Man arrested after assaulting woman who reached out to his ex-girlfriend

OAK HILL, WV WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Beckley man was arrested in Fayette County after assaulting a woman after she reached out to his ex-girlfriend.

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at approximately 7:51 a.m., Deputy First Class (DFC) N.G. Burgess of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department responded to a domestic disturbance on Pea Ridge Road in Oak Hill. Upon arrival, DFC Burgess and Officer J. Pauley of the Oak Hill Police Department observed a female outside the residence, which matched the description from the initial 911 call.

As officers approached, a male subject attempted to enter the residence despite orders to remain outside. The man, later identified as Carsen Burnum, briefly went inside but returned after being instructed to stay outside. Officer Pauley spoke with Burnum while DFC Burgess interviewed the female victim.

The victim had visible injuries, including a bruise and a cut above her right eye. She told officers that her ex-boyfriend, Justin Cragio, and his sister, Victoria Cragio, had assaulted her within the last 24 to 48 hours, though her injuries appeared more recent. Burnum denied touching the woman and was seen wearing a blue latex glove on his right hand.

The homeowner confirmed that Burnum and the victim had been arguing earlier that morning and requested they leave the residence. Another witness, who lived nearby, reported seeing Burnum and the victim fighting outside the home. He observed Burnum grabbing the victim and yelling at her.

After speaking with Ruff, DFC Burgess returned to the residence and arrested Burnum. The victim later confirmed that the argument had turned physical that morning after Burnum became angry over her contact with his ex-girlfriend. She alleged that Burnum had grabbed her by the neck, brandished a pocket knife, and threatened her, saying things would “end bad” if she continued to “play around.”

Photographs of her injuries were taken, and she was informed of her rights to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVP). Burnum was charged with Domestic Battery (WV Code 61-2-28(a)) and Brandishing (WV Code 61-7-11). He was transported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department to await arraignment.