Beckley man with extensive criminal history arrested following high-speed chase

CLENDENIN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Beckley man with an extensive criminal history has been arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, K-9 Jet, partnered with Deputy J.L. Barbagallo, played a role in apprehending Ronald Dewayne Sims, 44, of Beckley.

Sims had fled from a felony traffic stop in a stolen vehicle, leading deputies on a high-speed chase through Clendenin before driving into the Elk River and attempting to escape into nearby woods.

Deputy Barbagallo and K-9 Jet swiftly tracked Sims along the riverbank near Route 4, where Sims ignored commands to surrender.

K-9 Jet successfully apprehended Sims after he attempted another escape.

Sims, a convicted felon with a history of violence and prior escape attempts was found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, and nearly 100 grams of illicit drugs upon arrest.

Following medical treatment for a K-9 bite, Sims was charged with multiple offenses including fleeing from law enforcement, firearm possession by a prohibited person, and drug-related charges.

He was arraigned in Kanawha County Magistrate Court and remains in South Central Regional Jail on a $25,000 cash bond pending trial, scheduled for June 28, 2024.