BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Bluefield man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he violently fought with an officer, attempted to grab the officer’s firearm, and escaped following a lengthy struggle.
According to the Bluefield Police Department, Officer D.R. Eakle responded on July 8, 2026, to a report of a man attempting to kick in the front door of a residence on South Street.
While responding, the officer spotted a man matching the description walking away from the area on Fourth Street. The officer later located the man again on Wilson Street and attempted to speak with him.
Police said the man refused to identify himself or answer questions about the reported incident, telling the officer he did not talk to police. According to the complaint, the man became confrontational, cursed at the officer, and continued walking away despite repeated attempts to speak with him.
When the officer attempted to detain the man to determine his identity and possible connection to the reported incident, the suspect allegedly refused commands to place his hands behind his back and began resisting.
According to the complaint, the two struggled for approximately five and a half minutes, repeatedly falling to the ground as the suspect allegedly fought officers’ attempts to handcuff him.
During the struggle, the suspect identified himself as Tremayne Lee and continued resisting arrest, police said.
Investigators allege Lee eventually broke free from the officer’s grip, gained the upper hand during the struggle, and climbed on top of the officer.
Police say Lee then grabbed the officer’s firearm holster in what investigators describe as an attempt to disarm the officer. The officer was able to regain control of his weapon before Lee allegedly struck the right side of the officer’s head against a concrete surface, causing cuts, abrasions and swelling.
Fearing for his safety, the officer drew his firearm and ordered Lee to stop. Instead, police say Lee fled on foot southbound on Wilson Street.
Officers searched the area for approximately three hours but were unable to locate him.
The injured officer was treated at a local hospital for multiple injuries, including wounds to both elbows, a cut to his right elbow, injuries to both sides of his head, swelling to his right knee, and cuts to his right thumb and index finger.
Police also reported that the officer’s department-issued firearm magazine was damaged during the struggle, leaving it broken and missing the spring that holds the ammunition in place.
As a result of the investigation, authorities are seeking warrants charging Tremayne Lee with obstructing an officer, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, malicious assault, and destruction of property.
The charges are allegations, and Lee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
