TAMS, W.Va. — A Raleigh County man is facing numerous felony charges after authorities say he intentionally drove an ATV into a group of people and displayed a firearm during an altercation at an off-road park in southern West Virginia.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call on June 20 reporting a fight and an ATV crash at Burning Rock Off-Road Park in the Tams area of Raleigh County.
Investigators say multiple victims and witnesses told deputies that Charles Frederick Austin allegedly pulled out a handgun during a confrontation before intentionally driving an ATV into a crowd of people.
Several people were injured during the incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities also reviewed video footage that they say corroborated witness statements gathered during the investigation.
Austin was taken into custody and is charged with multiple felonies, including:
- Attempted murder
- Five counts of malicious assault
- Crashes involving death or personal injuries (Erin’s Law)
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Wanton endangerment involving a firearm
- Use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Person prohibited from possessing a firearm
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence.
In a statement, Raleigh County Sheriff Frank Priddy commended Deputy J.R. Quesenberry for his investigative work and Deputy Ball for his initial response to the emergency call.
