In a complaint filed Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, Sr. Trooper J.D. Richards, reported that at 3:37 p.m. on that date, he with Cpl. E.D. Schoolcraft and Trp. A. Hickman arrived at the location of 760 Tipton Road to do a Sex Offender verification for both Gary A. Ferrell and Gary P. Ferrell.
While walking around the backside of the trailer on the property, Trooper Richards and TPR. Hickman spotted some individuals laying down and hiding in the woods up the hill approximately 20 feet. The Officers gave multiple lawful orders to come out of the bushes observing a male take off running, and a female do the same approximately 10 seconds later. The Officers gave chase to the individuals which did not not stop even after multiple commands.
Tpr. Hickman and Trooper Richards were able to apprehend the female following a short struggle. Trooper Richards observed the female actively resisting being detained and kicking Trooper Hickman.
On the same date, the Officers took the female back to Trooper Richards’ cruiser and she refused to give any details as to what her identity was. During this conversation, the female was speaking Spanish and English in combination.
Trooper Richards took the female back to the WVSP Grantsville Detachment to attempt to identify her, to no avail. She was later identified as 41 year old Maria Carmen Hernandez. She is currently being held in the WV Central Regional Jail on a $1,000 bond awaiting trial for Obstructing an Officer and Battery on an Officer.
