The Wood County Sheriff's Office is searching for a suspect in attempted murder

WALKER, W.Va. (WTAP) – Authorities are searching for a suspect they believe is connected to a structure fire that broke out in the early morning hours, according to the Wood County Sheriff.

On August 19, 2024 at 2:12 a.m., emergency crews received a call regarding a structure fire in the 1800 block of Buckner Bend Road.

Authorities are searching for a suspect who is considered dangerous.

Charles Clinton Hess IV is a white man with blue eyes, blond hair and is 5'9″ tall.

If you see him, call 9-1-1 immediately and do not approach.

He is wanted for attempted murder and is said to have stabbed his mother, who was then taken to hospital.

Hess later returned to the property and is said to have set the house on fire. No one was said to have been in the house at the time of the fire.

The fire is currently being investigated by the Wood County Fire Investigations Team and the Wood County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau.

Volunteer fire departments from Waverley, Deerwalk, Eastwood, Mineral Wells and Elizabeth responded to the fire, but the home is a total loss.

We will continue to provide you with updates as we receive them.

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