MINGO COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman was critically injured after a man threw her into a glass window, breaking it.
On August 19, 2024, around 11:11 PM, Deputies M.E. Tiller and T.J. Justice II received a report of a possible domestic dispute in Ragland, Mingo County, WV. The caller indicated that Bennett Dale Cox, the suspect, had messaged them asking to call an ambulance for a female victim, who was reportedly hurt and bleeding significantly. Mingo County 911 then dispatched the officers to the scene.
Upon their arrival, the officers found the victim covered in blood, with multiple bruises and what seemed to be an artery exposed in her armpit. They instructed the victim to exit the house and come towards them. After she emerged, the officers entered the residence and located the suspect, who was subsequently detained for questioning.
During the investigation, the victim explained that she and the suspect, who were living together and in a relationship, had been arguing for several hours. She reported that during the argument, the suspect struck her in the face, causing bruising and swelling around her eyes. The victim also stated that the suspect threw her to the ground and began to strangle her, almost causing her to lose consciousness. She further claimed that the suspect threw her into a glass window, breaking it and resulting in severe injuries. Officers observed marks on her neck, as well as swelling and bruising on her face, alongside blood from the injury sustained when thrown into the window, indicating an intent to seriously harm her.
Emergency medical services (EMS) were called for the victim, who needed to be taken to a trauma center for her injuries. EMS personnel confirmed that she had a severed artery and transported her to Pikeville Medical Center for urgent care. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Southwestern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
During the investigation, the victim informed the officers that the suspect had drugs and a firearm hidden in the house before their arrival. She verbally consented to a search of the premises. The officers discovered a small quantity of a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun loaded with a round in the chamber. The suspect has prior convictions for domestic violence from September 14, 2011, and February 15, 2024, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Bennett Dale Cox was charged with domestic battery, strangulation, malicious wounding, possession of a controlled substance, and prohibited persons from possessing firearms.
