FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Fayette County man is facing an upgraded felony charge after investigators say he was driving under the influence of multiple controlled substances when he caused a head-on crash that left a woman with life-altering injuries.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 1:40 p.m. on April 5 to a two-vehicle crash on Route 61 near Taylor Branch Road and Dempsey Branch Road.
When deputies arrived, they found a head-on collision involving two vehicles.
The investigation determined that a vehicle driven by Rodney England was traveling south toward Oak Hill when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Toyota Tacoma occupied by Margaret Dolin and Samuel Dolin.
During the investigation, England reportedly admitted to deputies that he had consumed fentanyl and heroin earlier that day before getting behind the wheel.
Investigators said statements made by England to emergency medical personnel, combined with evidence gathered at the scene, led them to believe impairment from controlled substances contributed to the crash.
As a result, deputies obtained search warrants for England’s medical records and a blood sample for toxicology testing.
According to the criminal complaint, initial testing conducted at Charleston General Hospital following the crash showed England tested positive for amphetamines, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Investigators have since received the official toxicology results from the West Virginia State Police Laboratory, which reportedly detected the presence of:
- Benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite)
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Ketamine
- Norfentanyl
- Norketamine
Authorities say the case was later upgraded after the extent of one victim’s injuries became known.
According to investigators, Margaret Dolin suffered catastrophic injuries in the crash, resulting in the amputation of her lower leg. She is currently confined to a nursing home, where she requires assistance with daily living activities due to the injuries she sustained.
Based on England’s admission to using drugs before driving, the evidence indicating he crossed left of center, and the toxicology results, investigators have upgraded the case.
England is now charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Controlled Substances, or Drugs Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a felony under West Virginia law.
The charge is an allegation, and England is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
