Kenova man arrested following kidnapping investigation

PRICHARD W.Va. (WVDN) – A man has been arrested following a kidnapping investigation. The West Virginia State Police released the following statement:

“On Friday July 19th, 2024, Tpr. R.M.Endicott and S/Tpr. J.R.Wellman responded to a domestic with weapons on Centerville Road in Prichard, WV. The investigators located the victim identified as 29 year old, Carlie Blankenship of Huntington, WV, who advised her ex-boyfriend, the suspect, identified as 33 year old, Richard Pennington of Kenova, WV, had abducted her at gunpoint and forced her into a vehicle.

“Investigators learned, when leaving the scene, Richard Pennington backed into the victim’s mother’s vehicle and disabled it. Carlie Blankenship was able to fight with the suspect and jumped from the moving vehicle. Prichard EMS responded, and the victim was transported via Health Net to Cabell Huntington Hospital for her injuries.

“Additional WVSP units responded to the area and a manhunt ensued. The investigators were able to confirm that Richard Pennington was in the area of Prichard WV. The investigators were able to contacted Richard Pennington by phone and spoke to numerous times throughout the evening.

“On Saturday, July 20, 2024 at approximately 12:15 am, Richard Pennington surrendered to the investigators without incident in a wooded area off Davis Branch Road in Prichard, WV.

Richard Pennington was transported to the WRJ where he was housed pending arraignment by a Wayne County Magistrate for Kidnapping, Domestic Assault, Domestic Battery, Brandishing X2, Assault, Felony Destruction of Property.

“Carlie Blankenship was treated for her injuries and discharged from the hospital. This investigation is ongoing.”

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