Crossbow Bolt to Face — Manhunt Explodes

A West Virginia man allegedly shot his own father in the face with a crossbow after a phone argument, then fled through snow-covered terrain, sparking a multi-county manhunt that exposes the dangerous escalation of domestic violence in rural America.

Story Snapshot

Chase Fleming, 35, allegedly shot his father in the face with a crossbow following a phone argument in Jackson County, West Virginia
Law enforcement conducted a multi-county manhunt through harsh winter conditions, involving state police and natural resources officers
Fleming was arrested after a lengthy foot pursuit across snow-covered terrain in Jackson and Roane Counties
The victim remains in stable condition at CAMC General Hospital while Fleming faces malicious assault charges with additional counts possible

Crossbow Attack Follows Family Dispute

Chase Fleming, a 35-year-old Jackson County resident, allegedly attacked his father with a crossbow on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in the Kenna area near Ripley, West Virginia. The shooting occurred after a phone argument between father and son escalated to violence. Fleming struck his father in the face with a crossbow bolt before fleeing the scene, according to Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger. The victim was transported to CAMC General Hospital where he remains in stable condition despite the severity of his facial injuries. The use of a crossbow as a weapon in a domestic assault case is highly unusual and underscores the dangerous nature of the attack.

Multi-Agency Manhunt Through Winter Conditions

Law enforcement launched an immediate search for Fleming following the shooting, coordinating resources across multiple counties. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department led the effort with assistance from Roane County deputies, Kanawha County deputies, West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Officers tracked Fleming through snow-covered terrain spanning Jackson and Roane Counties throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. The harsh winter conditions complicated the search but also helped officers follow tracks through the rural landscape. This type of multi-agency coordination demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to apprehend dangerous suspects, even under challenging circumstances that threaten officer safety.

Arrest Made After Foot Pursuit

Fleming was taken into custody early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, following a lengthy foot pursuit through the snow. Officers successfully apprehended the suspect after tracking him across county lines. Both Fleming and his father were at CAMC General Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, with the victim receiving treatment for his injuries and Fleming under observation pending medical clearance. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department posted updates on Facebook, thanking assisting agencies for their coordinated response. Fleming was charged with one count of malicious assault, though Sheriff Mellinger indicated additional charges may be filed through the grand jury process. No bond was set as of Wednesday due to pending paperwork at Jackson County Magistrate Court.

Case Highlights Rural Policing Challenges

This incident underscores the unique challenges facing law enforcement in rural communities, particularly during winter months when terrain and weather create additional obstacles. The multi-county response required coordination among several agencies, demonstrating both the resource demands of such cases and the professionalism of rural law enforcement. The case also highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence that can erupt within families, regardless of location. While crossbow assaults remain rare, the weapon’s availability and lethality raise concerns about domestic disputes escalating to extreme violence. Fleming remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings as prosecutors determine the full scope of charges he will face for allegedly attacking his own father.