BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Beckley man with prior felony convictions was arrested after police found him carrying a loaded handgun outside a local convenience store, according to the Beckley Police Department.
Officers responded to Sheetz on Robert C. Byrd Drive on May 25, 2026, after receiving a report that a man had allegedly displayed a firearm in the parking lot. A customer alerted store employees after observing a man remove a handgun from his pocket, prompting concerns for the safety of employees and customers.
When officers arrived, they spotted a man matching the description provided by witnesses. Police said the suspect, later identified as John Swain, attempted to leave the area on a bicycle after noticing the marked patrol vehicle and uniformed officers approaching him.
Officers stopped Swain before he could leave and observed that he was carrying an open container of beer. During a pat-down for weapons, police reportedly saw part of a handgun magazine protruding from Swain’s pocket. Authorities said Swain attempted to reach for the pocket before officers gained control of his arms and recovered the weapon.
The firearm was identified as a Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun loaded with seven rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Police also reported that Swain showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol, and difficulty maintaining his balance. He was taken into custody and charged with public intoxication.
During processing, officers reviewed Swain’s criminal history and discovered multiple felony convictions, including a 1997 conviction for selling and transferring cocaine. As a convicted felon, Swain is prohibited from possessing firearms under West Virginia law.
Swain was subsequently charged with felon in possession of a firearm and public intoxication. He was transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
While processing the firearm into evidence, officers discovered the gun’s serial number had allegedly been filed off and was no longer legible. Police said they plan to consult with a federal task force officer and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding potential federal charges.
The incident occurred within the city limits of Beckley in Raleigh County.
