| A Clay County man, now about 70, appeared before a Clay judge for sentencing, related to an 2016 encounter with the WV State Police related to pot growing.
Rucker fired a gun at officers, and was seriously burned when an explosion occurred at his residence. Officers were injured in the explosion.
Rucker received 1-5 years for pot growing and 5 years for accosting the officers.
ORIGINAL STORY: CLAY MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF STATE POLICE - Rucker Fires Gun At Officers, Residence Explodes With Injuries
(08/21/2016)
By Bob Weaver
West Virginia State Police said one person was taken into custody in the Bomont area Friday evening after firing a shot at troopers in Clay County, according to First Sgt. O. S. Starsick.
When officers knocked on the door a shot was fired, with no officers being injured.
Denver Rucker Jr., 68, of Little Queen Shoals Rd. suffered serious burns to his arms and legs and was taken to a Huntington Burn Center, resulting from an explosion inside a building, which the suspect reportedly ignited, according to 1st Sgt. Starsick.
The troopers suffered an impact from the explosion.
The explosions were reportedly linked to propane tanks.
The fire was reportedly contained in a shed occupied by Rucker, with a fire department being called.
State Police were conducting an aerial marijuana eradication, spotting what appeared to a pot grow near a building, and was then followed up with officers going to the scene.
The marijuana plants had been pulled before the officers arrived.
A SWAT team had been responding to Clay County.
The incident happened about 4 p.n. Friday with the man being taken into custody about 6 p.m.
Rucker has been known as an anti-government, anti-police person.
Authorities indicated it was a stroke of luck that officers did not return fire when they were being shot at, indicating the possibility of an even greater explosion.
Officers were being evaluated medically from was described as an intense explosion, indicating the suspect might have been trying to blow himself up with a second propane tank.
Rucker is facing multiple charges. | 
