WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Wyoming County man is facing charges following a violent altercation inside a local gas station, while also being tied to a previous, severe assault at Southern Regional Jail.
Deputies were dispatched around 7:40 p.m. on April 13, 2026, to a Speedway after reports of a fight involving four individuals. While en route, authorities were advised that two people had left the scene and gone to a nearby residence.
When officers arrived, a woman at the scene claimed a male inside the store had stolen from her but could not clearly identify him.
Inside the business, deputies encountered a juvenile male who said he had been attacked by two adults after trying to get away. According to investigators, the dispute stemmed from accusations involving money connected to a four-wheeler, though officers noted the vehicle had already been towed earlier.
Surveillance footage reviewed by deputies reportedly showed the juvenile running into the store attempting to hide, followed by multiple individuals. The video allegedly shows the group cornering the juvenile, pulling him over the counter, and assaulting him.
Authorities say one suspect grabbed the juvenile by the collar and hair while another repeatedly struck him. The juvenile was forced to the ground and continued to be hit before the suspects left the store.
Following the investigation, Ardelle Catlin Lane was taken into custody and transported to the Oceana Police Department for processing. Additional charges against others involved may still be pending.
Prior Jail Assault Allegations
Lane is also accused in a separate, violent incident that occurred months earlier at Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County.
According to a report, on October 24, 2025, troopers responded to the jail after two inmates were involved in a serious altercation inside a housing unit. Authorities say Lane allegedly initiated the attack after motioning for the victim to enter a cell.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Lane following the victim into the cell and launching an assault. Despite attempts by other inmates to intervene, the attack continued until corrections officers responded and secured the area.
Officials say the victim suffered severe injuries, including a detached lower lip, and was transported to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment.
Investigators noted that Lane did not appear to have visible injuries but had what appeared to be the victim’s blood on his face. Lane declined to provide a statement after being read his rights.
Due to the severity of the injuries, troopers sought warrants charging Lane with malicious assault in connection to the jail incident.
