UPSHUR COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A French Creek man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving through a flood-related road closure and assaulting deputies Saturday morning.
According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Larry Christopher Alderman, 53, of French Creek, was arrested following an incident at a barricaded section of Stonecoal Road.
Deputies said they have been working alongside the West Virginia Division of Highways, West Virginia National Guard, utility crews, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police, and the West Virginia State Police to secure flood-damaged roadways while emergency repairs continue.
Authorities said the incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. when deputies stopped Alderman at the road closure and advised him the roadway was closed due to heavy equipment, multiple work crews, and hazardous conditions caused by recent flooding. Deputies told him traffic would be allowed through once it was safe.
According to the sheriff’s office, Alderman allegedly said no one was going to prevent him from entering the roadway before accelerating through the barricades and fleeing from deputies. His vehicle was eventually stopped after it could proceed no farther because of large boulders and heavy equipment blocking the roadway.
Deputies said Alderman then refused lawful commands and physically resisted arrest. During the encounter, he allegedly assaulted officers, including headbutting one deputy. Deputies deployed a Taser before taking him into custody.
Alderman has been charged with three counts of assault on a police officer, one count of battery on a police officer, four counts of obstructing an officer, fleeing from an officer in a motor vehicle, and driving under the influence (DUI).
The sheriff’s office said Stonecoal Road remains closed 24 hours a day due to flood damage, with access restricted to local residents. Law enforcement officers continue to staff the closure around the clock.
The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that the road closures are in place to protect lives and allow emergency personnel, utility crews, and the Division of Highways to safely restore damaged infrastructure.
Officials also said the agency has zero tolerance for individuals who ignore road closures or fail to comply with lawful orders during the current state of emergency, warning that violations will result in enforcement action and, when appropriate, arrest.
