Kanawha County Sheriff's Office: September 28, 2021: Fleeing Motorcycle Ends In Crash & Arrest

Press release from the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office:

September 28, 2021

Last night (September 27, 2021) around 9:45 p.m. Deputy Dubiel turned onto MacCorkle Avenue from Slaughters Creek Road behind a motorcycle that was speeding west, toward Chesapeake, WV.  He followed it and activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to make a traffic stop.  The motorcycle accelerated and Deputy Dubiel soon lost sight of the bike.  Other Deputies were staged near Marmet but the motorcycle never passed them.

As they searched the area for the motorcycle another Deputy observed it traveling east toward Chelyan from Chesapeake.  As Deputies began heading that direction the motorcycle passed another Deputy Sheriff near Chelyan.  He watched as it turned up Cabin Creek.  That Deputy, Corporal Lester, also turned onto Cabin Creek and came upon the crashed motorcycle, a red and black bike, on the right side of the road against a hillside.  The male driver and female passenger were identified by Deputy Dubiel by the description of the bike and their clothing.

The driver, Justin Richard Connard (40 years old of Marmet, WV) had injuries to his legs and arms.  He was transported to an area hospital for treatment to injuries that are not life threatening.  The female passenger was also transported for injuries, but was not arrested.  Alcoholic beverage containers, individually bagged suspected drugs, and more than $3,000 cash were recovered from the crash.

Mr. Connard has been charged with fleeing from a law enforcement officer resulting in a crash with injuries, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, driving under the influence, and driving under the influence causing a crash with injuries.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Connard are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This press release was produced by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.