MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mount Hope man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a foot chase and violently resisting arrest, injuring several law enforcement officers during a prolonged struggle Saturday night.
According to the Mount Hope Police Department, officers were dispatched around 9:45 p.m. on May 30 after reports of a suspicious man fleeing from a vehicle near the Mount Hope Fire Department.
Emergency personnel reported that a gray Honda Civic entered the fire department parking lot at a high rate of speed and nearly crashed. A white male passenger reportedly exited the vehicle and ran toward the Midtown Terrace Apartments.
While searching the area, officers learned the suspect was identified as 39-year-old Nathan Wayne McCoy. Authorities were told McCoy had active protective orders against him, was considered violent, and was allegedly using methamphetamine.
Police later located McCoy near Montana Street and Stadium Drive. When officers attempted to make contact, McCoy allegedly fled on foot, leading officers through the Mount Hope area and across railroad tracks.
According to the report, officers eventually caught up to McCoy and attempted to take him into custody. During the arrest, McCoy allegedly fought with officers, punched and kicked law enforcement personnel, knocked a Taser from an officer’s hands, attempted to grab an officer’s service weapon, bit one officer on the shoulder, and spat in an officer’s face.
The struggle escalated as additional law enforcement officers arrived to assist. Authorities say McCoy kicked multiple deputies, grabbed an officer’s fingers in an apparent attempt to break them, punched another deputy in the forehead, and kicked another officer in the groin.
Police also deployed a Taser and pepper spray during the encounter, but officials said the measures were ineffective in gaining compliance.
After officers finally secured McCoy in handcuffs, he allegedly slipped his restraints while seated in a patrol vehicle and attempted to escape. Officers reported that he continued resisting and kicking at law enforcement personnel.
McCoy was transported to Plateau Medical Center for evaluation before being taken to the Southern Regional Jail. During transport, officers said he attempted to spit on them and managed to move his handcuffs from behind his back to the front of his body while trying to damage a cruiser window. Additional assistance from a Raleigh County Sheriff’s deputy was required before McCoy was successfully transported to jail.
No officers’ injuries were reported as life-threatening.
McCoy was charged and lodged at Southern Regional Jail pending arraignment. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
