SUMMERS COUNTY- A Jumping Branch man faces domestic battery and domestic assault charges after allegedly threatening his mother with a knife and pushing her into a bush, according to a Summers County criminal complaint.
West Virginia State Police Trooper J.S. Reedy was sent to a Whittaker Lane residence around 5:55 PM on Oct. 3 after an anonymous caller requested emergency medical services and law enforcement for a reported domestic disturbance. The woman told the trooper that her son, Brian Edgar Steinmiller, had recently been released from jail and brought to the home by family members.
She said the two had argued throughout the day, and she left for about three hours, spending time at the Dollar General in Jumping Branch before returning around 5 p.m. The complaint says the argument continued after she got home. She alleged Steinmiller picked up a knife and threatened to kill her.
As she tried to walk to her vehicle, he allegedly pushed her from behind, causing her to fall into a bush.
The woman showed the trooper bruising on her left knee, upper leg and rib cage and said she believed she had broken ribs. She also told police she was afraid of her son. Steinmiller acknowledged that they had argued but denied threatening or assaulting her, according to the complaint.
Steinmiller reportedly told the trooper that his mother tripped over a bucket in the driveway. The trooper said the water on the bucket’s lid appeared undisturbed and that the woman’s injuries did not appear consistent with that explanation.
Police also noted a prior Ohio case involving murder and involuntary manslaughter, with an offense date of July 11, 2012. The complaint does not state the outcome of that case.
His mother told investigators he had recently been released from jail.
Steinmiller was charged with domestic battery and domestic assault and taken to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The charges are allegations; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
