OCEANA, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Wyoming County man is behind bars after allegedly attacking a woman with a sword during a violent domestic incident Monday night.
According to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded around 8:22 p.m. on April 6, 2026, to an assault complaint at a Dollar Store in Oceana.
When officers arrived, they encountered the suspect, identified as Andy Hayes, who was reportedly covered in blood. Authorities say Hayes immediately admitted to the attack, telling deputies, “I did it, I hit her with a sword, take me to jail.” He was taken into custody without incident and read his Miranda rights.
Inside the store, deputies located a woman suffering from a severe head injury. Due to the extent of her injuries, she was unable to speak at the scene.
Witnesses told investigators they saw the injured woman enter the store bleeding from the head and identified Hayes as the man responsible. One witness reported that the victim stated her husband had attacked her before she sought help.
Meanwhile, deputies responded to the suspect’s residence, where they discovered large amounts of blood both outside and throughout the home. A protective sweep of the residence was conducted to ensure no additional victims were inside.
While being transported to the sheriff’s department, Hayes allegedly told deputies the assault stemmed from an argument involving accusations of infidelity. He claimed he struck the victim with what he described as a “fake sword,” though investigators later recovered a katana-style sword believed to be involved in the attack. The weapon reportedly had blood and hair on it and has been taken into evidence.
Hayes was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. Charges related to the incident are expected as the investigation continues.
