BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A routine traffic stop turned tense Sunday night after a man riding a four-wheeler on West Virginia Route 3 allegedly refused to stop for troopers, made threats toward officers, and damaged a police cruiser.
According to the West Virginia State Police, Trooper R.T. Frye and Trooper M.D. Veres were on road patrol near Comfort at approximately 9:22 p.m. on Dec. 21, 2025, when they observed a black four-wheeler traveling east with a defective taillight.
Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver — identified as John Tyler Vance — allegedly failed to stop despite emergency lights being activated. Trooper Veres blocked the eastbound lane in an effort to prevent the rider from fleeing.
Police say troopers were able to remove Vance from the four-wheeler and place him on the ground to gain control. During the arrest, Vance reportedly became irate, ignored commands, and continued to resist before being placed in handcuffs.
While being restrained, Vance allegedly kicked the driver’s seat of Trooper Veres’ cruiser and admitted he did not have insurance on the vehicle. Troopers also reported that Vance made multiple verbal threats, including statements about harming the officers.
A license check revealed Vance’s driver’s license had been revoked since June 1, 2017, due to a DUI, according to State Police Communications. Authorities also confirmed Vance had an active capias warrant out of Mason County.
During transport to Southwestern Regional Jail, troopers say Vance continued making threats toward officers. Once at the jail, he allegedly refused to be fingerprinted during the booking process.
Vance was transported to the regional jail, where he was processed on multiple charges related to the incident. The case occurred in Boone County, and the complaint was filed based on the responding officer’s observations.
