MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Police in Marshall County say a Virginia man took his own life after a 118-mile pursuit through Marshall and Wetzel counties Thursday morning.
The chase began around 1 a.m. when officers from the New Martinsville Police Department made contact with the vehicle and determined that Devin Stevens, of Tazewell, Virginia, had numerous outstanding warrants.
Authorities said New Martinsville police noticed a vehicle that was parked behind Country Roads Ford. After talking with Stevens, police ran his information and found out he was wanted on four criminal warrants out of Virginia, including arson and grand larceny.
Stevens fled to Moundsville, then back to New Martinsville to Route 7 into Hundred, then 250 into Cameron, then back into Marshall County where the chase ended on Waynesburg Pike when the subject fled on foot.
“One of my deputies gave foot pursuit,” Marshall County Sheriff Bill Helms said. “He only ran a short way when the deputy commanded him to stop, at which time the individual put himself on the ground, and that’s when he produced a pistol and took his own life.”
Helms said when Stevens turned back south, his deputies stopped their pursuit and quickly rejoined when Stevens reversed directions.
“There were times I thought the pursuit was slow,” Helms said. “As the individual made his way back along Route 250 to the city of Moundsville, that’s when the stop sticks were deployed.”
Helms said deputies continued to move and communicate with other agencies to keep tabs on Stevenson if he entered the county again, and he did.
“The old saying is very true that you can’t outrun a two-way radio,” Helms said. “Because they give us a heads up, and before they get here, the available deputies, we have to take the opportunity to block the major thoroughfares.”
Helms said this incident and all available camera footage will be used as a training tool for future and current officers. Also, deputies involved in the action will review the footage to identify areas for improvement.
“The courage they display everyday and professionalism. “The individual was just a few feet away when the incident occurred,” Helms said. “It’s a heck of a thing when you actually see the Bose camera and hear the sounds—you’re right there.”
No police officers were injured in the pursuit.