RONCEVERTE, W.Va. — The chief of police for the City of Ronceverte has resumed his duties, following an investigation of an incident in which he was accused of assaulting a suspect in custody.
Chief J.R. Byer Jr. was placed on paid administrative leave in early July, after a video was disclosed showing Byer kicking a suspect in the face while the suspect was handcuffed behind his back and lying on the floor. The incident was recorded at the Ronceverte Police Department on April 18, 2018.
According to a statement from city officials, the investigation concluded there was no indication Byer used an excessive amount of force against the suspect, noting the suspect did not make an accusation of misconduct against Byer, after the incident occurred.
The investigation was conducted by a retired West Virginia State Trooper, with assistance from local authorities.