MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A domestic dispute escalated into violence on Sunday afternoon, resulting in one arrest and injuries to both individuals involved. Officers from the Bluefield Police Department responded to the incident at 1600 Hill Avenue, Apartment 33, after Mercer County 911 reported a domestic altercation involving weapons and self-inflicted injuries.
Incident Details
At approximately 12:57 p.m., Officers B. Lambert, S. Copenhaver, and C. Matthews arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, officers provided medical assistance to Damion Kell, who had sustained self-inflicted cuts to his left arm. While Kell was being treated, officers began processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.
Carly Gess, identified as the victim, was visibly emotional and attempting to clean her apartment when officers arrived. Gess told officers that an argument with Kell began as a simple conversation but quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. According to Gess, Kell punched her in the side of the face, the back of her head, and in the chest. Fearing for her safety, Gess ran into a neighboring apartment (Apartment 31), where Kell followed her.
Neighbor’s Account
Inside Apartment 31, Alora Hampton, the resident, described the incident to officers. Hampton stated that Gess entered her apartment, followed closely by Kell. The two continued arguing, and at one point, Gess reportedly punched Kell multiple times in the face. Kell retaliated, striking Gess and pushing her against the wall. Following the altercation, Kell took a knife and cut himself three times on his left arm, then left the apartment, screaming for an ambulance.
Property Damage and Arrests
Officers found significant blood stains in both apartments, as well as a knife covered in blood near the doorway of Apartment 33. During the altercation, Kell destroyed a television valued at $129 and an iPhone valued at $174.
Kell was transported to WVU Medicine in Princeton for treatment of his injuries. Gess, who sustained minor injuries, was also transported to WVU Medicine in Bluefield for medical clearance. Following her release, Gess was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery. She was booked into the Bluefield Police Department and placed in a holding cell, awaiting arraignment.
Pending Charges
Officers are seeking additional warrants for Damion Kell on charges of:
- Domestic Battery
- Brandishing a Deadly Weapon
- Destruction of Property
