MEADOW BRIDGE W.Va. (Hinton News) – A 70-year-old man was reportedly kidnapped, robbed and beaten in Summers County on Thursday July 15. Three individuals have been arrested.
According to a statement from the West Virginia State Police, “On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Senior Trooper S. K. Weikle of the Hinton Detachment, received a complaint regarding an elderly man who had been abducted, beaten and robbed.”
The statement goes on to say, “Senior Trooper S.K. Weikel’s investigation revealed that on or about Monday, July 15, 2024, 32 year old Lataura E. Jarrett, 32 year old Wesely S. Taylor and 24 year old Johnathan W. Cales all of the Meadow Bridge/Rainelle area, drove 70 year old Johnny J. Simms, to an abandoned residence on Redden Hollow Road in Summers County. While at the abandoned residence, Lataura Jarrett, Wesley Taylor and Johnathan Cales severely beat and robbed Johnny Simms of his money. Lataura Jarrett, Wesley Taylor and Johnathan Cales then bound Johnny Simms with rope and left him at the abandoned residence without aid. Johnny Simms was able to free himself and escape from the residence sometime on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Johnny Simms was able to obtain help and was subsequently taken to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.”
Warrants were issued and police arrested Lataura Jarrett, Wesley Taylor and Johnathan Cales “on charges of Kidnapping, Robbery, Assault During the Commission of a Felony, Malicious Assault, and Conspiracy to Inflict Injury,” according to the statement.
Police also notes that, “Wesley Taylor was transported to and is currently housed at Central Regional Jail. Lataura Jarrett and Johnathan Cales were transported to and are currently housed at Southern Regional Jail. Lataura Jarrett, Wesley Taylor and Johnathan Cales are being held without bond until their appearance before Summers County Circuit Judge Robert A. Irons. The status of this investigation remains active and ongoing.”
