FALLING WATERS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Berkeley County man was arrested Sunday morning after allegedly threatening churchgoers and setting off fireworks in retaliation against a church he believed was interfering with his hunting activities.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to Marlowe Assembly of God on Williamsport Pike in Falling Waters around 8:39 a.m. on October 18, 2026, following reports of a disturbance during church services.
A caller reported that a neighboring resident was yelling profanities, making threats toward church staff and congregants, and possibly firing a gun.
Upon arrival, Deputy Robinson determined that the individual had been setting off fireworks and firecrackers rather than discharging a firearm.
Investigators learned that the man believed the church had been interfering with his hunting activities and that his actions were intended as retaliation.
Authorities said the suspect refused to provide identification when requested by the deputy, claiming he was on his own property and was not required to identify himself.
The suspect, identified as David Mitchell Bates, 39, of Martinsburg, was arrested and charged with obstruction and disruption of church services.
Bates was transported to Eastern Regional Jail without further incident and was later released on a $2,000 personal recognizance bond.
