HURRICANE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Putnam County man faces a terroristic threats charge after allegedly warning that deputies who returned to his home might not leave, according to a criminal complaint.
The investigation began September 12 after Putnam County 911 received a report of gunshots at a residence in the Highland Drive area of Hurricane. The caller reported hearing two men arguing, followed by several quick “pops” and someone yelling that he believed he had been shot.
Deputies arrived and reportedly found open doors and spent handgun shell casings in the driveway. Officers entered and cleared the home after announcing their presence, but no one was found inside.
Investigators also discovered a can near a tree stump that appeared to have been used as a shooting target. Deputies ultimately determined that no apparent crime had occurred at that time.
Authorities returned to the area September 16 following another complaint involving Thomas Ray Robinson. According to the complaint, Robinson had allegedly been involved in a road-rage dispute, threatened to begin shooting and said he was going to load his firearms.
Deputies spoke with Robinson at his residence and explained why officers had previously entered the home and why they had returned. Robinson then reportedly ended the conversation.
Later that evening, Robinson allegedly called Putnam County Process Servers and left a voicemail lasting nearly four minutes. During the message, he reportedly challenged law enforcement officers to remove their badges and confront him.
Robinson also allegedly warned that if deputies returned to his home without being invited, they “might not leave the house.”
Due to the alleged statement and the previous calls involving firearms at the residence, Robinson was charged with terroristic threats.
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
