LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — A 64-year-old Lewis County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he fired a gun during an argument tied to a methamphetamine deal in Jane Lew.
According to West Virginia State Police, Donald Lough was arrested following a reported shooting near U.S. 19 on May 26.
Troopers responded after Lewis County 911 received reports of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived, they found a man standing along the highway who claimed Lough had fired a weapon in his direction during an argument.
Police said Lough walked out of a nearby trailer and approached troopers at the scene. Investigators identified him as the suspected shooter.
During questioning, Lough reportedly denied firing a gun and claimed he did not own a firearm. However, troopers said a pat-down led to the discovery of a black case containing methamphetamine. Authorities also found additional bags of meth on him, including several individually packaged amounts believed to be intended for distribution.
The alleged victim told investigators he had gone to the property to purchase methamphetamine from Lough when the two started arguing over old coins. During the dispute, the victim claimed Lough pulled out what he described as an “old western style” handgun and fired a shot over his head.
A nearby resident also reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot around the same time.
State police later obtained a search warrant for the trailer. Investigators said they recovered a hidden revolver containing one spent shell casing. Troopers also located a bullet hole in a wooden shed roughly 50 yards away, matching the area where the victim said he was standing during the shooting.
Authorities further stated that Lough admitted the methamphetamine found during the investigation had been given to him by the victim to sell.
Lough now faces charges including wanton endangerment, unlawful assault, possession with intent to deliver, use of a firearm during a felony, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
He is currently being held at Central Regional Jail without bond.
