Clay Sheriff Randy Holcomb, the subject of a personal bomb
attack in 2005, is angry and declining to respond to calls after
a bout with officials last year discontinuing home confinement
(Clay Communicator Photo)
By Bob Weaver
Clay County Sheriff Randy Holcomb has officially notified the Clay Commission and county and state officials he will no longer respond to road accidents, routine traffic violations or DUI calls.
Monday, 911 attempted to have Holcomb's department respond to a power company request to intervene on individuals stealing copper, a crime in progress. They declined.
Holcomb's latest stand follows a lengthy list of contentious issues during his administration.
The sheriff issued a letter last week saying calls are to be referred to the West Virginia State Police.
"This is due to the lack of prosecution for these offenses in magistrate court, as well as the lack of equipment required to process DUIs in a timely manner," Holcomb wrote.
"We will be focusing our efforts towards the constitutional duties of the sheriff's office," he said, while promising to preserve the peace.
Kanawha County commissioner Kent Carper told Channel 13 that he had never heard of such a move by a sheriff.
West Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous said the Clay detachment is staffed by five troopers, including the detachment commander. He said local troopers will try to answer the calls that sheriff's deputies can't or won't."
Holcomb will complete his second term at the end of 2012 and cannot run again.
See also CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF ON WARPATH - Holcomb Says He's Suspending Home Confinement After Bond Was Posted
CLAY SHERIFF ENDS PAYCHECK STAND-OFF
CLAY BOMB MAKER PLEADS GUILTY - Sheriff Holcomb Target Because Of His
"Meth War"
| 
