WESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police will conduct a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation into the facts surrounding the July 1st incident between an officer with the Weston Police Department and Weston native William Dale Jeffries according to First Lieutenant Michael T. Baylous, Public Information Officer for the West Virginia State Police.
William Dale Jeffries, 57, of Weston, died July 16, some 15 days after suffering a neck injury in a scuffle with officer Eric Riddle.
Police were called to a disturbance involving Jeffries, who was believed to be drunk and reportedly urinating in public near a business. Riddle approached Jeffries and asked him to take a breathalyzer. After Jeffries reportedly refused, he leaned against the police cruiser, and resisted attempts by Riddle to subdue him.
Jeffries hit his head on the cruiser, which was apparently when his neck snapped.
Officer Eric Riddle was suspended pending an investigation, but was cleared by an internal investigation conducted by the Weston Police Department. He returned to work one week after the incident in question.
Following Jeffries death, the Weston Police Department placed Officer Eric Riddle on administrative leave pending further investigation.
The results of an autopsy have not yet been released.