Fourteen-person fight in Sheetz parking lot leads to arrest

PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Bluefield man faces charges following a reported altercation in a Sheetz parking lot involving over a dozen individuals.

According to Deputy Sheriffs with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office , at approximately 12:42am on the morning of Sunday, July 7, 2024, law enforcement was contacted regarding a fight in progress at the 151 Courthouse Road Sheetz location.

Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement located a large number of individuals in the Sheetz parking lot, each of whom advised that the initial altercation leading to the incident had been between two individuals identified as James Price and Thomas Smith jr.

It was advised that Smith’s vehicle was being towed when Price arrived on the scene and began to scream profanities at both Smith and the wrecker driver. Individuals present advised that Smith had been attempting to deescalate the situation until Price had struck him with a closed fist.

Deputies on the scene indicate that it was obvious Price was under the influence of an intoxicating substance due to his speech and behavior. Authorities reviewed the Sheetz parking lot camera footage and found Price to be the clear aggressor in the incident. James Price was arrested for Battery and Public Intoxication before being taken into custody.

In the back of the police cruiser, Price vomited on himself and expressed a need for medical attention. He was transported to Princeton Community Hospital where he continued to be uncooperative and incurred additional charges before being transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

James Price was ultimately charged with Battery, Obstruction, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Intoxication.