Chad C. Newcome
Chad C. Newcome

Armed Rock Cave man arrested after standoff with police in southern Upshur County

A Rock Cave man was arrested Wednesday night after a two-hour standoff with police in a remote part of southern Upshur County.

According to a press release from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, police were called after a man armed with a shotgun, later identified as Chad C. Newcome, 40, allegedly confronted the owner of a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 at the Arlington Mini-Mart at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Within minutes, West Virginia State Police located the vehicle, but Newcome temporarily eluded officers, according to the release. The vehicle was later found unoccupied on an unmaintained road in Goshen area.

“While officers were investigating and securing the area, Newcome fired a shot and engaged officers in a threatening manner,” the release states. “A standoff ensued. After approximately two hours of continuing negotiations, Newcome set fire to the woods and fled deeper into the woods with officers pursuing. Newcome continued to fire rounds.”

Officers eventually used a Taser to take Newcome into custody shortly after dark, according to the release.

“Over the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Newcome had also went to a residence occupied by his girlfriend and he had fired multiple shots into the residence and her vehicle, which was also located at the residence,” the release states.

According to the W.Va. Regional Jail Authority, Newcome was arrested for armed robbery, two counts of wanton endangerment, fleeing with reckless indifference and third offense driving revoked for DUI, all felonies. He was arraigned by Magistrate Mark Davis on a $40,000 cash bond.

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, W.Va. State Police (Upshur, Barbour and Randolph detachments) and Buckhannon City Police all responded. The Banks District Volunteer Fire Department and Upshur County EMS staged near the scene.

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