All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Nineteen-year-old Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly assaulting grandmother

Coffey Jr.

BUCKHANNON – A Buckhannon man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly assaulting his grandmother.

Owen Coffey Jr., 19, was arrested for malicious assault, a felony, on Saturday, April 25, following an incident that allegedly occurred on Franklin Street.

According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office filed by investigating officer Patrolman Colin G. Cope with the Buckhannon Police Department, just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Cope and Sgt. Tom Posey, also with the BPD, responded to Franklin Street in reference to an active domestic.

The file says that upon arriving on scene, Cope observed Coffey sitting in the back seat of a car with blood on his hands. The victim, his grandmother, was on the porch bleeding profusely from the side of her head. The complaint says “multiple individuals” told officers Coffey allegedly put his hands in his grandmother’s mouth, tearing away the side of her cheek, according to the report.

Magistrate Kay Hurst said bail at $100,000 cash only.

The penalty for a conviction of malicious assault is imprisonment in the state penitentiary for two to 10 years.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Kenny Myers

Kenny Myers, a beloved Buckhannon resident known for his kindness, humor, and dedication to family and friends, passed away suddenly at age 62, leaving a lasting legacy in his community.
WVWC Tennis

Tennis ‘Cats fall in Atlantic Regional battle to Davis & Elkins, 4-3

Davis & Elkins edged West Virginia Wesleyan 4-3 in their first NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Atlantic Regional appearance to advance, while Fairmont State swept Shaw 4-0 to move on to the next round.

Lady Bucs softball season ends with loss to University in postseason tournament

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball team saw their season end with a 17-0 loss to University in the Section 2, Region 1 Tournament, managing just one hit in the five-inning game.

Lacrosse Lady Bucs drop close playoff outing to Morgantown, 6-5

Despite defeating Morgantown twice in the regular season, the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs were eliminated from the state quarterfinals after a close 6-5 loss, ending their season with a 5-6 record.

B-U’s Jeffries claims No. 4 singles title at Big 10 Conference tennis championships

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Jeremiah Jeffries, in his first year playing tennis, captured the No. 4 singles title at the Big 10 Conference championships, leading a strong singles showing for the Buccaneers.

Cook wins Big 10 Conference tennis title at No. 4 singles for Lady Bucs

Patience Cook, a senior and first-year full-time varsity player for Buckhannon-Upshur, won the Big 10 Conference girls tennis title at No. 4 singles, leading a strong Lady Bucs team effort.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 9, 2025

Recent Buckhannon news includes special hours and events for the Strawberry Festival, recognition for local students, community theatre and band performances, volunteer calls, and more.

Two people charged with felony for harassing social media posts

Triston A. Thompson and Rachel C. Long of Buckhannon were arrested on a felony charge after allegedly harassing and threatening a road rage victim on social media.

Free behavior therapy group for teens launches in Buckhannon on May 15

The Mountain CAP Family Support Center and Child Advocacy Center are launching a free weekly behavior therapy group for Buckhannon teens ages 14-18 starting May 15, with pre-registration required.

Buckhannon council advances ordinances to curb 24/7 generator noise, clarify dwelling requirements

Buckhannon City Council unanimously approved the first readings of two ordinances in response to ongoing complaints, aiming to limit non-emergency generator use and clarify habitable property standards requiring essential utilities.

Norman Denver Hanifan

Norman Denver Hanifan, 84, a farmer from Tallmansville, died May 8, 2025, and is survived by three daughters, numerous grandchildren and siblings; funeral services are scheduled for May 10 at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Seventeen graduating service scholars contribute 9,900 service hours to community

Seventeen graduating students from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Service Scholar program contributed over 9,900 hours, valued at nearly $87,000, to various community organizations while gaining hands-on leadership and service experience.