Woman found lying on trail intoxicated is facing charges

MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman is facing charges after she was found intoxicated lying on a trail, resisting arrest.

On June 6, 2024, at approximately 21:30, Cpl. Lacy, Deputy Mikles, and Deputy J.A. Brooks responded to a call at Pinnacle Rock Park on Coal Heritage Road in the Bluefield area of Mercer County, WV. The caller reported finding an 18-year-old female lying on the ground on the trail. Although she was responsive, the caller stated that the female was unable to walk.

Upon arrival, EMS personnel were already on the scene, and they were located on the trail leading to the rock. The female, later identified as Katherine Hager, exhibited aggressive behavior, yelling obscenities at the EMS personnel and officers. An opened bottle of Tito’s alcoholic beverage was found in one of Hager’s bags, which was attached to her person. She also emitted a strong odor of alcohol while being spoken to. Hager, who identified herself as 18 years old, repeatedly declared her state of drunkenness. She displayed signs of intoxication, including swaying, relying on her arms for balance, slurred speech, and an inability to walk in a straight line as officers escorted her down to the parking lot.

Upon reaching the parking lot, Hager continued to yell profanities despite multiple requests to desist in the public setting. Officers instructed Hager not to enter her vehicle due to her level of intoxication and the prohibition against driving in her condition. Despite repeated admonitions, Hager attempted to enter the vehicle but eventually lay down on the ground. Authorities contacted E-911, requesting a Bluefield, WV police officer to the scene for assistance with contacting a family member who could pick up Hager. While waiting for the family member to arrive, Hager stood up and started walking away. In response, officers detained her for her safety and ordered her to stop. However, she resisted, running away when officers approached. When officers caught up to Hager and tried to restrain her, she threw herself to the ground. Consequently, she was placed under arrest and put into a cruiser without further incident. Hager was then transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon arrival at the Sheriff’s Department, Hager proved uncooperative and had to be assisted inside. She refused to provide fingerprints, and when officers attempted to apply shackle restraints, Hager kicked both this officer and another Sheriff’s Department personnel, Brenton Pannell, in the midsection area. Additionally, Hager attempted to bite multiple officers during the restraint process but did not make contact. While attempting to retrieve Hager’s personal belongings from her, she placed her index and middle fingers into her mouth and bit down on them. However, officers successfully removed her fingers from her mouth and completed the restraint process without further incident.

Katherine Hager was subsequently charged with public intoxication, two counts of obstructing an officer, two counts of battery on an officer, underage consumption, and disorderly conduct. She was transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.