CLARKSBURG -- A city man was arrested Wednesday and charged with being a felon in possession of firearms after a short pursuit on Interstate 79. Police said they found hand grenades in his vehicle.
The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m.
Larry Leeson, who is reportedly in his late 40s, had about two months left on parole from Texas, said Clarksburg Sgt. Sandy Audia. Leeson was convicted in that state of attempted capital murder of a police officer, according to Audia.
Earlier Wednesday, Leeson reportedly was impersonating either a police officer or a federal officer at a VA hospital in Pennsylvania, said Police Chief John Walker. Officials at that facility somehow determined that Leeson was armed and heading back to Clarksburg, Walker said.
Local units were waiting for Leeson and a chase ensued, Walker said. On several occasions, Leeson reportedly slammed on his brakes, trying to wreck the officers, Walker said.
Audia called for State Police backup and Stop Sticks, but the chase ended before that tactic became necessary.
While searching Leeson's vehicle, officers found the two hand grenades, which appeared to be live, Walker said. The grenades' status had not been officially confirmed by about 11 p.m.
Officers from the Harrison County Narcotics Task Force also responded to the scene, Audia said.
