BELINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Barbour County man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he chased a woman into the woods during a domestic violence incident and later threatened to kill law enforcement officers.
According to the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a residence on Mouse Run Road in Belington on June 28 after receiving a 911 call from a woman who reported she was hiding in the woods because her boyfriend, Kenneth Bernard Everson, was searching for her on a side-by-side ATV.
Dispatchers reportedly lost contact with the caller during the emergency call, prompting deputies to respond immediately out of concern for her safety.
When deputies arrived at the residence, they heard movement coming from inside a cabin. Believing either the victim or suspect could be inside and that an emergency situation existed, deputies entered the home.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies were attacked by a dog upon entering the residence. The dog was shot after the attack, allowing officers to continue clearing the home. Neither the suspect nor the victim was found inside.
While conducting the protective sweep, deputies observed a shotgun lying in plain view near a bed inside the cabin.
A short time later, the alleged victim arrived safely at a neighboring residence, where the occupants called 911 to report she had escaped.
As deputies searched the surrounding area, Corporal J. Mayle located Everson walking through the woods near the residence. Investigators say he was carrying a cattle prod and appeared to be searching the area where the woman had fled. He was taken into custody without incident.
After learning that his dog had been shot during the encounter, deputies say Everson threatened law enforcement, stating he would “kill us next time we show up.”
During a recorded interview with investigators, the alleged victim said she fled into the woods because she feared Everson was about to physically assault her. She told deputies she believed he would beat her if he caught up with her.
According to investigators, the victim also reported during her 911 call that Everson threw concrete blocks at her as she ran from the residence.
A criminal history check revealed Everson has prior convictions for domestic battery, domestic assault, and two stalking offenses, according to the complaint.
Based on the investigation, deputies charged Everson with Domestic Assault (Third or Subsequent Offense) and Terroristic Threats.
The charges are allegations, and Everson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
