Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Michael Thornsbury denied bond for a Logan County resident charged with the murder of a male exotic dancer, who had performed at Club 2000 in Justice.

In Mingo County Magistrate Court Wednesday, the preliminary trial for a Logan County resident accused of murdering an exotic dancer was continued.

Tommy “Blaine” Vance, 21, of Man, appeared before Magistrate Pam Newsome, where she granted a continuance, since Vance only recently obtained council by Attorney Stephen New. Vance also waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing.

According to police, Vance was arrested last Saturday after he allegedly struck Jason Lee, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., around 3:15 a.m., with a white Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab truck.

Mingo County Sheriff’s Department members said Vance confronted Lee over a girl after Scott’s performance and the two became involved in a verbal altercation, which moved to the club’s parking lot. Vance fraudulently identified himself as a West Virginia State Police officer, and proceeded to show Scott fraudulent identification and recovered a .22 caliber rifle from his truck.

The verbal altercation was broken up by club security and Vance left the parking lot in his truck, but did not leave the scene.

Police said Vance circled the club five to six times before he struck Scott with his truck, dragging his body 20 to 30 feet.

Vance then fled toward the Wyoming County line, only a few miles above the club’s location.

Later Saturday morning, Vance returned to Mingo County and drove by the club as police were investigating.

After a short car pursuit, officers apprehended Vance, removing him from the vehicle at gunpoint.

Investigating Officer Larry Thomas said evidence of the crime, including blood, tissue and brain matter was found on Vance’s vehicle, as well as the loaded rifle. Thomas also reported that police have a surveillance video that documents the incident scene.

Scott was taken to Logan Appalachian Regional Hospital by Stafford EMS, but died later that morning.

Vance is charged with first-degree murder, fleeing, brandishing a deadly weapon, impersonating a police officer and seven counts of obstructing.

Cpl. Chris Endicott, Deputy Kenny Stewart, Deputy Blake Sipple and Deputy Barry Moore and Gilbert Police Officer J.L. Hatfield assisted on the investigation.

Vance will remain in Southwestern Regional Jail after Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Michael Thornsbury denied him bond.