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A Wyoming County man was arrested Saturday evening after troopers say a domestic argument escalated into threats involving both a firearm and a knife.
According to the West Virginia State Police, troopers were called around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 after a woman reported a disturbance involving her ex-husband, John Church.
Troopers met the victim at a separate location, where she told investigators the two had been arguing “all day.” When she attempted to leave the home, she said Church followed her outside and approached her aggressively. Fearing for her safety, she drew a handgun.
The victim told police that Church then pulled a knife, wrestled the gun away from her, and warned her that “if she ever did that again, he would kill her.” She said he then went back inside the house with her young grandson.
Troopers advised the woman of her legal options, including filing for a Domestic Violence Protective Order, which she agreed to pursue.
Suspect detained, weapon recovered
Troopers and a Wyoming County deputy arrived at the residence around 6 p.m. and located Church, who was detained without further incident. A search found he was carrying a pocketknife that matched the victim’s description, along with a bag of marijuana.
Church admitted to arguing with his ex-wife and following her outside but said he went back inside after she drew the firearm.
Charges filed
Church was arrested on charges of domestic assault and possession of a controlled substance. Deputies remained at the residence and contacted Child Protective Services to arrange care for the juvenile who was present during the incident.
Church was taken to the West Virginia State Police Jesse Detachment for processing. Authorities confirmed the criminal activity occurred within Wyoming County.