×

Attorney facing charges after Sunday incident

PARKERSBURG – Charges of improper passing, reckless operation, fleeing from an officer in a vehicle and obstructing were filed Sunday against a local attorney.

Bruce Mage White, 55, 1313 55th St., Vienna, was arraigned on the charges before Magistrate Joyce Purkey in Wood County Magistrate Court.

According to the complaint filed with the court, White was seen on West Virginia 31 by Wood County Sheriff’s Sgt. J.W. Allen. White was observed on a red and white motorcycle behind the deputy as he approached Carpenter Run Road, when he observed the cycle speed up and pass him on a double yellow line, officials said.

Allen said he also spotted the motorcycle passing two minivans in the no passing zone.

Allen’s report states White failed to yield when he activated his lights and siren. Soon the cycle slowed abruptly and pulled into the parking lot of Pioneer Meat Packing and stopped.

Allen said he left his cruiser with his gun drawn and ordered the rider to lie on the ground but he refused. He continued to sit on the ground and refused to lie down, asking if he could remove his helmet first.

Allen then holstered his weapon and advised he would use his Taser if the rider refused to comply, officials said. White removed his helmet, laid on the ground and was handcuffed and arrested.

White was arraigned before Purkey and he posted a $2,300 bond. His case has been assigned to Magistrate Robin Waters.

White is represented by attorney George Cosenza, who filed motions Tuesday requesting a trial by jury, a request for 404(b) evidence and discovery in the case.

Under West Virginia law, the penalty for passing in a no passing zone is a fine up to $100; the penalty for reckless operation is five to 90 days in jail and a fine of $25 to $500; for fleeing the penalty is a fine of $500 to $1,000 and sent to jail for one year, and for obstructing the fine is $50 to $500 and up to one year in jail.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today