Man arrested after kidnapping ex-girlfriend at gunpoint

PRICHARD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One man has been arrested after kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint and forcing her into a vehicle.

According to the West Virginia State Police, on Friday, July 19, 2024, state troopers responded to a domestic disturbance involving weapons on Centerville Road in Prichard.

Trooper R.M. Endicott and S/Trooper J.R. Wellman found the victim, 29-year-old Carlie Blankenship of Huntington, who reported that her ex-boyfriend, 33-year-old Richard Pennington of Kenova, had abducted her at gunpoint and forced her into a vehicle.

According to investigators, as Pennington fled the scene, he collided with Blankenship’s mother’s vehicle, disabling it.

During the ordeal, Blankenship fought back and managed to escape from the moving vehicle.

Emergency medical services from Prichard responded, and Blankenship was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital via Health Net for treatment of her injuries.

A manhunt ensued, with additional units from the West Virginia State Police joining the search.

Investigators confirmed Pennington’s presence in the Prichard area and maintained phone contact with him throughout the evening.

Early on Saturday, July 20, at approximately 12:15 AM, Pennington surrendered to authorities without incident in a wooded area off Davis Branch Road in Prichard.

He was taken to the Western Regional Jail, awaiting arraignment by a Wayne County Magistrate on charges including kidnapping, domestic assault, domestic battery, brandishing (two counts), assault, and felony destruction of property.

Blankenship has been treated and discharged from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.