MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A domestic dispute between two brothers led to the arrest of a man wanted on multiple charges, including domestic battery and being a fugitive from justice. Deputies from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department responded to the incident at 5174 Falls Mills Road in Bluefield.
Incident Details
Deputy A.M. Presley and Deputy Brooks were dispatched at approximately 4:00 p.m. after a call from Debra Faun, the mother of the two individuals involved, Daniel Rutt and David Rutt. Faun reported that Daniel had attacked David and bitten him.
Deputies were informed by Mercer E911 that Daniel had an active warrant from Tazewell County, Virginia. Upon arrival, Faun told deputies that Daniel might be hiding in a small room attached to the residence and gave permission for deputies to force entry if necessary. After repeated verbal commands with no response, deputies entered the room but found it empty.
Deputy Brooks then observed fresh footprints in the snow leading away from the home. Following the tracks, deputies pursued Daniel down a mountain and along railroad tracks. A train conductor pointed deputies in the direction Daniel had fled, and the tracks eventually led them to a residence at 399 Dupont Street.
At the Dupont Street home, an older woman answered the door and directed deputies to where Daniel was hiding. Deputies found him concealed in a closet under a pile of clothes. He was placed into custody without further incident, and Mercer E911 confirmed his warrant from Tazewell County.
Statements and Charges
After the arrest, deputies returned to the Falls Mills Road residence, where Faun provided a written statement. She reported that Daniel had physically attacked David, placing him in a chokehold and biting him on the left side of his face. She also noted that Daniel had previously made threats against the family.
While David declined to provide a written statement, deputies observed and photographed an injury on the left side of his face consistent with Faun’s account.
Daniel Rutt now faces multiple charges, including:
- Domestic Battery
- Fleeing Law Enforcement
- Fugitive from Justice (Tazewell County, VA)
- Circuit Court Capias (Mercer County)
Deputy Mikles transported Rutt to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. He remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings.
