CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Mingo County man is behind bars after threatening a deputy and neighbors with a knife.

Denver Ray Hatfield Jr., 54, of Matewan, was taken into custody after a 911 caller said a man at Mitchell Branch was threatening neighbors with a knife Oct. 17. Mingo County Sheriff’s Department deputies T.J. Justice and G.J. May were on routine patrol when they received the call from dispatchers.

Upon arrival at Mitchell Branch, law enforcement found Hatfield sitting outside a trailer. As Deputy May approached, Hatfield allegedly reached into the front pocket of his hoodie. The officer ordered him to show his hands and Hatfield complied, then reportedly went for a knife on his belt.

The officer again ordered Hatfield to show his hands, which he finally did.

After placing Hatfield in handcuffs, the deputy proceeded with a pat-down for safety reasons. During the pat-down the officer reportedly found a pill bottle in Hatfield’s right pocket containing crystal meth. Police said the suspect became uncooperative at that point and tried to pull away.

En route to processing, Hatfield allegedly made threats to Deputy May and his family.

After his arrest authorities learned that Hatfield had an outstanding warrant in Putnam County.

Hatfield is in the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden on charges of obstructing an officer, possession of a controlled substance, terroristic threatening, retaliation of a public employee, assault and battery on a government employee and brandishing a deadly weapon.