On the evening of September 28, 2019 a Metro 911 dispatched Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputies to the 5800 block of Elk River Road in Elkview, WV. Callers to 911 said there was a man on the side of the road behaving like someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Deputies arrived and confirmed that assumption with their observations. The man, identified as Richard William Thornton (27 years old of Parkersburg, WV), also said he had been using methamphetamine and bath salts. An ambulance from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority responded to assist.
The medics deemed it necessary to transport the man to an area hospital for treatment and began making their way to Charleston. Along the way Mr. Thornton was uncooperative with the treatment and repeatedly tried to release himself from the straps that secured him to the cot.
While the ambulance was on I-79 South Mr. Thornton removed a knife from his rear pants pocket and attempted to stab the medic treating him. The driver of the ambulance realized what was happening and abruptly stopped. Both medics were able to exit the ambulance, but were chased by Mr. Thornton.
One of the medics was able to run up a hill to safety, but Mr. Thornton continued to chase the other on I-79. Mr. Thornton abandoned the chase and Deputies located him a short time later at a convenience store near the Elkview exit of I-79.
Mr. Thornton was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Upon his release he was arrested, booked, and taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment this morning by video with a Kanawha County Magistrate.
Mr. Thornton is charged with two counts of attempted murder in this incident. As is always the case, the charges against him are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.