A Summers County man is facing several serious charges after police allege he intentionally crashed a vehicle into another man’s car Saturday, Aug. 8, in Jumping Branch.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Summers County Magistrate Court, West Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of 7196 Beech Run Road. Investigators identified the accused as Jayson Scott Bennett and the alleged victim as Donald Wayne Neely.
Police said Bennett had left the scene on foot before officers arrived. A witness later told investigators that Bennett’s vehicle had swerved in front of them, entered the parking lot of Angell’s Store and nearly struck them twice before returning to Beech Run Road. The witness alleged Bennett then traveled left of the center line without braking and struck Neely’s vehicle in a T-bone-style collision.
The complaint states Neely was inside his vehicle at the time of the crash, which police said placed him at substantial risk of bodily injury or death. Investigators later located Bennett at a nearby residence and detained him.
According to the complaint, Bennett initially did not answer officers’ questions. While being transported back to the crash scene and after being advised of his Miranda rights, Bennett allegedly stated, “I tried to kill a guy today.”
Police reported Neely’s vehicle was no longer drivable and estimated its value at approximately $3,000. Investigators also reported significant damage to both garage doors and portions of a nearby building, with that damage estimated at approximately $2,500 to $3,000.
Bennett was arrested on charges including attempted murder, malicious assault, felony destruction of property, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the complaint. He was transported to Southern Regional Jail for processing and booking.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations, and Bennett is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
