Male dancer killed

JUSTICE — Authorities charged a 21-year-old Man resident with the Saturday morning murder of a male exotic dancer, who had performed at Club 2000 in Justice the night before.

Tommy “Blaine” Vance, 21, of Man, was arrested after he allegedly struck Jason Scott, of Myrtle Beach, S.C. around 3:15 a.m., with his white, extended-cab Chevy Silverado truck.

Mingo County Sheriff's Department members said Vance confronted Scott over a girl after Scott's performance and the two became involved in a verbal altercation, which moved to the club’s parking lot.

Vance identified himself as a West Virginia State Police officer, and proceeded to show Scott a fake policeman’s badge and then recovered a .22 caliber rifle from his truck.

The verbal altercation was broken up by club security and Vance left the parking lot in his truck, but did not leave the scene. Police said Vance circled the club five to six times before he struck Scott with his truck, dragging his body 20 to 30 feet.

Vance then fled to the Wyoming County line, only a few miles above the club’s location. Later Saturday morning, Vance returned to Mingo County and drove by the club as police were investigating.

After a short car pursuit, officers apprehended Vance at Stacy’s Equipment, also in Justice, where he was removed from his vehicle at gun-point.

Investigating Officer Larry Thomas explained that evidence of the crime, including blood, tissue and brain matter was found on Vance’s vehicle, as well as the loaded rifle. Thomas also reported that police have a surveillance video that documents the incident scene.

Scott was taken to Logan Appalachian Regional Hospital by Stafford EMS, but died later that morning.

Vance is charged with first-degree murder, fleeing, brandishing a deadly weapon, impersonating a police officer and seven counts of obstructing.