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Man facing drug charge after allegedly fleeing police

CRITES

ELKINS — An allegedly homeless man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing from officers on a bike trail.

David Wayne Crites, 52, is charged with possession with intent to deliver. His bond was set at $50,000 cash or property by Randolph County Magistrate Judge Ben Shepler.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Corporal C.G. Boatwright of the Elkins Police Department, on Jan. 12 at approximately 5:44 p.m., city units were advised of a single gunshot in the area behind Gateway Apartments, where there were multiple tents set up.

Upon arriving on scene, Boatwright and Senior Patrolman W.D. Butcher observed two individuals on bicycles heading toward the bike trail from the area where the tents were located, the report states.

According to the complaint, officers then attempted to make contact with the individuals when a male subject, later identified as Crites, began to flee on the bike trail toward the bridge.

“I then got into my cruiser and attempted to cut him off,” stated Boatwright, adding that Crites then “cut back up” toward Gateway Apartments.

The report states that Butcher was able to locate Crites in the woods behind the apartments, where he continued to elude officers.

“I then came from the top of the hill and located (Crites) on the hill in the woods,” stated Boatwright, going on to say that he was then able to catch and identify Crites.

Crites was then placed in hand restraints and advised that he was under arrest, the report states. According to the complaint, a search of Crites revealed containing a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine, a clear plastic container that contained four corner baggys containing a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine, a set of digital scales and a blue cell phone.

The report states that Crites was then advised that he was under arrest for possession with intent to deliver, transported to Elkins Police Department for processing and then on to Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

Boatwright stated that he weighed the crystal-like substance upon returning to the EPD, which produced approximate weights of .5 grams, .5 grams, .5 grams and .3 grams in the baggys and 2.7 grams in the silver container.

“Upon reviewing David’s criminal history, it shows MULTIPLE felony charges with guilty convictions to include possession with intent to deliver,” stated Boatwright.

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