GAULEY BRIDGE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Fayette County man has been arrested following a violent late-night assault that left a victim injured inside his own home, according to authorities.
Deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department responded around 10:23 p.m. on May 3, 2026, to a reported assault at a residence in Gauley Bridge.
When officers arrived, they made contact with the victim, who had visible injuries to his face, including a mark on his cheek and blood. He told deputies he had been assaulted by Elzie Otis Preast, who had been staying with him for about a month.
According to the victim, the altercation began after he confronted Preast about allegedly burning tires near the home and railroad tracks. The victim said Preast grabbed him over a counter, dragged him into the living room, threw him to the ground, and repeatedly struck him in the face. The victim, who told deputies he is disabled, said he was unable to defend himself.
Two neighbors reportedly intervened and were able to pull Preast off the victim before the suspect fled the scene.
A witness provided deputies with video footage of the incident. Investigators say the video shows Preast standing over the victim, grabbing his shirt collar, lifting his head, and attempting to slam it into the ground multiple times before kicking him.
After gathering statements and evidence, deputies located Preast in the Scrabble Creek area of Gauley Bridge later that night. He was taken into custody without incident.
Preast has been charged with domestic battery. The investigation remains ongoing.
