PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — What began as a routine patrol turned into a high-speed pursuit on Friday, April 4th, when deputies with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop a motorcycle with an unreadable license plate in the White Oak Drive area of Princeton.
Around 2:33 p.m., an officer spotted a black motorcycle turning onto Short Street with a registration plate that was not clearly visible. When emergency lights were activated to initiate a traffic stop, the rider accelerated and fled, prompting a chase through neighborhood streets.
The suspect led deputies through Short Street to Thornton Avenue, where he lost control, struck a ditch, and crashed in the roadway. He then fled on foot into a nearby yard and wooded area. Deputies gave chase and eventually apprehended the individual after he stopped, removed his helmet, and surrendered.
The suspect, identified as Michael John Schoenewolf, reportedly told deputies he ran because he was “scared” and had “just gotten out of jail.”
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered Schoenewolf’s license was revoked for DUI in Virginia. Additionally, the motorcycle, which bore a North Carolina registration (8Z6741), had been reported stolen out of Henry County, Virginia.
Schoenewolf was transported without further incident and now faces multiple charges, including:
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Fleeing in a vehicle (misdemeanor)
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Fleeing on foot
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Driving while revoked for DUI
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Improper display of registration plates
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Receiving/transferring stolen property (misdemeanor)
