WINFIELD, W.Va. — Two Putnam County deputies and a suspect were all injured after a call early Friday morning about a group of people acting in a suspicious manner.
A deputy was dispatched to a remote area on Joyce Road in Putnam County about 6 a.m. after a passing motorist reported several people on motorcycles exchanging a backpack in a turnaround point. The deputy arrived, and Sheriff Steve Deweese said one of the bikers fled the scene.
“Only about 200 feet from where he was he crashed into an embankment,” said Deweese. “The deputy got out and an altercation ensued. The officer got on the radio and called for backup.”
When the call for assistance went out, Deweese said about six different law enforcement agencies responded, including another deputy who was headed to the scene from the Scary Creek end of Route 33 and lost control in a curve. The deputy in the crash suffered minor injuries.
Back at the initial scene, the suspect now identified as Brandon Newsome, fled on foot.
“We had a k-9 that came in and picked up the track and ultimately took him into custody,” said Deweese. “Meanwhile the other male and two females left the area. We’ve spoken to one of the females and we’re looking to question Shawn Alford, he’s the other one that is still at large.”
Newsome was wanted on outstanding warrants. Alford also has outstanding warrants. Deweese is unsure what charges will be brought over the actual incident.
“I don’t know if it was a meeting spot for a drug deal or what,” the Sheriff said. “The one motorcycle that wrecked, we’re trying to find the VIN number. It may have been stolen, the registration was not on file.”
Deweese did not identify the two deputies who were injured. Both suffered minor injuries and are expected to be okay.