BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine arrest turned chaotic at the Bluefield City Jail on February 12, 2025, when James Willard allegedly threatened officers and destroyed property while in custody.
Threats Against Officers
Willard, who was being held on outstanding city warrants, became agitated and verbally aggressive toward Patrolman K.S. Cantrell, demanding to be released. According to reports, Willard shouted, “This is f***ing bullshit! Come on in here, I will beat your ass!”
The situation escalated when he extended threats to Patrolman R.L. Burton and Sergeant A.D. Moore, allegedly stating that he would kill the officers and torture their families. He further expressed that he wanted to hurt everyone involved and hoped they would “burn in hell.”
Jail Cell Rampage
Following his verbal threats, Willard began to vandalize the jail cell, throwing trash and dumping water from the toilet. The damage escalated when he poured water onto the surveillance camera system, knocking it offline. He then allegedly smashed the jail phone into pieces and ripped apart the Bible in his cell, proclaiming, “You’re going to burn in hell that I created!”
Destruction and Charges
Due to his violent outburst, Willard is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of Destruction of Property
- Three counts of Assault on an Officer
The cost of the damaged property includes:
- Surveillance Camera: $828.63
- Jail Phone: $35.00
- Bible: $30.00
Authorities say Willard remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings. The incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face while handling volatile individuals in custody.
