WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – A Wythe County woman who was accused of pointing a pistol at a deputy back in January of 2022 has learned her fate.
On Jan. 28, 2022, 51-year-old Melissa Gail Huffman, of Speedwell, Virginia, reportedly hit an off-duty sheriff deputy’s car and kept on going, according to Mike Jones, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Wythe County.
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The deputy pursued Huffman until she pulled over in a motel parking lot. Officials say when the deputy approached the vehicle and told Huffman that he was a sheriff’s deputy, Huffman pulled out a pistol and pointed it at him.
Authorities tell 10 News that the deputy was able to grab the firearm and a good Samaritan citizen helped to get it out of her hands.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, she was convicted of the following charges:
- Attempted Malicious Wounding
- Hit and Run
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
In the end, Huffman was sentenced to 18 years in prison with 15 years suspended, meaning she will serve an active sentence of 3 years.
“The 3-year active sentence is a mandatory sentence, meaning she will serve every day without any good time credit. The 3-year active sentence was the top end of the sentencing guideline range,” said Jones.
Authorities say Huffman will be on probation for two years following her release.
According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Huffman did not have a previous criminal record.
