CLENDENIN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man was arrested on Tuesday following an attempted traffic stop in Kanawha County.
According to the Clendenin Police Department, a traffic stop was initiated by officers with the department for a small motorcycle traveling through town with no registration plate or taillights.
The individual operating the motorcycle – identified as David Lee Gibson, 51 years old – did not adhere to the traffic stop procedure. Authorities were led on a brief pursuit until the motorcycle ran out of gas.
Gibson reportedly refused to comply with officer requests when confronted, and was observed reaching for an unknown object in the waistband of his pants. A brief struggle ensued, with Gibson purportedly striking officers several times before being pepper sprayed.
Once detained, Gibson was found to be in possession of a “Walther P22” handgun. He also claimed to be a “sovereign citizen,” and declared that he was not required to follow state laws. An American State National Credential is reported to have been discovered on Gibson’s person following his arrest.
David Lee Gibson faces charges of Obstructing an Officer, Battery on a Police Officer, Fleeing in a Vehicle, No Insurance, No Motorcycle License, No Registration, Driving Suspended, and Tail Lamp Violation.
