Victim in critical condition after altercation in Elkins; man charged

ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — A man has been charged after a victim was hospitalized in "critical condition" following a physical altercation in Elkins.

On Nov. 6, officers with the Elkins Police Department were patrolling the area of Railroad Avenue when they "observed a physical altercation" taking place at the Holiday Inn, according to a criminal complaint.

At that time, officers initiated their vehicle's emergency lights and siren "to get all subjects to cease the actions," and officers then exited the vehicle with a "department issued firearm and ordered all subjects to the ground," officers said.

During that time, officers "observed a male subject to be unresponsive, laying on his side," and learned that Daniel Leach, 39, "had come up to them making threats" and then left the area, according to the complaint.

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A short time later, Leach had returned and "continued to threaten the subjects" which led to "a physical altercation" resulting in one victim "being transported to Davis Hospital for treatment," officers said.

The victim "had to receive intensive care" for the injuries "sustained to his head," and the victim "is still in critical condition" at the time the criminal complaint was filed, according to the complaint.

Leach has been charged with malicious wounding. He is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail on $20,000 bond.