CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Huntington woman allegedly struck firefighters who waded into the Tug River to rescue her after she escaped Kentucky State Police custody Aug. 15.

Vicki Lynn Venturino, 35, was charged with four counts each of obstructing a firefighter and battery on a firefighter, along with obstructing an officer and indecent exposure.

The incident began at Appalachian Plaza in South Williamson, Kentucky, where KSP was investigating a theft. Venturino allegedly escaped custody and entered the Tug River.

Mingo County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Matt Tiller and other first responders were dispatched to the Williamson Water Treatment Plant for a reported water rescue.

Authorities found Venturino in the river on the West Virginia side “screaming for help,” Tiller wrote in the complaint.

Several Williamson Fire Department firefighters waded into the river to reach her. As they attempted to rescue Venturino, she allegedly began removing her clothes. Officials said she became “combative, physically striking” the firefighters while they were still in the water.

Firefighters restrained Venturino and brought her safely out of the river.

STAT EMS transported her to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

Tiller wrote that Venturino appeared to be under the influence of a stimulant.

Authorities later obtained an arrest warrant charging Venturino with four counts of obstructing a firefighter and battery on a firefighter, along with obstructing an officer and indecent exposure.