MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS)— A Mount Hope man was arrested Thursday night after authorities say he led police on a high-speed chase in a UTV, fled into the woods, and fought with officers during his arrest.
According to the West Virginia State Police, the incident began around 8 p.m. on December 11, when Trooper First Class T.D. Richardson spotted a UTV speeding at 87 mph in a 55-mph zone along U.S. Route 61.
Trooper Richardson attempted a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated and refused to pull over, prompting the trooper to alert WVSP Beckley Communications and continue the pursuit.
Suspect Fled Onto ATV Trail
Police say the UTV veered off the highway onto an ATV path and continued fleeing despite emergency lights and sirens. Troopers from the Oak Hill Detachment joined the search as Richardson followed the vehicle’s tracks into a wooded area on foot.
At the end of the trail, officers encountered a man—later identified as Thomas Speck—who immediately ran deeper into the woods. Commands to stop were ignored.
Troopers caught up with Speck, but according to the report, he resisted arrest and struck at the officer before being restrained with the help of additional responding troopers.
UTV Found Hidden; Drugs and Alcohol Suspected
Police located the UTV concealed in the woodline. The vehicle’s VIN plate had been ground off, making it unreadable.
Inside the UTV, officers reported finding:
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A red container holding a blue powdery substance
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Foil containing an unknown substance
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A green container filled with a brown liquid consistent with alcohol
Troopers also noted that Speck appeared to be “on the nod” and smelled of alcohol.
A records check revealed Speck’s driver’s license was suspended as of May 14, 2025.
Blood Sample Taken for DUI Investigation
Speck was taken to the WVSP Oak Hill Detachment for processing, then to Plateau Medical Center for a court-ordered blood draw. The sample will be analyzed for suspected illegal narcotics and alcohol as part of the DUI investigation.
Charges Filed Against Speck
Police have charged Thomas Speck with the following offenses:
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Fleeing on Foot
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Fleeing in a Vehicle
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Fleeing DUI
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Driving Revoked for DUI (1st offense)
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Open Container
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Obstructing an Officer
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Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
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Destroyed or Altered VIN Number
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Possession of a Controlled Substance
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DUI – First Offense
