Open in App
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Newsletter
  • Lootpress

    Man threatens ex-wife, fights police, sets fire over involvement with another man

    By Lootpress News Staff,

    17 hours ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OsXvn_0urWxw8r00

    MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man facing a long list of charges after pointing a gun at his ex-wife, threatening to shoot her, setting fire to the home, and fighting police over her involvement with another man.

    On August 4, 2024, at approximately 19:50 hours, Sgt. G.C. Paitsel, Deputy Lucas, Deputy Presley, and Deputy J.A. Brooks responded to a domestic disturbance at the RV park at Coal Heritage Road in the Bluefield area of Mercer County, WV .

    The caller reported that her ex-husband, Dylan Dunford, was present with a weapon and had entered her residence. While inside, Dylan allegedly grabbed the firearm and aimed it at her. The caller indicated that she was at lot 8 in the RV resort.

    During police response, the caller mentioned a five-year-old child was in the camper. She indicated that Dylan had his finger on the trigger and had made threats in the past to shoot her. The caller explained that she and Dylan had separated four months prior, and he became angry when she informed him of her involvement with another man. She also noted that she could not leave because Dylan blocked her vehicle with his white side-by-side.

    Upon arrival, police heard the female talking at the camper door. The woman, later identified as the victim, exited the camper with the five-year-old child and indicated that Dylan was still inside. Given that both the victim and E-911 had reported that Dylan possessed a firearm and had brandished it, police drew their service pistol, identified themselves as a member of the Sheriff’s Department, and began issuing commands for Dylan to exit the camper with his hands raised. Dylan did not respond to commands.

    Prioritizing officer safety, an officer remained outside the camper and awaited additional units for support while continuing to call out commands. Deputies Lucas and Presley arrived, and the officer entered the camper.

    They found Dylan standing in front of the bed next to it. They instructed him to show his hands and step away from the bedroom area for safety reasons, as we were unaware of the firearm’s location. Dylan continued to glance down at the bed for about 30 seconds.

    During this time, we noticed smoke from behind the bed and a slight orange glow, indicating a fire. Dylan eventually walked toward us with his hands raised and descended the steps into the room where we were positioned. Once Dylan was within reach, an officer seized him and directed him toward Deputy Presley, who attempted to handcuff him.

    At this point, Dylan resisted by stiffening his arms and pushing back against Presley, trying to break free. Deputy Lucas, Deputy Presley, and the officer worked to secure his arms behind his back, but he fought against them, making it difficult to gain control.

    Despite repeated commands to stop resisting, Dylan struggled, moving his arms and legs to escape their grasp. In response, all three deputies delivered compliance strikes to his rib area and back as the camper filled with smoke from the fire. Eventually, Dylan was on his back with Deputy Presley underneath him when he pushed out with his arms and struck the officer in the chest.

    In response, the officer struck Dylan in the face, and shortly afterward, Deputy Lucas used pepper spray due to Dylan’s continued resistance. After the pepper spray was deployed, Dylan was arrested and placed in the back of a cruiser without further incident.

    Once Dylan was secured in the cruiser, they observed smoke billowing from the camper’s windows and door. As smoke continued to escape, multiple fire departments arrived, and flames became visible at the top of the camper where the fire had originated. The fire departments managed to contain and extinguish the fire.

    The police officer obtained an audio statement from the victim, which summarized her account of the incident. The victim explained that the argument began over custody discussions regarding their five-year-old son. She stated that Dylan became upset upon learning that she was involved with another man.

    During the argument, the victim had her firearm beside her due to previous threats from Dylan and because he was more significant than her. When she reached for an item, Dylan seized the gun and pointed it at her while she sat on the couch. She recalled that Dylan insisted he would not leave or do anything until she contacted 911.

    She felt trapped in the camper, with Dylan standing in front of her, holding the firearm either pointed at the ceiling or the floor. She expressed that neither she nor their son could exit the camper. She also clarified that she did not ignite the fire in the bedroom and that Dylan was the only person in the bedroom from the time law enforcement arrived until he was escorted out.

    Photographs were taken of the camper during and after the fire. During the investigation, they were unable to find the firearm used in the incident because the interior of the camper was severely damaged by the fire.

    Following the investigation, Dylan was transported by Deputy Presley to Bluefield Regional Medical Center for treatment related to the pepper spray. All deputies received on-scene therapy for exposure to the spray and did not sustain any injuries.

    Dylan Dunford was charged with the following: domestic battery, domestic assault, kidnapping, 1st degree arson, three counts of battery on an officer, three counts of obstructing an officer, 2nd offense, and brandishing. His bond is set at $109,000.

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0