Princeton woman arrested after domestic dispute

PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Princeton woman faces charges in relation to a domestic incident which took place last week.

According to reports from law enforcement, on Friday, July 5, 2024, Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Courthouse Road area of Mercer County with regard to an unknown emergency based on 911 correspondence.

Upon arrival at the residence in question, law enforcement made contact with a male sitting on the front porch. The male was identified as Joshua Karnes and, when asked about the situation, advised that a female at the residence – identified as Joann Coates – had “popped” him in the face after drinking. Karnes characterized the situation as “just the normal craziness.”

Karnes advised that the altercation occurred during an argument between the two. Blood could reportedly be observed on and around Karnes’ nose and redness could be observed as well.

Law enforcement located Coates in the basement of the residence and observed no injuries. Coates advised law enforcement that things had not gotten physical between the two.

When informed that she was being placed under arrest for Domestic Battery, Coates is said to have become loud and argumentative, stating that she had been punched in the face and needed to go to a hospital.

Law enforcement explained that it was too late to change her story since she had already given her side, and that the decision not to seek medical attention prior along with a lack of injuries made it seem as though she were being dishonest.

Joann Coates was arrested for Domestic Battery and was transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office for processing before being transferred to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.