BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Hedgesville man was arrested Friday afternoon following a welfare check that escalated into an armed confrontation with deputies, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies Baldridge and Clark were dispatched around 12:17 p.m. on Jan. 2 to a residence on Snake Lane near the Morgan County line after a man called 911 and made statements that did not make sense, referencing a “crazy man” and claiming someone had taken his phone and run.
While deputies were en route, dispatchers advised that Morgan County 911 had also received a call from the same individual, who stated he was in possession of a shotgun.
When deputies arrived at the residence and approached from the rear, authorities said Ronald Dick exited a rear door holding a shotgun.
Deputies reported that Dick appeared visibly agitated, yelled profanities toward them, and repeatedly told them to shoot him. The deputies took cover behind a vehicle in the driveway and issued multiple loud commands for him to drop the weapon, which he initially refused to do.
Deputy Baldridge then deployed her issued Taser, successfully immobilizing Dick. Deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident.
Dick was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail and charged with wanton endangerment involving a firearm, brandishing a deadly weapon, assault on a law enforcement officer, and obstructing law enforcement. He is being held on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
Robert Blair praised the deputies’ actions, citing their professionalism, restraint, and use of less-lethal force to safely resolve a potentially deadly situation.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to narcotics violations, wanted persons, or other criminal activity to submit anonymous tips by calling 304-267-7000 or through the department’s online tip form.
