BLOTTER: arrests made for fleeing and drugs

MATEWAN — Devin Gearles, 30, was arrested and charged with felony possession with a firearm, felony fleeing, shooting 500 feet of a dwelling, fleeing, no insurance and driving under the influence.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 21, Gearles possessed a silver handgun and shot within 500 feet of a dwelling, the defendant is also convicted of a felony with a conviction date of Aug. 4, 2021 for wanton endangerment and receiving stolen property. On the same date Gearles also fled from officers after they initiated lights and sirens in an attempted traffic stop. While driving a Ford F-150, Gearles tried to strike Cpl. Williams's cruiser several times in an attempt to get away, also passing vehicles on the opposite side of the road, showing reckless indifference to the safety of others. Officers were unable to verify any insurance on the vehicle and Gearles license was suspended due to failure to answer court summons and also driving while suspended.

Gearles is being held at Southwestern Regional Jail on a $10,000 multiple or 10% surety bond.

In other Mingo County Magistrate Court news, Reba Chaffins, of Kermit, was arrested and charged with child neglect creating a risk of injury and prohibited acts.

According to the criminal complaint, on Aug. 9, deputies responded to a wellness check of a 10-year-old juvenile. Deputies arrived on the scene to find the front door of the residence open and the house in an untidy fashion. Deputies knocked and announced their presence, and nobody responded inside the residence. Deputies walked in to check the welfare of the juveniles in question. Deputies went up the steps to find a male along with the defendant in the residence along with the juvenile. Juvenile was deemed fine. The male in the house appeared to be under the influence while sitting on the couch. Deputies had the defendant step out and while one deputy was speaking with the defendant, the male began to overdose on some narcotic and Narcan had to be used on the male. The female gave deputies permission to search the residence. During the search officers found syringes that appeared to be loaded in the juvenile's bedroom along with a white powdery substance that is consistent with fentanyl. Deputies found baggies along with scales and small aluminum foil packets that is used in the distribution of narcotics. Deputies also found digital scales used to weigh out the narcotic for distribution.

Chaffins is being held at Southwestern Regional Jail on a $25,000 multiple 10% or surety bond