MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Bluefield man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he attempted to forcibly take one of his children during a custody dispute and allegedly assaulted both the child and the child’s mother.
According to the Bluefield Police Department, officers responded to a residence around 4 p.m. on May 27 after receiving a report that a man was attempting to take his children from their mother, who had legal custody.
When officers arrived, they found Derrick Gordon arguing loudly with officers and the children’s mother, Amanda Riffe. Police said Gordon claimed he had a court order authorizing him to take the children but was unable to produce any documentation after searching through his belongings.
During the investigation, officers discovered Gordon had an active Bluefield city warrant for failure to appear. He was taken into custody, but police said he resisted by pulling away from officers and slowing their attempts to escort him to a patrol vehicle. Officers also reported that Gordon repeatedly yelled that he was “Jesus Christ” and the “King of Kings” while being arrested.
Police transported Gordon to the Bluefield Police Department, where he was placed in a holding cell due to what officers described as his irate behavior. During a search, officers reportedly found a small tube containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.
While Gordon was being transported, another officer remained at the scene to interview the child’s mother and the juvenile involved.
According to police, the child told officers Gordon grabbed her by the neck using his arm and chest while attempting to pull her away. The child also reported suffering bruising to her heel after Gordon stepped on it during the incident.
Police said Riffe told officers she ran outside after seeing Gordon trying to take the child and attempted to intervene. During the struggle, Gordon allegedly pushed her while trying to maintain his grip on the child.
Authorities said several neighbors witnessed the disturbance, came outside, and rushed toward the scene, prompting Gordon to back away and begin yelling before officers took him into custody.
Investigators are seeking warrants charging Gordon with felony child abuse resulting in injury, two counts of domestic battery, simple possession of marijuana, and obstructing an officer through the State of West Virginia.
The allegations remain under investigation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
