GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Greenbrier County man is facing a long list of charges after a series of alleged crimes that unfolded across multiple locations on May 11 and May 15, 2025, including an armed assault, property destruction, a vehicle crash, and theft.
According to state police, a Trooper responded to a disturbance involving a weapon on Coal Field Trail in Charmco around 12:45 p.m. on May 11. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, James Stidom, who claimed that James Martin, the accused, drove onto his property and approached him with a firearm. Stidom said Martin pressed the weapon to his head and attempted to strike him before he fled into nearby woods. When the victim returned home, he discovered that three of his windows had been shattered by concrete bricks, causing further damage inside.
Troopers documented the damage and collected video and audio statements. As a result, Martin is facing charges of brandishing a weapon, trespassing, property destruction, and battery.
Days later, on May 15, deputies responded to a vehicle crash on Farmdale Road. Witnesses said Martin had wrecked into a utility pole, appeared impaired, and begged bystanders not to call 911. Upon arrival, deputies found Martin at the scene, where he denied driving the vehicle and attempted to shift blame to his girlfriend. However, further investigation revealed Martin had taken the vehicle without permission and was the sole driver.
Deputies searched the vehicle and discovered drug paraphernalia, including strips of aluminum foil, a metal container, Clonazepam pills (a Schedule IV controlled substance), a scale, and plastic baggies. They also found a generator, welder, and other equipment reportedly stolen from an outbuilding owned by James Bostic, the brother of Martin’s girlfriend.
According to Bostic and other witnesses, Martin had cut the lock to the outbuilding and removed items valued at approximately $900. Juveniles on the scene also reported seeing Martin using bolt cutters and loading items into the vehicle before the crash.
Martin was arrested on an active warrant and transported to the Southern Regional Jail. In addition to his earlier charges, he now faces new charges including breaking and entering, petit larceny, and possession of a controlled substance.
