SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — An unruly fan at a Nicholas County basketball game finds himself in serious trouble.
According to Summersville Police the fan, Ronald Stroupe Jr., 57, of Princeton, was engaged in a verbal argument with a Nicholas County fan at a girl’s basketball game at Nicholas County High School Tuesday night. A Summersville Police officer repeatedly asked Stroupe to calm down. But officers say he became more enraged and they began to escort him out of the gym.
“The officer was escorting him out of the building and he was getting more belligerent and more physical, so at that time my officer decided to place him into custody,” said Summersville Police Chief Brad Reed.
However, as the officer went to arrest Stroupe and place him in handcuffs the situation became much more serious when a handgun fell out of Stroupe’s waistband.
“It fell to the floor and the guy grabbed it and would not release the weapon while the officer was giving him orders to,” said Reed.
The Summersville officer along with Nicholas County Sheriff’s Deputies subdued Stroupe and took him into custody. He’s charged with possession of a deadly weapon on the premises of an educational facility, brandishing, obstruction of an officer, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Central Regional Jail.
Reed said it’s unclear why Stroupe had the gun, but should have known better than to have it on school property. The investigation continues.