On 20 Dec 2021 Deputy Painter was dispatched to the Veto Road/State Route 7 south area to assist the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Parkersburg, WV, who had engaged in a vehicle pursuit with a subject wanted for questioning in a recent domestic violence incident in their jurisdiction.

Deputy Painter was en route to the location and learned that the subject had changed directions multiple times, taking multiple roads in an attempt to flee officers.  Deputy Painter eventually became part of the pursuit in the area of Ayers Boulevard and State Route 7.  The suspect vehicle continued south on State Route 7.

The Belpre City Police Department was able to put down stop sticks at the location near Lockhart Street.  The subject drove over the spikes and continued south on State Route 7. 

Numerous officers were in pursuit of the vehicle, with the emergency lights and sirens activated. 

Near the 7000-block of State Route 7, Belpre Township, the suspect vehicle began to suffer mechanical failure.  Deputy Painter attempted to pull in front of the suspect vehicle in an attempt to get the driver to stop, with the suspect maneuvering his vehicle striking the patrol vehicle.  After the initial strike, the driver struck the patrol vehicle in the passenger side an additional time ultimately bringing the suspect vehicle to rest at the Farson Street area. 

The suspect, identified as Justin L. Beeler, was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.  Beeler was also found to be using a fictitious registration on the vehicle. 

Justin Lewis Beeler, age 40, 692 Club Drive, Washington, WV, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail for processing.  Beeler was charged with failure to comply, assault of a peace officer and fictitious plates.