Erratic driving, 911 calls during 2 pursuits net W. Virginia man multiple charges in Frederick County

This past Sunday, a West Virginia man called Frederick County 9-1-1 a total of 8 times while driving around the northern tip of the county and making erratic statements to dispatchers about religion, explosions and of his authority to “shoot angels”.

Eventually, deputies were able to locate the subject, who had been identified as Jeremiah Goodwin of Berkeley Springs, driving on North Sleepy Creek Road near the intersection of Route 522 North. Goodwin was observed taking a turn too fast and leaving the roadway down an embankment. Somehow Goodwin avoided rolling the vehicle over and came driving out and directly towards the deputy who was there to check his welfare and who then attempted to stop Goodwin for the reckless driving he just observed.

Goodwin refused to stop and was pursued onto Route 522 and down North Timber Ridge Road until crossing into West Virginia where the pursuit was terminated. Based on this encounter, two (2) felony warrants and two (2) misdemeanor warrants were obtained.

Upon checking Goodwin’s residence in Morgan County, family members informed West Virginia authorities that Goodwin suffered mental health issues and might be in possession of a handgun.

A short time later, Goodwin once again called Frederick County 9-1-1 and a check of his cell phone’s signal indicated he was once again in Frederick County and currently on Middle Road. Goodwin was located in the 4300 block and a traffic stop was attempted with Goodwin refusing to stop and another pursuit being initiated. Goodwin led deputies the full length of Middle Road to Valley Avenue, in the city of Winchester, where his vehicle’s tires were spiked before he turned and proceeded South towards Kernstown. Once Goodwin’s speed was down to 35 mph, FCSO personnel performed a PIT maneuver which caused Goodwin to spin out and allowed units to box the fleeing suspect in and end the pursuit safely.

Goodwin then refused to exit the vehicle and resisted law enforcement efforts to physically extract him until a taser was successfully deployed and Goodwin was secured without further incident.

Goodwin was transported to the Winchester Medical Center for medical clearance before being taken to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center. Goodwin faces numerous charges from the two incidents to include: felony eluding, assault on law enforcement, reckless driving, and misuse of 9-1-1.