VALLEY BEND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man is facing charges in Randolph County after becoming intoxicated and breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home with a firearm.
According to reports from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, officers were alerted by 911 of an active domestic violence situation taking place on Sunday, September 25, 2022.
Deputy J. Wolfe and Senior Deputy A. Channel responded to the residence and advised a male, later identified as Thurman Ronald Chewning, fleeing the residence.
Speaking with the victim, officers were advised that the victim had ended their relationship with Chewning the night prior and had been ignoring subsequent messages from Chewning.
The victim advised that Chewning showed up intoxicated and uninvited to the residence Sunday and kicked in the door.
The victim further advised Chewning demanded his belongings back and placed a gun to her head.
After managing to lock herself in the bathroom, the subject eventually returned to his vehicle, backing it into the mailbox.
It was advised that Mr. Chewning was driving a red Jeep Patriot traveling North toward Elkins on US Route 219, and was likely returning to his Crystal Springs residence.
Elkins Police Department was alerted of the incident, and conducted a traffic stop in the NAPA parking lot where Chewning was taken into custody without incident.
It was also reported that a handgun containing a round was found inside the vehicle.
Deputy J. Wolfe and Senior Deputy A. Channel reported slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol emitting from Chewning’s breath when officers spoke with him.
Chewning, when asked how much he had had to drink, stated that he’d had “half a liter” and was “lit.” Officers noted that Chewning appeared disoriented, though the subject refused breath and field sobriety tests.
The subject advised he had gone to the Jones Run residence to collect his belongings, and displayed fresher scuff marks on his knuckles.
Officers determined, after returning to the residence, that the marks on the door were consistent with forced entry.
Chewning reportedly continued refusing commands, and was transported to Tygart Valley Jail by patrol vehicle.
Upon his arrival at the jail, Chewning refused fingerprints and began actively fighting with corrections officers.
Thurman Ronald Chewning has been charged with Burglary, Wanton Endangerment with a Firearm, and Using a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony – all felony charges.
Chewning also faces indictment on misdemeanor charges of Domestic Assault, DUI, Obstruction, and Failure to Fingerprint.