Kanawha County, West Virginia – A driver is in custody after crashing through a police roadblock and striking multiple vehicles along Interstate 79 early Friday, disrupting an active investigation scene.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 12 a.m. at the northbound Mink Shoals exit, where deputies, Charleston police, and West Virginia Division of Highways crews had shut down the roadway for an investigation tied to an officer-involved shooting the night before.
Authorities say a black GMC pickup truck drove through the established roadblock, hitting both a Department of Highways vehicle and a sheriff’s cruiser before fleeing the scene. Officers initiated a pursuit and stopped the vehicle before it reached the secured investigation area.
The driver, identified as John Michael Barnes of Saint Albans, was taken into custody after failing field sobriety tests. He now faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to obey a lawful order.
No serious injuries were reported, but the incident raised concerns about driver awareness near active emergency scenes. Officials urge motorists to slow down and follow all traffic control directions, especially during overnight road closures.
Barnes is being held at South Central Regional Jail pending arraignment. The investigation remains ongoing.
