek Drive was shut down for approximately two hours for rescue, recovery, and investigative purposes.  The roadway was reopened at approximately 4:15 p.m. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

From midnight, Tuesday morning (January 21, 2014) through Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Metro 911 received reports of 107 motor vehicle crashes in Kanawha County, WV.  Thirty-eight of those crashes were within city limits, and 69 were in unincorporated areas primarily patrolled by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  Of the 107 crashes, 31 were reported to have resulted in injuries when Metro 911 received the call.

Snow and ice were compounded by unusually cold temperatures, leading to dangerous road conditions.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office asks drivers to be careful while operating a motor vehicle at all times, and use even more caution during inclement weather. 

Please clear windshields and windows for visibility; but also clean off the hood, roof, and other surfaces so snow and ice from your car doesn’t interfere with the visibility of other drivers while traveling.  And every occupant needs to wear a seatbelt or be secured in a child safety seat.

–

Note to journalists:  I will attempt to have updated numbers later today and again Friday morning.  The staff at Metro 911 provided the stats to me yesterday afternoon, but the email got buried with some others in my in-box and I didn’t see the response until this morning. 

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will be conducting a high visibility sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 31, 2014.  The checkpoint is scheduled to run from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. in the 5400 block of Big Tyler Road, Cross Lanes, Kanawha County WV. 

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has a zero tolerance policy toward impaired driving.  The agency randomly conducts checkpoints and targeted patrols throughout the year to stop impaired drivers on the roads of Kanawha County.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

This morning, February 3, 2014, at approximately 6:00 a.m. a crash was reported to Metro 911 at the Cross Lanes interchange with I-64.  A vehicle roll-over occurred.  The vehicle was driven by a Hurricane Police Officer who was trapped within the vehicle as a result of the crash.

The crash is being investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  The Deputy Sheriffs who responded to the call are currently assigned to other crashes.  With the winter weather leading to more accidents throughout the day I have no reason to expect the crash report before this evening.  The information contained in this release was obtained from the Metro 911 call log, and not directly from those who were on the scene this morning.  That caveat aside, here are a few more details from the call log:

1.        Single vehicle rollover at 0559 hours.

2.       Hurricane Police Officer was the involved driver.

3.       One person reported the vehicle driven was a Hurricane Police patrol cruiser (no model or vehicle type was provided).

4.       Nitro Fire Department had units on scene at 0604 hours.

5.       The driver was “heavily entrapped” in the wreckage.

6.       The driver was alert and talking during the extrication procedures.

7.       Saint Albans Fire Department units were dispatched to assist.

8.       The driver was extricated at 0624 hours.

Additional details may be released later today or tomorrow.  That release may come after I have read the crash report, fact-checked this release, and learned additional information. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On February 5, 2014 the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office’s STOP Team developed probable cause a clandestine meth lab was located in an apartment on Hutchinson Street in the Orchard Manor community of Charleston, Kanawha County, WV.  They obtained a search warrant for the apartment.  One of the residents was known to keep a pistol on him at all times.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT Team was asked to assist with the execution of the warrant.  The SWAT Team made entry to the residence and detained those inside. 

The STOP Team members then arrested Randy Lee Donahue, Jr. (32 years old of Charleston, WV) and Holly Nicole Willis (29 years old, of Charleston, WV).  The STOP Team also completed a search of the residence.  Several items were located in the apartment that are used in the production of methamphetamine.   Along with a clandestine meth lab deputies located marijuana, heroin and a .380 caliber pistol.

Mr. Donahue and Ms. Willis were charged with operation of a clandestine methamphetamine lab.  They were arraigned by Magistrate Yeager and given a $25,000 cash bond in which they were unable to post.  They were then transported to SCRJ where they are currently being held.  Additional charges are pending.

Attached are the booking photographs taken of the suspects.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Donahue and Ms. Willis are merely accusations.  They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Road conditions in and around Kanawha County are treacherous, so we urge anyone who does not have an urgent need to travel to please stay where you are. The snow is falling so great that the Department of Highways is unable to keep even the Interstates clear. Secondary roads are extremely dangerous as very few have been treated.

Accidents are occurring faster than we can investigate them.

Please stay home!

Captain Sean Crosier

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

Special Operations Commander

Phone: (304) 545-8127