BLOOMINGROSE, W.Va. — Four Boone County deputies are okay after a cold, lengthy foot pursuit Friday night.
Deputies went to a home in Bloomingrose to arrest James Alfred King II, 43, of Charleston. He was wanted on a federal parole violation and on charges stemming from manufacture of methamphetamines in Kanawha County.
While deputies were at the home, King along with David Griffy, Sr., 50, of Seth rolled up in a stolen pickup truck. Both took off running when they saw the deputies.
During the chase both suspect jumped into the Big Coal River. Deputies were able to capture Griffy. He was treated and released and is now in the South Central Regional Jail facing charges of possession of a stolen vehicle. Authorities say more charges are pending.
King was found several hours later about 700 yards downstream. Deputies thought he had drowned, but the medical examiner indicated during the autopsy hypothermia contributed to his drowning.
The four deputies spent several hours in rough weather. One deputy’s body temperature dropped to 92 degrees. All four were treated for hypothermia and released early Saturday morning.