Man arrested on wanton endangerment charge in Charleston - WCHS

A Chokehold, a Gun to the Face, and a $50,000 Bond

Christopher Cecil Cox sits behind bars at the South Central Regional Jail, held on a cash-only bond of $50,000. The 40-year-old Huntington, West Virginia resident faces a felony charge of wanton endangerment following a violent confrontation in Charleston.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court, the encounter began as a physical altercation. The victim told investigators that Cox seized him and placed him in a chokehold.

The Escalation and Alleged Threats

During the struggle, the complaint states that Cox produced a firearm, cocked it, and held it directly to the victim’s face while threatening to kill him. The victim reported hearing the distinct sound of the firearm’s slide being racked, an action intended to chamber a round for firing.

The violent encounter left the victim injured. As documented in the criminal complaint, the victim felt blood on his face after being released by the suspect. A medical assessment revealed a laceration beneath the victim’s left eye. WCHS reported that the victim explicitly stated to law enforcement that he feared for his safety throughout the duration of the incident.

Jail Status and West Virginia Law

As of October 29, 2026, jail records confirm that Cox has not posted bond and remains incarcerated. In West Virginia, a wanton endangerment charge—defined under West Virginia Code §61-7-12—is a serious felony offense that carries significant potential prison time for those convicted of creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person.

The Road to a Preliminary Hearing

The case now moves toward the preliminary hearing phase in Kanawha County. During these proceedings, the prosecution will be required to present sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that the alleged crime occurred. The outcome will determine whether the case is bound over to a grand jury for potential indictment.