FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading West Virginia State Police on a motorcycle chase through Mount Hope before crashing and attempting to flee on foot.
According to the West Virginia State Police, the incident happened Monday night, May 12, 2026, at approximately 10:47 p.m. while Trooper N.T. Warden was patrolling along WV Route 16 in the Mount Hope area.
Troopers said they observed a motorcycle traveling southbound without functioning taillights or registration lights. When the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the motorcycle allegedly accelerated rapidly and continued south on WV Route 16, also known as Legend’s Highway.
Police identified the driver as Brandon Lee Clark. Investigators said the motorcycle was displaying an expired and improper West Virginia registration.
During the pursuit, Clark allegedly turned into the Bradley Volunteer Fire Department parking lot, made a U-turn without signaling, and accelerated northbound on WV Route 16 at speeds reaching approximately 60 mph in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
According to the complaint, Clark then turned onto Maple Lane, which dead ends into an ATV trail, and allegedly attempted to escape by taking the trail. Troopers said Clark lost control of the motorcycle and crashed in the mud.
After the crash, Clark allegedly fled on foot for about 150 yards before Trooper Warden deployed a Taser, striking him in the back and taking him to the ground.
Police said Clark refused repeated commands to show his hands and kept them tucked underneath his body near his waistband, leading to a struggle before troopers were able to place him in handcuffs.
Troopers reported locating drug paraphernalia on Clark and said he admitted to being under the influence of narcotics. Investigators also allegedly recovered a pink folded piece of paper containing a white powdery substance believed to be fentanyl.
Clark was additionally unable to provide proof of insurance for the motorcycle, according to the complaint.
Following his arrest, Clark was taken to the WVSP Oak Hill Detachment for processing before being transported to Plateau Medical Center for a blood draw and medical clearance. He was later taken to Southern Regional Jail pending proceedings in Fayette County Magistrate Court.
