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Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a pursuit through Marshall and Wetzel counties that led to a man being arrested on multiple charges.
Zachary Pierce, 48, was charged with three felony counts of fleeing from a law enforcement officer and one misdemeanor count each of fleeing from the scene of an accident, reckless driving without bodily injury, driving on a divided highway and driving too fast for road conditions. He is currently being held in Northern Regional Jail.
According to Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty, the incident began when the Marshall County 911 Center received reports Sunday of a reckless driver in a Ford F-150 traveling on W.Va. 2. Benwood Police officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as Pierce, allegedly refused to stop.
As the pursuit continued south through Glen Dale and Moundsville, officers from multiple agencies joined the effort. Moundsville Police deployed Stop Sticks, while responding officers worked to slow the vehicle and prevent it from entering other roadways.
The pursuit continued into New Martinsville, where a Wetzel County deputy deployed additional Stop Sticks with limited success. A Marshall County Deputy ultimately performed a successful PIT maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Pierce exited the vehicle with his hands raised and was taken into custody without further incident by New Martinsville Police.
Dougherty praised the teamwork and professionalism demonstrated throughout the incident.
"This was an extremely dangerous situation that placed innocent motorists at risk,” he said. “I want to recognize the officers from Benwood, Glen Dale, Moundsville, New Martinsville, and Wetzel County, along with our deputies and 911 dispatchers, for their communication, coordination, and commitment to public safety. Their combined efforts brought this dangerous situation to a successful conclusion."