BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Mingo County man is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, after he allegedly purposely crashed his vehicle into a female’s car, causing extensive damage and injuries. 

According to Mingo County Sheriff Joe Smith, Tyler May, 31, of Meador, was involved in what was first believed to be a two-vehicle accident on Rt. 52 Tuesday morning near the Matewan. Following the collision, May traveled across the parking lot of a shopping center and struck a showroom display, causing substantial property damage. 

The victim, who wasn’t identified, attempted to leave the crash site, but due to the extensive damage to her vehicle, she could only make it approximately a mile before being stranded on U.S. 52. She then called 911.

When questioned, May claimed the crash was an accident, but the female informed police it was a case of insurance fraud and claimed May forced her to participate in the scheme.

Court documents say May placed the victim in imminent danger of being severely injured, maimed, disfigured or killed.

Along with the attempted murder charge, May was charged with attempted insurance fraud, domestic assault, felony destruction of property and reckless driving. He was taken into custody and transported to the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden, W.Va.