The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

June 30, 2009

Two men arrested in Rock Creek dispute, police say

Jackie Ayres

Two Raleigh County men were jailed Monday night after one of the men kicked in the door of a Rock Creek residence while the other waited outside in a car, according to State Police.

Emergency dispatchers at 911 received a call around 9:30 p.m. claiming shots were being fired at a home in Pettry Bottom, just below Rock Creek on W.Va. 3, Sgt. M.A. Painter said.

When troopers arrived on scene, the complainant, John Bickford, alleged he was sitting in his home when he heard a window break.

Moments later, a male subject identified as Matt Workman, 27, of Beckley, burst through Bickford’s front door, Painter said.

The trooper said Workman allegedly shoved Bickford’s wife and told Bickford he owed money to a man named Aaron Kent Pettry, 27, of Rock Creek.

Bickford had an ongoing dispute with Pettry, but said he didn’t know Workman, according to police.

At that point, troopers said, Bickford grabbed a shotgun and shot at Workman, but Workman exited the home without being hit. His vehicle, however, was hit several times.

Police say Pettry traveled to the residence with Workman. Pettry sat in the car while Workman entered.

Workman and Pettry were taken into custody without incident.

Workman was charged with burglary, Pettry with accessory.

Police say alcohol was involved in the incident.

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