Erratic driver pursued and rammed vehicle with child inside

CABELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An erratic driver tailgated a vehicle, trapped them in a driveway, and rammed their vehicle where a 3-year-old was seated.

On July 1, 2024, the defendant, Timothy Butcher, pursued two adult victims and a 3-year-old child along Tyler Creek Road in Salt Rock, West Virginia. The defendant tailgated the victims’ vehicle and attempted to pull alongside them, forcing them into oncoming traffic. Fearing for their safety, the victims turned into a driveway, hoping the defendant would pass them. However, the defendant followed them into the driveway, trapping the victims.

When the victims asked the defendant for help, he merely laughed. The victims then tried to execute a three-point turn and flee, but the defendant rammed their vehicle, striking the driver’s side door where young M.S. was seated. Narrowly escaping, the victims were able to get away, but the defendant caught up to them again and pursued them for 2-3 miles, forcing other motorists off the road before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a creek.

The victims stated they did not know the defendant and were unsure why he had targeted them. The defendant’s actions placed the victims in reasonable fear for their safety and showed a complete disregard for their well-being and that of other drivers on the road. This crime occurred in Cabell County , West Virginia.

Butcher was charged with malicious assault and reckless driving.