CHARLESTON — In response to recent developments surrounding an incident involving the Secretary of West Virginia’s Department of Transportation (WVDOT), Governor Jim Justice expressed apprehension during a press conference on Wednesday, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
The incident, initially reported by WSAZ last week, unfolded on Tuesday, Feb. 20, when Secretary Jimmy Wriston was pulled over by officers from the Charleston Police Department for allegedly driving erratically. According to reports, the encounter occurred around 11 p.m. on the east end of Charleston, following a call received by the police regarding a driver exhibiting erratic behavior.
Upon responding to the call, officers located the vehicle, identified as belonging to Secretary Wriston, on Interstate 77 South near the 100-mile marker. However, Wriston was neither charged nor cited for any traffic or criminal offense during the traffic stop.
Despite the absence of formal charges, the Charleston Police Department has initiated an internal investigation to ascertain whether departmental policies were adhered to during the incident.
Governor Justice, when pressed for updates on the ongoing investigation during the press conference, conveyed his deep concern and disappointment regarding the matter. He emphasized the need for a thorough reinvestigation by the Charleston Police Department before drawing any conclusions. “Jimmy Wriston has done an outstanding job as far as his job with everybody, all the work we’re doing with highways and everything else,” Governor Justice remarked. “But, you know, you’ve got to know, you know me, if there’s something wrong, I give people the benefit of the doubt and absolutely want to make sure we are on solid ground before we start accusing people or saying this or that and everything else.”
Governor Justice underscored the importance of awaiting the outcome of the investigation before making any definitive statements. “Right now, there’s enough stuff here that it doesn’t look very good, but let’s just wait. Let’s just wait,” he urged.
As of the latest update, no further information regarding the incident or the internal investigation has been released by the authorities.
