MECC intruder headed to prison

March 01, 2020

A man who caused a two-hour manhunt and lockdown of Mountain Empire Community College last year will spend the next seven years behind bars.

David Dewayne Scott, 44, of Big Stone Gap, was sentenced Feb. 21 in circuit court, according to a press release from Commonwealth Attorney Chuck Slemp.

Scott pleaded guilty last fall to charges including possession of a weapon by a violent felon, stealing the firearm, brandishing the weapon, recklessly handling the gun, discharging it in an occupied dwelling, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Scott was sentenced to 19 years, with 12 years suspended. After his release, he faces 10 years of probation.

On March 30, 2019, Scott stole a gun from a vehicle parked at 1803 Lenora Road, Big Stone Gap. Shortly thereafter, he pointed the gun at his sister, then shot through a window at a residence.

Scott left and entered a wooded area near the college, pursued by Gap police, county sheriff’s officers and campus police. After his arrest, he admitted he was under the influence of drugs.

Assistant commonwealth attorneys Dan Fast and Sarah Childress prosecuted the case.
Scott remains in custody at the Duffield regional jail.