BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — David James Sizemore, 31, of Upshur County, was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill his romantic partner and a neighbor, while also obstructing law enforcement. Sizemore now faces a felony charge for third-offense domestic assault, along with two misdemeanor charges of assault and obstructing an officer.
Sizemore is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond for the felony charge and a $3,000 cash-only bond for the misdemeanors.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Deputy R.T. Lamb of the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, officers were called to the residence at 12:02 a.m. on May 10 following a report of domestic violence. A neighbor had made the 911 call, stating that a male suspect, possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was in the house with an infant child.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found the infant alone in a back bedroom, with Sizemore believed to have fled through the back door. The alleged victim told deputies that she had arrived home with Sizemore and two children when Sizemore became enraged over a conversation she had with her mother regarding his criminal past. He reportedly told the victim, “he would f***ing kill us,” before punching the wall separating the living room and kitchen.
In fear for her safety and her children’s, the victim immediately left the residence with her four-year-old daughter. Police observed damage to the kitchen wall, which appeared to be caused by a fist.
Law enforcement officers spent over an hour attempting to make contact with Sizemore, but were unable to do so at the scene. However, around 1:58 a.m. that same morning, another call to 911 was made, reporting more threats from Sizemore. This time, he had returned to the residence and was allegedly threatening a neighbor with a knife, saying he would kill the neighbor for assisting the original domestic violence victim.
Upon arrival, the neighbor told deputies that he had been standing outside, trying to see if Sizemore had returned, when Sizemore allegedly approached him, shouting, “I’ll kill you” while clenching his fists. The neighbor, feeling threatened, retreated toward his own home.
Deputy Lamb then attempted to make contact with Sizemore inside the residence. However, Sizemore defied lawful commands by placing his hand in his pocket, out of the officer’s sight, and continued to look in Lamb’s direction despite being told to look away.
Sizemore was taken into custody and is now facing serious charges in connection with the two domestic violence incidents, as well as charges of obstructing a law enforcement officer.
