PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) -Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance, where an ongoing family dispute led to the discovery of a marijuana growth operation.
At approximately 4:10 PM, officers arrived at the scene. They spoke with Ryan Fitzsimmons and his son, who stated they had been in a verbal altercation with Ryan’s mother over her communication with her estranged husband. The grandson admitted to taking Dianne’s phone to check her messages and acknowledged he had yelled at her during the confrontation.
The victim, accompanied by her brother, told officers that Ryan and the grandson frequently argue with her and that she fears them. She also alleged that Ryan was growing marijuana in the attic of her home.
With the victim’s consent, officers searched the attic. They discovered a grow tent containing approximately 107 marijuana plants, LED lights, fans, two scales, and four jars holding around 332.9 grams of suspected marijuana. The search was recorded on the officer’s department-issued body camera.
Ryan Fitzsimmons was detained and read his Miranda rights, which he acknowledged. He admitted sole responsibility for the grow operation, stating that his son was not involved. He also confirmed that he was not coerced into making his statement.
