West Virginia
Dangerous man committed for insanity escapes West Virginia mental hospital, state police searching
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — West Virginia State Police are searching for a Huntington man after authorities said he escaped from River Park Hospital.
Troopers from the Huntington Detachment responded to the hospital on April 27, 2026, after receiving reports that James Ryan Yost, 50, had fled the facility.
Authorities said Yost is considered dangerous.
Law enforcement officers, including members of the Huntington Police Department, searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him.
According to state police, hospital staff provided a Morgan County Circuit Court order showing Yost had been committed to the custody of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources by reason of insanity. The order remains in effect until February 2098.
Yost has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database as an escapee.
He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
The investigation remains ongoing.
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The West Virginia Angel Initiative is striving to provide easier access to addiction and treatment services statewide.
“We’re a direct partner with the West Virginia State Police and what the program is designed to do is provide confidential compassionate access for the people that they come across that are struggling with substance use a quick fast easy way to get into treatment,” program provider for HELP4WV Salwa Kirk said.
The Angel Initiative is being strengthened by partnering with West Virginia State Police, training new recruits and troopers to increase awareness of the mental health and addiction resources that are available statewide.
“We’ve seen a lot of engagement already and a lot of interest to be able to serve,” Kirk said.
She said recently, QR codes have been placed in troopers cars for people to scan to get these services with no delay, removing barriers to encourage more people to get help.
“The QR codes are a simple form that State Police can access when they do come across someone that needs treatment instead of a bunch of lengthy paper work,” she said.
She said last year, their calls totaled to almost 26,000 and they’re hopeful the QR codes will encourage more to reach out.
“It’s a way to get people these resources quick and a lot of times they’re connected with someone on the other end of the line that also has lived experience. We’re able to offer a passionate judgment-free zone to be able to confide in us,” she said.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder and want to connect to these services, call 1844-help, for a same day placement.
BUCKHANNON, W.Va (WDTV) – Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon caught a golden rainbow trout that set a new length and weight record for West Virginia’s Gold Rush event.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces 15-year-old Rohr caught a 28-inch, 11.84-pound golden rainbow trout from the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County.
Previously, Gerald Estep held the length record when he caught a 27.5-inch golden rainbow trout in 1987 at Stonecoal Lake in Lewis County. Charles Lilly Jr. held the previous weight record with a 9.72-pound golden rainbow trout during the Gold Rush in 2023 at Little Beaver Lake in Raleigh County.
The new state record was confirmed by WVDNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Jim Walker.
“We are proud to recognize Hunter’s accomplishment,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “His record-setting golden rainbow trout showcases the many fishing opportunities here in West Virginia and demonstrates the passion anglers of all ages bring to the sport.”
To learn more about state fish record categories, check out the West Virginia Regulations Summary here.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com, as well as a trout stamp when fishing for trout.
Copyright 2026 WDTV. All rights reserved.
OHIO COUNTY, WV — A longtime public servant and former West Virginia congressman was remembered Sunday afternoon in Wheeling, where David B. McKinley lay in state at Independence Hall.
Community members and political leaders gathered to honor McKinley, a former engineer and legislator who died April 17.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church.
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