GORDON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Boone County man was taken into custody late December 28, 2025, after deputies say he barricaded himself inside a residence while armed, threatened to burn the home down, and refused repeated commands from law enforcement.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Deputy R.B. Dotson of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Chap Road around 10:54 p.m. for a reported domestic disturbance involving a man identified as Charles Loftis II.
Dispatchers advised that the victim had locked himself in a bathroom while Loftis was allegedly wielding a knife, destroying property inside the home, and making threats. Loftis was also believed to be cutting himself and pouring accelerants, including kerosene, throughout the residence.
Deputies arrived a short time later and made contact with the victim at a neighboring property. The victim told deputies that Loftis had threatened to fight responding officers and to burn the house down.
When deputies approached the residence, they reported hearing Loftis screaming and breaking items inside. After announcing their presence and opening the front door, deputies observed Loftis covered in blood, swinging a metal pole, and ignoring commands to show his hands. A strong smell of kerosene was coming from inside the home, the report states.
For safety reasons, deputies retreated to the enclosed porch and held Loftis at gunpoint while continuing to give commands. Loftis allegedly threatened to kill officers multiple times and continued to refuse to comply.
Additional deputies and state troopers responded to the scene. Due to the presence of accelerants, officers determined a Taser could not be safely used. Dotson retrieved a less-lethal bean bag shotgun and fired three rounds, striking Loftis in the lower side and back area. The final round caused him to drop the metal pole and fall to the floor, allowing officers to take him into custody.
Deputies said Loftis was bleeding from self-inflicted knife wounds and appeared highly intoxicated and hallucinating. A knife identified by the victim was recovered at the scene, and deputies documented damage and blood throughout the interior of the residence.
The home is owned by Loftis’ sister, and he had only been staying there temporarily, according to the complaint.
Loftis was transported by Boone County EMS to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment and evaluation of injuries related to the incident and the less-lethal rounds. Deputies also learned he had an active warrant out of Cabell County, which was executed.
