OCEANA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An Oceana man is behind bars after police say he became intoxicated, destroyed property inside his apartment, and put an 11-year-old child in danger during a domestic disturbance late Monday night.
According to the Oceana Police Department, officers were called to the scene around 9:42 p.m. on September 15 after a neighbor reported that a young girl had run to her apartment for help, saying that Willie Lee Gibson was intoxicated and throwing glass.
When Patrolman E. Hoosier arrived, he found Gibson with lacerations on both hands and detained him for safety. Inside the apartment, officers observed a broken glass table and a shattered box fan, with debris scattered across the living room floor.
Witnesses told police that Gibson had been drinking throughout the day, punched the table, kicked the fan, and began yelling while intoxicated. The child, who had been showering during the incident, told officers that Gibson shouted at her saying, “You don’t deserve to shower,” and admitted that similar incidents had occurred in the past when he had been drinking. She also stated that Gibson had threatened suicide during previous intoxicated episodes.
Police say Gibson admitted to drinking six beers and liquor earlier that day and claimed he “blacked out” before destroying property inside the home. He told officers he knew he placed the child and others in fear for their safety and admitted he needed help.
Child Protective Services took custody of the 11-year-old for her safety. Gibson was treated for his injuries by EMS, then processed at the Oceana Police Department before being transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
Gibson is facing a felony charge of child neglect creating risk of bodily injury.
