Opinion ID: 1223281
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Fleeing Offense

Text: Mr. Pannell argues that because he immediately complied at the point of his apprehension with Officer Prichard's directive to stop, he cannot be found to have committed the offense of fleeing from a law enforcement officer. That offense, as set forth in West Virginia Code § 61-5-17(d) (2005), provides: Any person who intentionally flees or attempts to flee by any means other than the use of a vehicle from any law-enforcement officer, probation officer or parole officer acting in his or her official capacity who is attempting to make a lawful arrest of the person, and who knows or reasonably believes that the officer is attempting to arrest him or her, is guilty of a misdemeanor.... The State argues that from the time that Mr. Pannell and his co-defendant exited and abandoned the vehicle, immediately after observing Officer Hinchman's patrol car turn around and began running down the railroad tracks, they were engaged in fleeing a police officer within the meaning of the statute. See id. Moreover, the fact that Mr. Pannell was apprehended while in the act of running further indicates he was in the act of fleeing from law enforcement. The State argues that just because Mr. Pannell obeyed the command of Officer Prichard to stop at the point of his apprehension does not negate the earlier acts of fleeing the police. We agree. Based on the foregoing, the decision of the Circuit Court of Cabell County is affirmed. Affirmed.