HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bizarre and violent confrontation unfolded in Huntington on May 21, 2025, when a man claiming to be the President allegedly struck a police officer and attempted multiple escapes during his arrest and transport.
At approximately 8:37 p.m., officers were speaking with several individuals in the 1400 block of 6 ½ Alley when a man approached the patrol vehicle and began questioning one of the officers. The man, later identified as Joshua Dennis, accused the officer of taking his picture and became increasingly agitated.
According to the police report, Dennis, with his jaw clenched and eyes wide, shouted, “I’m the President. Did you take a picture of me?” Moments later, he punched the officer in the face through the car window.
Officers exited the vehicle to restrain Dennis, who resisted arrest. Amid the struggle, the patrol car began to roll away, as it had not been placed in park. One officer secured the vehicle while the other brought Dennis to the ground, where he was eventually handcuffed. His dog was also taken into custody by Cabell County Animal Control.
The ordeal didn’t end there.
In the early hours of May 22, around 3:20 a.m., Dennis again tried to flee as officers attempted to place him into a patrol car for transport to the Western Regional Jail (WRJ). He broke free briefly before being restrained again. Upon arrival at the jail, Dennis made several more escape attempts, even trying to headbutt one of the officers before jail staff intervened and took him into custody.
Dennis is facing multiple charges, including assault on a police officer and attempted escape. Authorities have not commented on his mental health status or whether he will undergo evaluation.
