On December 23, 2014 at 4:37 p.m. Corporal S. G. Richards of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Cold Spot at 710 Cross Lanes Drive, Cross Lanes, WV, for a reported stabbing. When he arrived he spoke to Michelle Hardwick, the victim. She said the altercation occurred at a residence elsewhere on Cross Lanes Drive.
Ms. Hardwick had some injuries consistent with having been attacked, including a laceration approximately one inch in length on the left, top of her head. She said she was attacked by Joseph Gilbert Lucas, Jr., 29 years old of Cross Lanes, WV.
Ms. Hardwick said he saw her at a friend’s house where Mr. Lucas accused her of stealing from him. He then struck her with his fist and kicked her. She heard him say h would cut her. The instrument used to cut her has not yet been identified.
Ms. Hardwick was able to flee to the Cold Spot restaurant where 911 was called, prompting operators with Metro 911 to dispatch law enforcement and an ambulance. The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Her injuries were not believed to be life threatening when Deputy Sheriffs finished questioning her.
A warrant for malicious wounding has been issued for Joseph Gilbert Lucas, Jr. He is believed to drive a black Cadillac sedan. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 304-357-0169 or submit a tip at www.kanawhasheriff.us/law-enforcement/tips.
Corporal B. D. Humphreys
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
301 Virginia Street East,
Charleston WV 25301
desk: 304-357-0732 / cell: 304-951-7328
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