COLE

BUCKHANNON — An Upshur County man faces multiple charges after allegedly strangling a woman and disobeying police commands while under arrest.

Christopher Patrick Cole, 44, is charged with one count of strangulation, a felony. He is also charged with one count of domestic battery and one count of obstructing an office, both misdemeanors. Cole is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $10,500 cash-only bond.

According to the criminal complaint, filed by Trooper C.J. Elmore of the West Virginia State Police, on May 23, Elmore responded to a residence in Buckhannon in regard to a reported stolen vehicle. Prior to his arrival, Upshur County 911 reported that the vehicle was back at the property.

Upon arrival, Elmore spoke with Cole and the alleged victim, the complaint states. Cole reportedly stated that he and the alleged victim had been drinking alcohol and the alleged victim had left with the vehicle. He said that, prior to her leaving, the alleged victim had “kicked out” a fan on the front door while he was sitting on the outside porch. Cole reportedly told Elmore that he entered the residence “in an attempt to restrain” the alleged victim and she began punching him.

Elmore then spoke to the alleged victim, who reportedly stated that she did “kick out the window,” but said she had been thrown to the ground by Cole. She said that, while on the ground, Cole held his hands around her neck and she was “unable to breath.” The alleged victim stated that, during this, she attempted to strike Cole in the face to get him off of her.

Elmore writes in the complaint that he observed what appeared to be “red marks” around the alleged victim’s neck. Cole was then taken into custody for strangulation.

As Corporal S.W. Shahan and Trooper I.T. Claypool were attempting to secure Cole into Elmore’s cruiser, Cole allegedly failed to listen to their commands to sit back in the seat to allow for a seat belt, the complaint states. Shahan went to the driver’s side of the vehicle and placed Cole properly in the seat to allow for the seat belt to be secured across his chest.

According to the complaint, Cole reportedly complained of back pain while being transported to the West Virginia State Police Buckhannon Detachment. Elmore advised Upshur County 911 of Cole’s complaints, which led to EMS meeting them at the detachment to provide medical treatment. Once at the detachment, Cole allegedly refused to walk inside. Elmore assisted Cole into the detachment and sat Cole on the bench seat in the processing room. Elmore then reportedly observed Cole “slouching” onto the floor before “rolling around” on the floor. While EMS was attempting to treat Cole, he allegedly began banging his head off the floor. Cole was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital for his back pain. After being discharged, Cole was taken to Tygart Valley Regional Jail.