Welfare Check Reveals Shocking Scene, Suspected Meth Leads to Arrest

What began as a routine welfare check quickly turned into a criminal investigation after deputies found a disabled man lying naked on the floor of a home filled with broken glass, scattered medication, and suspected methamphetamine. Deputies were called to perform a welfare check at a residence in Proctorville after someone became concerned about the tenant. When the deputy arrived shortly after 8:30 a.m., the scene immediately raised red flags. According to the report, the front bay window of the home had been shattered, personal belongings were scattered across the porch, and through the broken window the deputy could see a naked man lying motionless on the living room floor. The deputy repeatedly attempted to wake the man by shouting through the broken window but received no response. Finding the front door unlocked, the deputy entered the residence to check on his condition. Inside, the deputy found the man, a double amputee who lived alone, lying on the floor with what appeared to be dried blood on one arm. As the deputy approached, the man eventually woke up but appeared confused and struggled to stay awake. The home itself was described as being in complete disarray. Broken glass covered the floor, furniture and household items had been overturned, and medication was scattered throughout the living room. When asked what had happened inside the residence, the man reportedly replied, "I don't know what happened." Concerned the man could be experiencing a medical emergency, deputies requested Lawrence County EMS to evaluate him. While attempting to locate identification, the deputy picked up a prescription pill bottle lying partially beneath the couch. According to the report, next to the bottle was a butane torch. Inside the pill bottle, the deputy discovered a partially smoked cigarette and a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Investigators also found another container in the middle of the living room containing additional crystal-like residue. The substance was field-tested and reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine. After EMS evaluated and medically cleared the man, deputies advised him of his rights. According to the report, he requested an attorney and declined to answer any questions. EMS personnel assisted deputies in helping the man get dressed and into his wheelchair before he was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Deputies also recovered two cellphones from the front porch among the debris outside the residence. The suspected methamphetamine, drug-related items, and cellphones were collected as evidence and submitted for further examination. The man was booked on a charge of possession of drugs. Welfare Checks Sometimes Become Criminal Investigations Law enforcement officers respond to welfare checks to ensure someone is safe—not necessarily because a crime has been reported. However, if deputies discover evidence of criminal activity while lawfully checking on someone's well-being, they may begin a criminal investigation in addition to addressing any immediate medical needs. In this case, deputies first requested medical assistance before proceeding with the drug investigation after suspected narcotics were discovered in plain view.

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