NITRO, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On February 13, 2023, police were dispatched to a residence in the Nitro area in regard to a domestic disturbance between a female and her ex-boyfriend. The officer was advised by dispatch that the female was screaming “please don’t” and then the call disconnected.
According to a criminal complaint, when police arrived on the scene, they spoke to the victim who told them that her ex-boyfriend 23-year-old Ryan Lovejoy came to the residence and began yelling.
Lovejoy continued to break items around the house causing a disturbance. The victim further told police that Lovejoy bit her arm during the argument. Police say they observed the victim’s arm that resembled a bite mark.
Police then asked the victim where Lovejoy was, she stated that he had fled the scene wearing a grey shirt. At around 7:58 PM that evening, the victim called 911 and said that Lovejoy had returned to the residence trying to steal the victim’s items.
As police returned to the residence, the victim advised them that he had fled to a residence on nearby Old County Road. When officers arrived at the nearby residence, the homeowner stated that Lovejoy was at the residence but had fled into the woods behind the house when he saw law enforcement coming. Law enforcement searched the woods for Lovejoy but was unable to locate him.
As law enforcement was in the area, a male wearing a grey shirt was seen walking near the residence on Old County Road. An officer arrived at the residence and spoke with the homeowner asking her if she minded if he looked for Lovejoy inside her home.
The complaint further stays that the homeowner, despite acting strange and nervous, allowed the officer to search the home. After entering the home, the officer found Lovejoy laying under blankets on a mattress in a bedroom of the residence.
Lovejoy was placed under arrest for Domestic Battery. He is currently out on bond.
