MCCOY ARRESTED AFTER LEADING COPS IN PURSUIT THAT ENDS IN FATALITY

Sheriff Rick Thompson stated that a suspect was arrested following a pursuit that ended in a fatal crash.

Sheriff Thompson stated that the Wayne County Sheriff Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep Cherokee on Haneys Branch that was driven by Samuel ‘Sambo’ McCoy. As the deputy was approaching the vehicle, the suspect fled. The suspect fled to 5th Street Road and forced an HPD Unit to move off the roadway to avoid being struck. The suspect turned onto 8th Avenue and began going around vehicles. The deputy began slowing down and continued following the suspect at a distance of approximately 70 to 80 yards. The suspect ran a red light at the intersection of 20th Street and 8th Avenue and struck an SUV.

The deputy went to the vehicle and ordered Samuel to show his hands. Samuel ignored multiple commands to show his right hand and continued reaching into the floorboard.

After HPD officers arrived, Samuel quit reaching into the floor area but didn’t show his right hand for a brief period. Samuel was eventually removed from the vehicle and a 9mm handgun was recovered from the floorboard. Samuel has at least 14 felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. A distribution quantity of Suboxone was recovered that was taped to his hand.

Sheriff Thompson stated that Samuel was entered into NCIC as a wanted person from Wayne County Circuit Court. HPD placed Samuel under arrest and he was transported to Cabell Huntington hospital for treatment for his injuries. Samuel admitted to using Heroin.

The four occupants in the SUV that were struck by the suspect were transported to the hospital as well. A teenage passenger died hours later from injuries sustained during the crash.

Samuel is charged with Fleeing-DUI, Possession with Intent to Deliver, and Persons Prohibited from Possessing a Firearm in Wayne County. Methamphetamine and pills were later located in the vehicle. More charges are pending.