A 35-year-old West Virginia son allegedly shot his own father in the face with a crossbow over a phone argument, shattering family bonds in a rural community.
Story Snapshot
- Chase Fleming, 35, from Jackson County, shot his father in the face with a crossbow after a phone dispute on March 17, 2026.
- Fleming fled into snow-covered terrain, sparking a multi-county manhunt involving state police and natural resources officers.
- Arrested early March 18 after a lengthy foot pursuit across Jackson and Roane Counties.
- Charged with malicious assault; no bond set; both father and son hospitalized at CAMC General Hospital.
The Shooting Incident
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Chase Fleming, a 35-year-old Jackson County resident, shot his father in the face with a crossbow in the Kenna area. The attack followed a heated phone argument between the two. Fleming fled the scene immediately, leaving his father wounded but alive. Local residents in this small community near Ripley faced sudden danger from the domestic violence escalation. Law enforcement responded swiftly to secure the area and launch a pursuit.
Multi-County Manhunt Challenges
Early Wednesday, March 18, authorities tracked Fleming through snow-covered terrain spanning Jackson and Roane Counties. The rural landscape, blanketed in heavy snow, complicated the search. Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Ross Mellinger, coordinated with Roane County deputies, Kanawha County deputies, West Virginia State Police, and the Division of Natural Resources. Officers conducted a foot pursuit over difficult ground, demonstrating effective multi-agency teamwork in harsh winter conditions.
Arrest and Medical Status
Fleming surrendered after the prolonged foot chase and received medical observation at CAMC General Hospital. His father remained in stable condition at the same facility. By Wednesday afternoon, Jackson County Magistrate Court processed charges of one count of malicious assault, with no bond set pending paperwork. Sheriff Mellinger confirmed the phone argument as the trigger. The Sheriff’s Department posted updates thanking assisting agencies for their rapid response.
Both hospitalizations strained local resources at CAMC General, highlighting pressures on rural medical facilities during emergencies. The case now awaits grand jury review for potential additional charges.
🔻 What is wrong with people!!!
"A West Virginia man was arrested after allegedly shooting his father in the face with a crossbow and leading police on a multi-county manhunt through snow-covered terrain, authorities said." https://t.co/xq4YEgzrQu— Linda Britton-Fairchild (@FairchildL3853) March 20, 2026
Impacts on Family and Community
The incident directly affects the Fleming family, causing lasting trauma from father-son violence. Jackson and Roane County residents endured manhunt disruptions, including road closures and heightened alerts. Law enforcement overtime added minor economic strain, but swift coordination prevented broader risks. This rare crossbow assault underscores rural policing challenges in winter, with no changes to weapon regulations noted. Domestic violence remains a sobering issue in close-knit communities, where arguments can turn deadly without warning.
Sources:
Jackson County man accused of shooting father with crossbow
Man accused of shooting father in face with crossbow captured after snowy manhunt
Arrest made in case of crossbow shooting
