West Virginia man arrested after allegedly forcing woman into car at gunpoint

WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — A West Virginia man is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, domestic violence, assault and others.

According to the West Virginia State Police, officers were called to a domestic dispute involving weapons on Friday.

When police arrived, the victim, 29-year-old Carlie Blankenship of Huntington, told police that her ex-boyfriend kidnapped her at gunpoint and dragged her into a car.

According to officers, as Pennington was driving away with Blankenship, he drove the vehicle into the victim’s mother’s vehicle, disabling it. Blankenship told officers she was able to struggle with Pennington and jumped out of the moving vehicle.

According to officials, Prichard EMS was called and Blankenship was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital for her injuries.

A manhunt ensued, with additional WVSP arriving at the scene. Investigators were able to confirm that Pennington was in the Prichard area and called him several times throughout the evening.

According to officials, Pennington turned himself in without incident on Saturday, July 20 at 12:15 a.m.

According to authorities, Pennington was taken to WRJ, where he was held pending arraignment by a Wayne County Justice of the Peace on charges of kidnapping, domestic violence, two counts of weapon battery, assault and criminal damage to property.

Blankenship was treated for her injuries and released from the hospital.

According to official information, the investigation is still ongoing.