On Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at about 5:00 a.m. a disturbance was reported to Metro 911. Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputy M. Dolin was dispatched to the scene, an apartment in the 600 block of Cross Lanes Drive. While he was driving Deputy Dolin was told the fight had escalated to a stabbing.
Soon after arriving Michael Francis Powell (45 years old of Institute, WV) was detained. Witnesses said Mr. Powell was hitting a female, Ms. Randle. One of the Ms. Randle’s friends, Ms. Smith, tried to stop him. Mr. Powell then used a piece of broken mirror glass to stab Ms. Smith on the side of her torso. She was transported to an area hospital by medics with the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority.
The apartment appeared to have been ransacked. Blood was observed throughout the residence, and on Mr. Powell’s shirt. Witnesses were interviewed, and the scene was photographed and documented. Evidence was recovered, including what is believed to be the stabbing instrument.
Mr. Powell was arrested and taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment. He is charged with malicious assault, a felony. Attached is a mug shot from his arrest this morning. Additional charges may be filed following a review by the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Powell are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
