RIPLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly attacking emergency medical personnel at the Go-Mart on Shinn Lane on March 21, 2025.
At approximately 4:55 p.m., Jackson County 911 dispatched law enforcement to assist EMS personnel, who were responding to a medical call involving an unresponsive man in a vehicle at the gas pumps. The situation escalated when the patient became combative, prompting a request for an expedited law enforcement response.
Sgt. Ben Hart of the Ripley Police Department was the first officer on the scene, where EMS and fire department personnel were restraining the suspect. Sgt. B.L. Williams, along with Captain Roberts, Deputy Casto, and Deputy Roush, arrived shortly after. The suspect, later identified as Joshua Dennis, was placed in the back of Sgt. Williams’ patrol car due to his agitated state.
According to EMT David Crawford, he and Medic Austin Young initially responded to reports of an unconscious man at the gas pumps. Upon waking, Dennis allegedly became confrontational, lunged at Young, and attempted to grab him. Crawford and Young, with assistance from bystanders Shane Asbury and Thomas Williams, restrained Dennis until law enforcement arrived. Witnesses reported that Dennis also attempted to strike EMS Shift Commander Jessica Nance.
Once in custody, Dennis repeatedly slammed his head against the cage inside the patrol car, requiring further restraint to prevent self-harm.
Dennis was arrested on multiple charges, including:
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Obstructing an Officer (WV Code §61-5-17) for resisting law enforcement efforts.
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Battery on an EMS Employee (WV Code §61-2-10b(d)) for physically assaulting Medic Young.
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Two Counts of Assault on an EMS Employee (WV Code §61-2-10b(e)) for attempting to strike Shift Commander Nance and lunging at Young.
