Man allegedly shoots father with crossbow, inflicting severe injuries

Law enforcement accuses a man from West Virginia of using a crossbow to shoot his father in the face.

Chase Fleming faces charges of malicious assault stemming from the alleged incident on March 17, as detailed in a report by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. It's unknown whether he has legal representation or has entered a plea.

The sheriff's department stated that Fleming's apprehension followed the alleged shooting of his father in the face using a crossbow the previous day.

Sheriff Ross Mellinger informed West Virginia MetroNews that the altercation with his father began over the phone. 

It escalated when Fleming arrived at his father's home, where he allegedly used the crossbow during the dispute.

According to the sheriff, the father was gravely injured, with the crossbow bolt impacting just below his left eye and exiting the back of his head, the news source reported.

“It’s astonishing that he’s still alive,” Mellinger remarked to the news outlet.

Per the sheriff's announcement, the father is receiving medical care and is stable in a local medical facility.

Following a chase across two counties in snowy conditions, Fleming was arrested. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for monitoring as law enforcement sought medical clearance for his imprisonment, the statement mentions.

As observed in online court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, Fleming's bond stands at $250,000, decided on March 19. A preliminary court appearance is set for March 25, per the records.