Son’s CROSSBOW Attack Sparks Massive Manhunt

A West Virginia man allegedly shot his own father in the face with a crossbow following a phone argument, then led law enforcement on a manhunt through snow-covered terrain across multiple counties before his capture.

Story Snapshot

Chase Fleming, 35, charged with malicious assault after allegedly shooting his father in the face with a crossbow during a phone argument
Multi-county manhunt through snow-covered terrain involved Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, state police, and natural resources officers
Victim remains in stable condition at CAMC General Hospital; Fleming arrested after lengthy foot pursuit
Additional charges may be filed through grand jury; bond not set pending court paperwork

Phone Argument Escalates to Violent Assault

Chase Fleming, 35, allegedly shot his father in the face with a crossbow on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in the Kenna area of Jackson County, West Virginia. The incident occurred following a phone argument between the father and son, according to Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger. Fleming immediately fled the scene after the shooting, prompting law enforcement to initiate a search across the rural, snow-covered terrain. The victim survived the attack and was transported to CAMC General Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Multi-Agency Manhunt Spans Two Counties

Law enforcement agencies launched an extensive search for Fleming across Jackson and Roane Counties through challenging winter conditions. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department coordinated the effort, receiving assistance from Roane County deputies, Kanawha County deputies, West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The snow-covered terrain complicated the pursuit, requiring multiple agencies and resources to track Fleming’s movements. This collaborative effort demonstrates the coordination necessary for apprehending dangerous suspects in rural West Virginia’s demanding landscape.

Suspect Captured After Foot Pursuit

Fleming was arrested early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, following a lengthy foot pursuit through snow-covered portions of Jackson and Roane Counties. After his capture, Fleming was taken to CAMC General Hospital for medical observation and clearance before incarceration. He faces one count of malicious assault, with potential for additional charges pending grand jury review. As of Wednesday afternoon, no bond had been set due to pending paperwork at Jackson County Magistrate Court, keeping Fleming in custody while authorities process the case.

Crossbow Attack Highlights Family Violence Concerns

The use of a crossbow in this domestic assault case marks an unusual weapon choice that underscores the severity of family violence incidents. The fact that a simple phone argument could escalate to such brutal violence against a parent reflects broader concerns about conflict resolution and family breakdown in American communities. Both Fleming and his father remain hospitalized, though in separate circumstances—one recovering from life-threatening injuries, the other awaiting legal proceedings. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department publicly thanked assisting agencies via Facebook, acknowledging the collaborative effort required to bring this case to resolution without further violence.