FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man huffing laughing gas (nitrous oxide) was arrested after becoming violent towards a woman inside a home.
On November 16, 2024, Corporal J. Rice of the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a domestic violence report on Huse Street following a 911 call at approximately 4:05 p.m. Officers Lt. Casey and Sgt. Kennedy also arrived on the scene at 4:12 p.m., where they encountered a man outside the residence. Inside, a female victim, the complainant, had barricaded herself for safety until law enforcement arrived.
The victim alleged that her partner, John Stewart, attempted to forcibly remove her from the residence without legal authorization, leading to a physical altercation. According to her statement, Stewart pushed her to the ground and choked her. She also reported experiencing blood in her throat during the incident, prompting the response of emergency medical services.
Medical responders from JanCare EMS noted redness around her neck and eyes. The victim was transported to a hospital for further assessment, accompanied by Sgt. Kennedy.
A video recorded by the victim and shown to officers appeared to show Stewart sitting on a couch with a bottle of nitrous oxide between his legs, reportedly inhaling the substance before the altercation. In the video, the victim can be heard accusing Stewart of shocking her.
Stewart was arrested on charges of Domestic Battery and Strangulation. During questioning at the police station, Stewart claimed self-defense, alleging the victim pulled his hair and that he inadvertently struck her throat with his forearm during the struggle. He also admitted to purchasing and using nitrous oxide before the incident.
