SWAT team called to Harrison County residence, man charged

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A man has been arrested and is facing charges after deputies say he fired a gun near multiple people, including children, prompting a response from the Harrison County SWAT Team. According to a criminal complaint, on Sept. 6, at around 6:14 p.m., deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence within Harrison County for an 'alleged domestic disturbance involving a firearm that had been put in the caller's mouth before being struck in the head.' Deputies responded to the area and said that they made contact with the caller, who told them that James Watkins had 'discharged a firearm near her into the floor.' Additional deputies were then called to the area, as well as the Harrison County SWAT Team, who cleared the residence, the complaint said. The team didn't find Watkins inside, but did observe 'multiple' fired .22 LR casings as well as 'multiple holes' in the floor of the living room. Deputies also located the firearms that the victim had described were used. Some time later, deputies said that Watkins 'did come out of the woods' and was taken into custody. After he was read his Miranda rights, Watkins told deputies that he 'shot the gun in the residence, with the intent to scare [the victim].' He added that there was a second adult inside the residence, as well as three children standing outside when he fired. He added that he had been drinking alcohol during that time, deputies said. Watkins has been charged with five counts of wanton endangerment. He is being held in the North Central Regional Jail.