Morrisey Visits Clarksburg; Announces Major Declines in Crime and Overdose Deaths Across West Virginia
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 08, 2026
Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced significant declines in violent crime, property crime, and drug overdose deaths across West Virginia as his administration continues an aggressive approach to public safety and the drug crisis.
Morrisey made the announcements today in Clarksburg at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Sheriff and Bridgeport resident 
Robert Matheny II introduced the governor. Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers was also on hande for the event.
Robert Matheny II introduced the governor. Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers was also on hande for the event.
“Nothing matters more to me than you and your family’s safety,” said Governor Morrisey. “In West Virginia, we’re taking an aggressive approach to protect your loved ones: crime down, enforcement up. We’re fighting the drug crisis on every front, and we’re seeing real results.”
In 2025, reported violent crime fell 5.6 percent statewide, from 4,310 offenses to 4,070, putting West Virginia’s rate 31 percent below the national average. Reported property crime fell 13.5 percent, from 19,289 offenses to 16,685. Drug overdose deaths dropped 12 percent, representing 99 fewer deaths.
Governor Morrisey has paired prevention and recovery efforts with stronger laws and aggressive enforcement aimed at taking deadly drugs and violent criminals off West Virginia streets. In April 2025, Governor Morrisey signed Lauren’s Law, establishing mandatory minimum sentences for transporting fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine into West Virginia, creating new drug kingpin and delivery-resulting-in-death offenses, and increasing penalties for serious drug crimes.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Sheriff Robert Matheny II introducing Gov. Patick Morrisey. Shown in the background is Shinnston Police Chief and former Bridgeport officer Jon Harbert.
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