PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two men have been arrested in connection with a bomb threat that targeted Conn-Weld Industries last November, triggering a massive multi-agency emergency response.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, Trooper S.C. Havens with the West Virginia State Police Princeton Detachment served warrants on Leyton B. Jones, charging him with Terroristic Threats and Conspiracy to Commit Damage to Persons or Property. Authorities say Jones and Gavin Hagerman were identified as the two suspects responsible following an extensive investigation that began November 18, 2025.
The case stems from a bomb threat phoned in to Conn-Weld Industries on the evening of November 18. The facility — a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant employing more than 100 workers during the shift — was met by an overwhelming law enforcement response.
Approximately 15 officers and multiple specialized units responded, including:
- West Virginia State Police Princeton Detachment
- WVSP K-9 Unit (Sgt. Kania)
- Mercer County Sheriff’s Department
- Bluefield Police Department
- Fayette County Sheriff’s Department
- Lewisburg Police K-9
- Kanawha County Sheriff’s K-9
In total, eight bomb detection dogs assisted in clearing the massive facility.
Emergency agencies including East River Fire Department, Princeton Rescue Squad, and the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management also responded.
Authorities say the threat resulted in lost revenue and production for Conn-Weld Industries, along with significant manpower hours expended by emergency responders.
Following months of investigation, Trooper Havens conducted interviews and obtained search warrants that led to evidence identifying Jones and Hagerman as the suspects.
Both men were arrested February 9 and are currently being held at the Southern Regional Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
