BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man faces additional charges after attempting to escape police custody earlier this month.
Reports from the Bluefield City Police Department confirm that on Saturday, November 5, 2022, Patrolman Barton was in room #1 of Bluefield Regional Hospital with Tracy Pauley who was being held on a Bluefield City warrant for no drivers license and drug paraphernalia, along with a Felony warrant for possession with intent to deliver a schedule 1 or 2 narcotic (Fentanyl) out of Tazewell County, Virginia.
While in the room with Patrolman Barton, Pauley stated that he was not feeling well due to diarrhea and the urge to vomit. At this point the inmate’s handcuffs were removed so as to allow him to use the restroom.
After holding his head over the toilet, the inmate returned to his feet, at which point he threw a blanket at the officer present and took off out the door in an attempt to escape custody.
Patrolman Barton gave chase, following Pauley down the hall through two doors to the triage area. Here, the officer attempted to take the inmate to the ground but ultimately hit the floor himself.
The inmate exited this area and continued running, knocking over a hand sanitizer dispenser which caused the officer to trip and fall onto the inmate, where he was secured until the arrival of hospital security.
The inmate was then cuffed once more and returned to the station by Patrolman Browning.
Patrolman Barton suffered a fractured right pinky finger during the incident.
Reports indicate that Pauley “is being charged accordingly,” though it is unclear specifically to what this entails regarding particular charges.
Additional LOOTPRESS crime coverage can be found here.
