HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — What began as a complaint about water balloons being thrown at a home escalated into a violent confrontation that ended with three arrests in Hinton.
Patrolman J.M. Bruce of the Hinton Police Department was dispatched to 400 James Street after a resident reported that individuals had been throwing objects at his house. Officers traced the suspects to a nearby residence at 417 James Street, where tensions quickly escalated.
According to police, Xavier Eugene Epperly refused lawful commands and, with the help of Juana Catalina Villegas Santos, struck the officer with a door. When Patrolman Bruce attempted to make an arrest, Daniel Ray Harris allegedly interfered and pushed the officer out of the residence.
A struggle followed, during which Bruce deployed his Taser and wrestled Harris to the ground, damaging the porch railing in the process. Police say Santos then grabbed a broken piece of railing and raised it in a threatening manner before complying with commands to drop it.
Epperly and Harris were taken into custody, but Santos fled inside and barricaded herself. After repeated warnings, officers forced entry, subdued her, and placed her under arrest.
Charges Filed:
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Xavier Eugene Epperly – Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstructing an Officer
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Daniel Ray Harris – Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstructing an Officer
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Juana Catalina Villegas Santos – Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing, and Obstructing an Officer
