Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Virginia man, Matthew Adam Welch, is in custody following a July 10, 2025, pursuit on the West Virginia Turnpike that spanned at least four counties, according to the West Virginia State Police.
State Trooper N.J. Adams said Beckley police tried to initiate a traffic stop when Welch was accused of fleeing to Wyoming County in a vehicle with improper registration that should have been displayed on a Ford.
Adams assisted while the defendant continued southbound toward Fayette County with speeds over 90 mph in a reckless disregard for law enforcement, himself, and the motoring public.
Under the dangerous and potentially life-threatening actions of the defendant, intentionally striking law enforcement vehicles, Adams was given authorization to terminate the pursuit.
It resulted in disabling the suspect vehicle, and the defendant was arrested without further incident. Welch’s charges included fleeing with reckless indifference and two counts of assault on an officer.
