FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – What began as a domestic disturbance call Monday evening quickly escalated into a violent confrontation with deputies and the discovery of what authorities described as “unlivable” conditions inside a Fayette County home.
Deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to Backus Mountain Road around 6:47 p.m. after a frantic call from Brittany Henson, who reported her husband was heavily intoxicated, destroying property, and searching the house for a gun while five children were inside.
At one point, Henson told dispatchers she fled the home and locked herself inside a vehicle to escape. 911 operators could hear yelling and screaming in the background as the situation unfolded.
When Cpl. N.D. Hall arrived, he encountered Thomas Henson outside. Deputies say he was visibly intoxicated, agitated, and refused commands. When officers attempted to detain him for a safety check, he allegedly fought back — twisting away, refusing to give his hands, and swinging a set of handcuffs that struck an officer in the chest and arms.
During the struggle, Henson and one deputy fell into the yard, where investigators say Henson landed on top of the deputy, wrapped his arms around him, and struck him in the hip area. Additional deputies rushed in to pull him off.
A Taser was deployed multiple times in “drive stun” mode, but officials said the shocks had little effect because Henson was wearing several layers of clothing. After a prolonged fight, deputies finally subdued him using two sets of handcuffs.
He was arrested on charges of obstructing an officer and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Inside the Home
After the arrest, deputies conducted a welfare check on the children — and what they found inside prompted an immediate child neglect charge against Brittany Henson.
According to the report, the house had no electricity, no running water, and was filled with trash and animal feces. The floors were described as filthy, with rotting food, garbage, and nearly empty liquor bottles scattered throughout.
In the living room, five children — ages 2 to 10 — were found dirty, with matted hair and soiled clothing. There were no beds in the home. Deputies reported the children slept in three broken, deteriorating chairs.
The bathroom was unusable, filled with trash and containing a five-gallon bucket that appeared to be used as a toilet.
A single lamp powered by a battery pack and a wood stove provided the only light and heat.
Investigators said the conditions posed a serious health risk and created a substantial danger of injury or death to the children.
Child Protective Services responded to the scene and removed all five children, placing them with a family friend under an emergency safety plan.
Thomas Henson was taken to Plateau Medical Center for treatment before being booked into Southern Regional Jail. Brittany Henson was also transported to the same facility to await arraignment.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
