HURRICANE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A late-night disturbance at a Hurricane apartment complex ended with one man in handcuffs after police say he screamed threats, waved what appeared to be a firearm at officers, and spit in an officer’s face.
On June 18, 2025, around 11:57 p.m., Hurricane Police responded to multiple calls from concerned residents at Willow Tree Way Apartments. The caller reported that a male, later identified as Robert Grenier Whitman, was yelling loudly in the hallway and acting erratically. The caller also stated Whitman had been drinking and was believed to have a firearm in his apartment.
Officers arrived on the second floor and could hear shouting and loud music coming from Whitman’s unit. The apartment complex primarily houses elderly and disabled residents, raising additional safety concerns.
As officers approached, Whitman suddenly opened the door and appeared with a black pistol in hand, pointing it in their direction. Officers quickly drew their weapons and issued verbal commands. Whitman dropped the weapon, which was later identified as a BB gun designed to resemble a real firearm, complete with electrical tape obscuring the markings.
While being detained, police say Whitman refused commands, shouted obscenities, and spit in an officer’s face. Officers used restraint to deescalate the situation and placed him in a chair to create distance and regain control.
Whitman was arrested and transported to the Hurricane Police Department for processing, then booked at Western Regional Jail.
He is charged with:
-
Battery on a police officer
-
Obstructing an officer
-
Disorderly conduct
