This morning, Friday, February 28, 2020, at about 4:00 a.m. Deputy J. L. Miller spotted a black Honda Civic with a stolen license plate. The vehicle was on Sissonville Drive heading north. Dispatchers had radioed about the vehicle fleeing from a Charleston Police Department officer shortly before Deputy Miller spotted it.
The vehicle fled from Deputy Miller on Edens Fork Road, crossing the center lane lines, and causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid a crash. The Honda Civic then entered I-77 south toward Charleston. While on the interstate it reached speeds of 110 mph. Exiting at Leon Sullivan Way the Civic wound through the furniture district, onto Piedmont Road, then onto Farnsworth Drive to Renaissance Circle and the Renaissance Apartments complex, finally stopping behind building 1311. During the pursuit the vehicle ran numerous stop signs.
The driver fled on foot to the back door of the building. Deputy Miller released his K9 partner, Max, who followed the fleeing male into the building. The fleeing suspect, Derek Scott Rankin (32 years old of Charleston, WV), was wearing a bandana over his face and trying to enter an apartment. He laid on the floor and was then handcuffed and arrested by Deputy Miller.
The Honda Civic was reported stolen to Charleston PD on February 27, 2020, and the license plate was reported stolen to the WV State Police the same day.
Mr. Rankin also had an active capias warrant from Kanawha County Circuit Court related to previous charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and fraudulent use of a credit card. Mr. Rankin’s driver’s license was revoked for DUI, also.
Mr. Rankin was arrested for fleeing with reckless indifference and possessing a stolen vehicle. A sample of his blood was obtained at an area hospital due to suspicion he was under the influence while driving the vehicle. Charges for that crime, if warranted, will be decided after the samples are evaluated.
After booking procedures Mr. Rankin was taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment. As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Rankin are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Attached is a mugshot from this morning’s arrest.
