West Virginia Man Captured After Alleged Crossbow Attack on Father and High-Stakes Pursuit Through Snowy Wilderness

Chase Fleming is in custody after allegedly shooting his father with a crossbow. Discover the details of the snowy multi-county manhunt in West Virginia.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 8:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WTAP

Multi-Agency Search Ends in Capture Following Violent Domestic Incident

A intensive tracking operation across two West Virginia counties concluded on Wednesday with the arrest of Chase Fleming, the man accused of a brutal assault on a family member. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Fleming was apprehended after a grueling foot pursuit that spanned rugged, snow-drenched landscapes. The search required a coordinated effort between multiple jurisdictions, involving deputies from Roane and Kanawha counties alongside officers from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. This unified response was triggered by the severity of the initial report, which detailed a life-threatening encounter involving a non-traditional weapon.

Victim Remains Stable Following Direct Facial Strike with Crossbow Bolt

The victim in the assault, identified as Fleming’s father, managed to survive the initial impact of being shot in the face with a crossbow. Currently, he is receiving specialized medical care at CAMC General Hospital, where authorities report he is in stable condition despite the localized trauma of the injury. The use of a crossbow in a domestic dispute presents unique challenges for medical responders and investigators alike, as the mechanics of such a weapon often result in deep-tissue damage that differs significantly from standard ballistic wounds.

Suspect Undergoes Medical Observation Before Formal Incarceration

Immediately following his capture in the wilderness, Chase Fleming was not directly processed into a detention facility. Instead, authorities admitted him for medical observation to ensure he was physically cleared for jail. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office indicated that this step was necessary following the physical toll of the pursuit through the winter elements. This procedural delay ensures that the suspect is medically fit to stand trial and undergo the standard booking process, a common safeguard when suspects are apprehended after prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions.