WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at approximately 9:21 p.m., Corporal Tucker Cook with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department was on routine patrol in the Amigo area of Wyoming County.
While doing so, Corporal T. Cook attempted to execute a traffic stop on a Blue Honda Ridgeline, registered to Chad Simmons, for traffic violations. The vehicle did not stop but fled, driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, risking the safety of the community, the officer, his passenger, and himself. The driver fled into the Devils Fork area of Raleigh County, ultimately fleeing onto unpaved, narrow, dirt hollow roads, which were unnavigable for the police cruiser. Corporal T. Cook ended the pursuit at this time and summoned additional deputies for assistance.
Deputies also learned that Chad Simmons had an active Capias for his arrest for failing to appear for sentencing from Raleigh County, WV.
Due to the nature of the terrain, Sgt. Logan Cook and Deputy Matt Perry, along with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, decided to utilize the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) to attempt to locate Chad Simmons.
Using the UTV, they located the vehicle involved in relatively short order. The vehicle had been abandoned by the occupants.
Sgt. Logan Cook, Corporal Tucker Cook, and Deputy Matt Perry then began to follow the footprints left by the individuals in the snow. The deputies located Chad Simmons and Kaitlyn Flaugher 400 yards from the abandoned vehicle. The two had attempted to hide themselves among some abandoned tires and other debris.
Deputies then attempted to secure the individuals, at which time Chad Simmons told the deputies he had a gun, and the deputies observed the gun on the person of Chad Simmons. A brief struggle ensued, and the deputies were ultimately able to secure Chad Simmons and Kaitlyn Flaugher.
Pursuant to the arrest, several backpacks were located near the individuals. The backpacks contained the following controlled substances (these amounts are approximated and will ultimately be determined by an appropriate laboratory): 188 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 39 Grams of suspected Methamphetamine, 76 Grams of suspected Heroin, and numerous pills. United States Currency in excess of $18,000.00, and a Taurus 9mm with ammunition were also recovered.
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation.
All individuals are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
