Man arrested after threatening to cut people’s heads off, swimming across lake returning with knives and axe

MOUNT STORM, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 34-year-old man, identified as Victor Sanders, was arrested following an incident at a residence on Geary Way in Mount Storm.

The incident, which involved threats, property damage, and a standoff with law enforcement, ended with Sanders facing multiple charges including domestic battery and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Authorities responded to the scene on Monday, September 9, after receiving a report of a mental health crisis.

According to the complaint, Sanders was reportedly making violent threats, including statements about cutting people’s heads off.

He had also been seen swimming across a lake and returning with knives and an axe.

Upon arrival, Grant County Deputy Harding and several other officers spoke with a woman, believed to be Sanders’ mother and her fiancé.

They informed police that Sanders had been armed with an axe and a hatchet and had been in the basement of the residence.

Fearing for their safety, the woman and her two-year-old granddaughter locked themselves in an upstairs bedroom.

When officers entered the house, Sanders was found in the basement. He refused repeated commands to surrender and threatened officers, stating, “I could kill you if I wanted to.”

Despite attempts to convince him to step outside for medical evaluation, Sanders remained defiant and claimed that officers were trespassing on his family’s property.

Further investigation revealed that the situation had been escalating throughout the day.

Sanders had allegedly been acting erratically, flipping over furniture, and physically assaulting a man in the home, causing potential rib injuries.

He had also collected sharp objects, including an axe and gardening tools, and made threats against his family members.

After a prolonged standoff, officers eventually used non-lethal force to subdue Sanders, placing him in handcuffs.

Even after being detained, he refused to cooperate, forcing officers to carry him from the basement to the front of the house.

Once outside, Sanders continued to resist, refusing to get into the police cruiser. He was transported to Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta, where he again refused to cooperate with jail staff.

According to the complaint, correctional officers had to physically remove him from the cruiser and carry him into the processing area. Sanders also refused to provide fingerprints during the booking process.

Victor Sanders now faces charges including domestic battery, domestic assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of justice.

He is currently at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.