West Virginia man arrested after allegedly forcing woman into car by gunpoint

WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — A West Virginia man is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, domestic assault, battery, and others.

According to the West Virginia State Police, on Friday troopers were called to a domestic situation that involved weapons.

When troopers arrived, the victim, Carlie Blankenship, 29, of Huntington, told police that her ex-boyfriend had abducted her at gunpoint and forced her into a vehicle.

According to officials, when Pennington was leaving with Blankenship, he backed the vehicle into the victim’s mother mother’s vehicle where it was disabled. Blankenship told officers that she was able to fight with Pennington and jumped out of the moving vehicle.

Officials say Prichard EMS was called in and Blankenship was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital for her injuries.

A manhunt ensued with additional WVSP arriving at the scene. Investigators were able to confirm Pennington was in the Prichard area and contacted him through phone calls numerous times throughout the evening.

According to officials, Pennington surrendered himself without incident on Saturday, July 20 at 12:15 a.m.

Officials say Pennington was transported to the WRJ where he was housed pending arraignment by Wayne County Magistrate for Kidnapping, Domestic Battery, two counts of Brandishing, Assault, and Felony Destruction of Property.

Blankenship was treated for her injuries and discharged from the hospital.

Officials say the investigation is still ongoing.

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