CABELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — What began as a routine call about a suspicious man quickly spiraled into chaos Saturday evening after a drug-impaired individual resisted arrest and assaulted multiple officers and EMTs in the Huntington-Barboursville area.
At approximately 5:10 PM on April 5, Trooper T.A. Ellis of the West Virginia State Police responded to reports of a man trespassing and behaving erratically at 528 Division Road. The caller told the trooper the man appeared to be on drugs, was “screaming, hitting himself, talking to himself, and foaming at the mouth” before wandering through nearby yards toward Forestview Court.
Trooper Ellis arrived at 5:27 PM and was quickly flagged down by a resident at 226 Forestview Court, who pointed out that the individual was in his backyard and appeared to be “out of it.”
Upon making contact, the trooper observed the male exhibiting clear signs of drug use: a flushed red face, pinpoint pupils, rambling speech, poor balance, and nodding in and out of consciousness.
Initially cooperative, the man — later identified as Christopher Ryan Hodge — was detained in handcuffs. However, as Trooper Ellis attempted to move him to his cruiser, Hodge became combative, kicking the trooper in the chest, screaming obscenities, and violently resisting restraint.
The situation escalated as Hodge continued to fight on the ground, striking Trooper Ellis multiple times. Backup units arrived on the scene, but even with assistance, Hodge continued to resist, lashing out at multiple officers.
Once transported to the WVSP Huntington Detachment, EMS was called due to Hodge’s minor injuries and suspected overdose. However, he again lashed out — this time at medics — attempting to lunge at them aggressively and refusing care.
Hodge was eventually identified through a criminal history search, which revealed a long rap sheet, including prior charges for obstruction, fleeing, and assault. He also had a full extradition warrant out of Ohio for assault.
Following the incident, Hodge was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital for treatment and issued a citation for trespassing. Based on the violent encounter, authorities are now pursuing multiple charges, including:
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Two counts of Obstruction
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Two counts of Battery on Law Enforcement
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Two counts of Assault on Law Enforcement
