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PARKERSBURG -- An investigation into gunshots fired Monday afternoon led Parkersburg Police to arrest two people on charges of child neglect.
According to a release from Police Chief Matthew Board, Samuel Stewart, 25, and Sierra Dawn Leasure, 25, both of 401 13th St., Apt. C, Parkersburg, were arrested on three counts each of child neglect creating risk of injury. Stewart was also charged with wanton endangerment related to the gunshots that prompted the call to police.
Officers responded around 2 p.m. Monday to 13th and Avery streets in reference to a fight in progress and shots fired, the release said. They found multiple spent shell casings on the sidewalk and a bullet hole in a vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Avery Street.
Through investigation, it was determined that Stewart allegedly fired the shots after interjecting in a verbal argument between two other residents of the apartment complex, the release said.
While searching the apartment where Stewart lives with Leasure and their three children - ages 10, 6 and 7 months - officers observed "deplorable living conditions that would not be a safe and secure place for children to reside," the release said. They reported bags of trash piled inside the residence and on the back porch, trash strung throughout the residence and the presence of roaches and mice. Wood County Child Protective Services workers were called to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Stewart and Leasure were arraigned at Wood County Magistrate Court, the release said. Leasure was released on a $25,000 bond, while Stewart is being held at the North Central Regional Jail in Doddridge County on a $75,000 bond.