FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayetteville man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly leading law enforcement on a reckless vehicle pursuit through Fayetteville and toward the New River Gorge Bridge, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jess McMullen said the incident occurred on June 13, 2026, when a deputy was traveling near the intersection of Court Street and Maple Avenue in Fayetteville. Authorities said a vehicle ran a red traffic signal and nearly collided with the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver allegedly fled.
According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle traveled recklessly through town, crossed into oncoming traffic, passed stopped vehicles, and nearly caused a head-on collision before continuing northbound on U.S. Route 19 toward the New River Gorge Bridge.
The pursuit ended safely on the bridge. Deputies, assisted by ongoing roadway construction in the area, were able to stop the vehicle and take the driver into custody without injury.
Authorities identified the driver as Steven West of Fayetteville. He was charged with felony fleeing in a vehicle, as well as misdemeanor charges including failure to maintain control, failure to stay right, failure to signal, traffic signal violation, improper lane change, and reckless driving.
West is awaiting further court proceedings.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
