INWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One man has been arrested after strangling his girlfriend.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, March 25, 2024, at approximately 3:42 am, Deputy W. Carroll, along with other patrol deputies responded to a domestic complaint on Buchanan Lane in Inwood.
Deputy Carroll met the caller at the Tabler Station Sheetz. The victim advised that she was battered and strangled by her boyfriend who is highly intoxicated and has been drinking since 5:00 pm the evening prior.
The victim advised that she was able to gather her two children and flee the residence.
Other shift units responded to the residence to make contact with the suspect who after an extended period of time, refused to answer the door.
After a discussion with the victim, deputies learned the suspect had firearms all throughout the residence and was also prohibited from possessing firearms due to a domestic battery arrest in 2019 and a conviction in 2020 with the same victim.
Patrol units stayed on scene, for the safety of the subdivision, while Sgt. Wolfe and Deputy Carroll went back to the office to complete a search warrant and complaint for a warrant for the suspect for Strangulation.
Notification was sent to top administration at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and it was determined the need to safely execute this mission would require the activation of the BCSD SWAT Team.
Due to the seriousness of this event, Magistrate Thompson agreed to respond to the Sheriff’s Dept. to review the Search and Arrest Warrants, which were signed and approved.
SWAT arrived at the residence on Buchanan Lane and subsequently was able to get the suspect to surrender without incident. During a search of the residence 3 rifles, 1 shotgun, and a handgun were seized.
He was then transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment on the charge of Strangulation.
Police say additional charges will be forthcoming in reference to the firearms.
Deputies have been in contact with the Berkeley County State Prosecutor, Catie Wilkes Delligatti, and Sheriff Rob Blair contacted the United States Attorney, Bill Ihlenfeld (United States Attorney for the Northern District of WV).
This case will be reviewed by both agencies for prosecution.
Berkeley County Schools have been notified and are making arrangements for their students who were involved in this situation.
“I would like to commend the men and women of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department for their quick and efficient conclusion to this domestic violence crime,” said Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair.
“We take pride in the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by our personnel. Their commitment to excellence is a driving force behind our mission to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in Berkeley County.”
