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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Lawsuit filed against former sheriff’s deputy for road rage incident

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MORGANTOWN – A lawsuit has been filed against a former Harrison County sheriff’s deputy who was involved in a road rage incident.

William Sothen Sr. and Auto Club Property Casualty Insurance Company were named in the lawsuit that was filed Jan. 16 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

On Aug. 28, Amber Generally was operating her vehicle in a lawful fashion on I-79 North from Fairmont toward Morgantown when she became aware that Sothen was operating a motorcycle on the same road in the same direction.

Both Generally and Sothen entered onto I-68 East and, once they reached Van Voorhis Road in Morgantown, they stopped at a traffic light, according to the suit.

Generally claims an argument between them ensued and she exited her vehicle and, after a verbal exchange, she attempted to open her driver’s side door and return to her vehicle when Sothen negligently, recklessly, willfully or maliciously injured her.

The plaintiff suffered medical and related expenses; impairment; pain and suffering; mental anguish; loss of ability to enjoy life; annoyance and inconvenience; and scarring and disfigurement, according to the suit.

Generally claims Auto Club provides an insurance policy for Sothen.

Generally is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Jacques R. Williams, Alex J. Shook and Brianna W. McCardle of Hamsted, Williams & Shook.

Sothen’s criminal trial is set to begin in March. He was charged with misdemeanor battery following the incident.

A video of the incident  went viral. In the video Sothen puts his hands on Generally, taking her to the ground.

Sothen retired from the sheriff’s department last January.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 18-C-18

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