FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A domestic dispute between a husband and wife ended in a crash involving a building and a manhunt in Fayette County Tuesday afternoon, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched around 3:10 p.m. on February 17, 2026, to the area of 6241 Midland Trail in Charlton Heights after reports of a vehicle crashing into a structure.
When Cpl. N.D. Hall arrived at the scene, he found a dark gray Ford Fusion with a temporary West Virginia registration that had struck a metal carport beside a residence at 6177 Midland Trail.
Investigators say the vehicle had been traveling westbound on U.S. Route 60 when it left the roadway, first striking the corner of a concrete pad owned by Victor Blankenship, causing damage, before continuing off the road and slamming into a metal carport owned by Harry Bowles.
Authorities say the impact caused significant structural damage to the carport. Bowles told deputies he plans to obtain a quote for repairs, which are expected to exceed $2,500.
Passenger Claims Assault Before Crash
Deputies spoke with Cassie S. Morris, who had been inside the vehicle and was standing outside when officers arrived. Morris appeared visibly upset and had a busted lip and blood coming from her nose, according to investigators.
Morris told deputies she and her husband, Caleb Michael Morris, had been involved in a verbal and physical altercation while driving from the Gauley Bridge area toward Montgomery.
According to her statement, Caleb Morris allegedly struck her multiple times while inside the vehicle. She said she attempted to jump out of the moving vehicle on U.S. Route 60 in an effort to escape.
Investigators say Morris told deputies that Caleb Morris grabbed her as she tried to get out, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, which then struck the concrete pad and carport.
Morris also told deputies that her husband threatened to kill her, allegedly stating that “he will kill her and she would be bloody.” She further told investigators he warned that if she called police, he would “take a piece of her with him.”
Suspect Flees into Woods
After the crash, Caleb Morris reportedly fled the scene on foot into a wooded area behind the property.
Cassie Morris provided deputies with video footage showing him running into the woods, which helped provide a description of the suspect. Authorities say he was wearing a black shirt or sweatshirt.
Deputies began searching the wooded area behind the crash site and later moved to Riverview Drive, which overlooks the area where Morris fled.
Cpl. Hall reported spotting Morris in the woods about 200 to 300 yards away, but when officers approached, he ran deeper into the rough terrain and evaded capture.
Deputy G.L. Holstein responded to assist in the search, but Morris was not located.
Possible Insurance Violation
Investigators later spoke with Kenneth Terrell, the registered owner of the Ford Fusion involved in the crash. Terrell told deputies that Cassie Morris and Caleb Morris were responsible for obtaining insurance on the vehicle.
As of the report, no proof of insurance had been provided, and investigators believe the vehicle may not have had active insurance coverage.
Prior Domestic Violence Conviction
Authorities also discovered that Caleb Morris had previously been charged with domestic battery in Fayette County.
Court records show Morris pleaded guilty to domestic battery on October 15, 2025, in Fayette County Magistrate Court.
Charges Requested
Based on the investigation, deputies are seeking multiple charges against Caleb Morris, including:
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Second-offense domestic battery
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Domestic assault
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No insurance
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Felony destruction of property
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Attempt to commit felony malicious assault
Authorities say the reckless driving during the domestic altercation could have resulted in serious injury, disfigurement, or death to the passenger. Morris was later captured and arrested.
