Ansted Man Arrested After Belligerent DUI Traffic Stop, Faces Multiple Charges

ANSTED, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A routine traffic stop in Fayette County escalated into a chaotic arrest Friday evening, resulting in a slew of charges for a local man who authorities say was driving under the influence and became aggressive with law enforcement and hospital staff.

On April 18, 2025, at approximately 4:41 p.m., a state trooper observed a silver Kia Forte with no driver-side mirror and expired registration (dated October 1, 2024) traveling along Route 60 near Ansted. The vehicle was pulled over at the Exxon station in town.

The driver, identified as Gary Lane Bragg, showed immediate signs of intoxication, according to the trooper’s report. The trooper noted the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteadiness. Bragg admitted to drinking earlier that day.

When asked to perform field sobriety tests, Bragg initially agreed but failed to follow instructions and later refused further testing, including a breathalyzer and intoximeter. After being placed under arrest, the situation escalated.

According to the report, Bragg lunged at the trooper, resisted entering the police cruiser, and repeatedly spit chewing tobacco inside the vehicle, despite being told to stop. During transport, Bragg allegedly made threatening statements, telling the trooper he was going to “burry” him — a perceived threat to harm or kill.

Bragg was initially denied entry to Southern Regional Jail due to health concerns and was taken to Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital for medical clearance. There, he reportedly continued to act belligerent and disorderly, shouting profanities at medical staff and the arresting officer. Nurses were forced to isolate him in a secured room due to his behavior.

Upon medical clearance, Bragg was returned to Southern Regional Jail, where he refused to cooperate with fingerprinting.

He now faces multiple charges, including: