Oak Hill man sentenced to prison for fleeing on motorcycle

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An Oak Hill man has been sentenced to prison after an incident in which a pursuit was initiated with law enforcement earlier this year.

According to Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney, Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., on the afternoon of February 7, 2024, a man was observed on a motorcycle bearing what appeared be a false West Virginia plate bearing more characters than permitted by the WV DMV.

A member of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department activated his siren and lights to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, which authorities would later learn was being operated by 50-year-old Edward H. Anderson II of Oak Hill, WV.

The deputy exited his patrol vehicle and began making his way toward the motorcycle when Anderson began to flee the scene at a high speed in the direction of the Glen Jean area. A pursuit was initiated which saw Anderson violating several traffic protocols, including crossing the center line of the roadway into oncoming traffic multiple times.

Upon approaching the Glen Jean area, Anderson reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to turn onto a dirt trail. This led to a crash, after which Anderson was taken into custody by authorities.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, the Oak Hill man was sentenced to prison by Circuit Judge, Paul M. Blake Jr. for no less than one and no more than five years for the felony offense of Fleeing with Reckless Indifference. A fine in the amount of $1,000 was also imposed by Judge Blake, and Anderson will be required to serve a minimum of one year in prison before potentially becoming eligible for parole.