The Times West Virginian

Local News

Related Photos

  • PHOTO BY DANNY SNYDER

    Alex Neville
July 7, 2009

‘Thrill of the hunt’

Alex Neville’s career with U.S. Marshals spans 17 years

By Mary Wade Burnside

FAIRMONT — Mention the work of a Deputy U.S. Marshal and one might think it’s a cliche to immediately conjure Tommy Lee Jones’ Samuel Gerard hunting down Harrison Ford’s Richard Kimble in “The Fugitive.”

But to listen to Alex Neville, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal based out of West Virginia’s Northern District in Clarksburg, that kind of image is what drew him to his 17-year career.

“Fugitives — the apprehension of fugitives,” Neville said. “That’s one of our main, core duties. We run the federal fugitive apprehension program. The cracking down of a wanted man or woman or the apprehension of that person really is what drew me to the agency.”

Neville, a native of Barrackville, recites Ernest Hemingway on the matter: “... There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it never really care for anything else thereafter.”

“There is the thrill of the hunt and knowing that subject is wanted,” Neville said. “They know they are wanted. They are trying to elude capture, that game of cat and mouse.

“It’s a chess game. They have to be good 365 days a year. We only have to be good one time. The thrill of the hunt is what I enjoy.”

Just last week, Neville’s office closed in on a convicted felon out on bond who was supposed to be in Indiana. When officials realized he was not reporting in, they interviewed friends and determined the convict was in Pittsburgh.



Full story

Text Only
Local News
  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012

  • Expanded airport hangar space sought

    Benedum Airport Authority members representing Marion and Harrison counties met Wednesday at the North Central West Virginia Airport for their monthly meeting to discuss plans to build and expand hangar availability.

    February 9, 2012

  • FSHS student works to start scholarship fund

    A bright smile on Kelly Horton’s face could have fooled anyone on Wednesday morning.
    In front of the Marion County Commission, the Fairmont Senior High School junior kept a strong composure as she explained why she needed help with her senior project.

    February 9, 2012

  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012