Wood County man found dead on day he was to be sentenced for DUI crash
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PARKERSBURG -- A Williamstown man was found dead last Friday on the date he was scheduled to be sentenced for causing accidents driving the wrong way while under the influence.
Andrew Gavin Warwick, who court records listed as residing at 589 Old River Road in Williamstown, was found dead at his residence.
Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard said last Friday the department got a call regarding a DOS (dead on scene) individual. The sheriff department, EMS and others responded.
"There were no signs of foul play," Woodyard said Wednesday.
Warwick was scheduled to appear before Wood County Circuit Judge Jason Wharton for sentencing after pleading guilty to driving in an impaired state causing serious bodily injury.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Wood County Circuit Court, the Wood County Crash Team was asked to respond on Nov. 29, 2023, to a motor vehicle crash that occurred in the area of the 16.5 mile marker of the Robert Byrd Highway. Warwick was identified as driving his 2021 Toyota Tacoma west bound in the eastbound lanes.
While traveling west, Warwick ran several vehicles off the roadway, while colliding with one vehicle, a 2022 Kia Niro, the criminal complaint said.
"The collision…caused serious bodily injuries to the driver of the Kia," the criminal complaint said. "The driver of the Kia was flown via helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital (in Morgantown) to be treated for her injuries."
The driver was later identified as Brianna L. Jones of Pennsboro.
Deputies on the scene advised Warwick appeared to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage as he was observed to have slurred speech, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person, the report stated, adding officials observed a "Cryo Ranger IPA" sitting in the driver side center console cup holder.
"Warwick also admitted to having drank alcohol earlier on this night," the criminal complaint stated. "Warwick refused to participate in any field sobriety tests."
By pleading guilty to driving in an impaired state causing serious bodily injury, Warwick would have faced 2-10 years in a state correctional facility, a fine of $1,000 to $3,000 and his license could have be revoked for five years.
Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure has said it is customary for charges to be dismissed since the defendant is deceased.